AutoZone

{{Infobox company

| name = AutoZone, Inc.

| logo = AutoZone_logo.svg

| logo_size = 250px

| image = Autozonehqmemphis.jpg

| image_size = 250px

| image_caption = Headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee

| type = Public

| traded_as = {{ubl|{{NYSE|AZO}}|S&P 500 component}}

| founded = {{Start date and age|1979|7|4}} (as Auto Shack)
Forrest City, Arkansas, U.S.

| founder = Pitt Hyde

| hq_location = Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.

| locations = 7,140 (2023)

| area_served = * United States

Puerto Rico (since 2005)
U.S. Virgin Islands (since 2019)
Brazil (since 2012)
Mexico (since 1998)

| key_people = {{nowrap|Phil Daniele}}
{{nowrap|(Chairman, President, & CEO)}}
{{nowrap|Jamere Jackson}}
{{nowrap|(CFO)}}

| industry = Retail

| products = Automotive parts and accessories

| revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|17.48 billion|link=yes}} (2023)

| operating_income = {{increase}} US$3.474 billion (2023)

| net_income = {{increase}} US$2.528 billion (2023)

| assets = {{increase}} US$15.99 billion (2023)

| equity = {{decrease}} US$–4.35 billion (2023)

| num_employees = {{circa|119,000}}

| num_employees_year = August 2023

| website = {{url|autozone.com}}

| footnotes = Financials {{asof|2023|08|26|lc=y|df=US}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/866787/000155837023016668/azo-20230826x10k.htm | title=US SEC: Form 10-K AutoZone, Inc. |publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission |date=October 24, 2023}}

}}

AutoZone, Inc. is an American retailer of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories, the largest in the United States. Founded in 1979, AutoZone has 7,140 stores across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and the US Virgin Islands. The company is based in Memphis, Tennessee.{{cite web | url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2020/03/09/autozone-co-founder-former-president-peter-formanek-dies-obituary/4999180002/ | title=AutoZone co-founder, former president Peter Formanek has died | work=Memphis Commercial Appeal | date=9 March 2020|access-date=March 16, 2020}}

History

=1970s=

Originally a division of Memphis-based wholesale grocer Malone & Hyde, the company was known as Auto Shack. After the sale of the grocery operation to the Fleming Companies of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the name of the company was changed to AutoZone to better reflect the company focus just prior to the company going public.

On July 4, 1979, the first store opened in Forrest City, Arkansas[http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=76792&p=irol-irhome AutoZone, Inc.] AutoZone Official Site under the name of Auto Shack.{{cite journal|last=Eng|first=Dinah|title=Putting AutoZone into Drive|journal=Fortune|date=August 12, 2013|volume=168|issue=3|pages=17–18}} Doc Crain was the store's first manager. Sales that first day totaled $300.00.{{cite web |url=https://www.autozone.com/company/our-company/our-story.html |title=The AutoZone Story |work=AutoZone |access-date=November 12, 2018}}

=1980s=

In 1981, Express Parts or VDP was implemented to get the customers hard to find parts by special ordering them through wholesalers. The total stores were 73 in 7 states.

In 1984, the company became the first auto parts retailer to create a quality control program for its parts. Total stores were 194 in 13 states.

In 1985, Doc Crain coined the term WITTDTJR, which stands for "What it takes to do the job right." The total store count is 263 in 14 states. Peter Formanek stepped in as president. He oversaw the auto parts firm's daily operations and worked on growth strategy.

By 1986, expansion had made the company grow into a large store chain across the South and the Midwest. That year, Darren Reltherford, manager of Auto Shack's Memphis, Tennessee store, received the first Extra Miler award, which has since been given to AutoZoners who show their dedication to customer satisfaction by "going the extra mile" for customer service. The Duralast line of alternators and starters was released. The Loan-A-Tool program began allowing customers to borrow specific tools for jobs. The fourth distribution center in Greenville, South Carolina opened. The total number of stores was 339 in 15 states.

File:AutoZone store in Murphy, North Carolina.jpg]]

In 1986, Auto Shack was sued by Radio Shack for trademark infringement. In 1987 Auto Shack announced plans to change its name to AutoZone. The first AutoZone store was in Enid, Oklahoma. That year also, the company introduced WITT-JR, an electronic catalog used to look up parts and keep warranty information. The total number of stores was 459 in 16 states.

In 1989, the company began using a computerized store management system (SMS). The Duralast battery line consisting of Sub-Zero, Desert, and long life was released. The total number of stores was 513 in 17 states.

=1990s=

In 1991, its stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange using the ticker symbol "AZO." It opened up at $27.50 a share. The fifth DC opens in Lafayette, Louisiana. The company also became the first auto parts retailer to register customer warranties in a computer database.

In 1994, AutoZone began using satellites to facilitate communication between stores and the corporate office. Sales hit $1.5 billion.

In 1995, AutoZone opened its 1,000th store in Louisville, Kentucky. Also, the Duralast trademark made its debut with the Duralast and Duralast Gold batteries. Total of stores is now 1,143 in 26 states.{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/113/95014496008757/filing-main.htm |title=AutoZone, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Nov 27, 1996 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}}

1996 was the year when the Internet era arrived at the company, when AutoZone opened its company Web site. The new commercial program debuted in Germantown, Tennessee. ALLDATA, a software company based in Elk Grove, California that provides automotive diagnostic and repair information, was acquired.{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2683/91205796010324/filing-main.htm |title=AutoZone, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date May 20, 1996 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}}

Company founder Pitt Hyde retired as chairman and CEO in 1997. John Adams became the new chairman and CEO.

In 1998,{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1868/86678798000013/filing-main.htm |title=AutoZone, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date Jun 23, 1998 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1518/101190898000003/filing-main.htm |title=AutoZone, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jul 2, 1998 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}} AutoZone acquired ADAP Inc, who had stores under the ADAP Discount Auto Parts and Auto Palace nameplates respectively,{{Cite web|url=http://www.brianzpatton.com/HotWheels/1992/1992%20OM-Auto%20Palace.htm|title=1992 Auto Palace Hauler - Brian Z. Patton}} both being auto parts chains in the northeastern United States with 112 stores,{{cite news |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/AutoZone+To+Acquire+Auto+Palace-a020163425 |title=AutoZone To Acquire Auto Palace |newspaper=PRNewswire |date=January 14, 1998}}{{cite news |url=http://www.theautochannel.com/publications/magazines/amb/feb-98/retail.frame |title=AutoZone continues growth with Auto Palace purchase |website=The Auto Channel |date=February 1998}} TruckPro L.P., a chain with 43 stores in 14 states, and the 560-store Chief Auto Parts Inc., a chain with a presence in 5 states.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-12-fi-48771-story.html |title=AutoZone to Acquire Car Parts Rival Chief |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=May 12, 1998 |first=John |last=O'Dell}}{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jul-01-fi-65162-story.html |title=AutoZone Purchase of Chief Auto Is Complete |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=July 1, 1998|first=John |last=O'Dell}} At the commencement of fiscal 1999, AutoZone made another acquisition by purchasing 100 Express stores from The Pep Boys—Manny, Moe & Jack.{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1877/86678798000022/filing-main.htm |title=AutoZone, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Nov 25, 1998 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}} The company began a process of internationalization with their first store abroad, which opened in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1874/86678798000019/filing-main.htm |title=AutoZone, Form ARS, Filing Date Nov 2, 1998 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}} AutoZone closed the 1990s by debuting at the Fortune 500 list in 1999.

=2000s=

Steve Odland became AutoZone's third CEO in 2001.{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/681/0000866787-01-500003.pdf |title=AutoZone, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jan 12, 2001 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}} Also in 2001, AutoZone sold TruckPro to Paratus Capital Management.{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2001/12/17/daily47.html |title=AutoZone sells TruckPro division |date=2001-12-20|access-date=2021-02-03|website=bizjournals.com}}

File:Auto Zone sign.JPG]]

In 2002, AutoZone developed a network of "hub, feeder, and satellite" stores to have more product in the market area, while reducing inventory investment. Sales hit $5.33 billion.{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2952/0000950144-02-010940.pdf |title=AutoZone, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Oct 31, 2002 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}}

In 2003, the Duralast tool line was introduced. This was a year of important negotiations for AutoZone, as the company partnered with other important auto parts industry companies, such as CarMax and Midas. AutoZone de Mexico opens the first DC in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Total stores number 3,219 in 48 states and 49 in Mexico.{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1218/0000866787-03-000040.pdf |title=AutoZone, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Oct 31, 2003 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}} In 2004, founder J.R. "Pitt" Hyde III was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.{{cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20041011/SUB/410110722/ |date=2004-10-11|access-date=2021-02-03 |title=Automotive Hall of Fame: A night for legends|website=autonews.com}}

In 2005, William C. Rhodes III was named president and CEO. Steve Odland left to become the chairman and CEO of Office Depot.{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2139/0000891092-05-000482.pdf |title=AutoZone, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Mar 14, 2005 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}}

In 2007, Bill Rhodes, then 42, was named chairman, president and chief executive officer of AutoZone, Inc. on June 6.{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2774/117184307000288/filing-main.htm |title=AutoZone, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jun 7, 2007 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}}

In 2008, AutoZone opened their 4,000th store in Houston, Texas. Sales hit $6.2 billion.{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2899/0001144204-07-055597.pdf |title=AutoZone, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Oct 22, 2007 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.autozoneinc.com/about_us/history/index.html|title=AutoZone, Inc. - About Us|website=www.autozoneinc.com}}

=2010s=

File:Interior of AutoZone store 3816.jpg]]

On December 15, 2011, ALLDATA LLC, an operating unit of AutoZone, expanded its direct presence in Canada to better serve its growing customer base.{{cite web |title=ALLDATA Expands Its Presence in Canada |url=https://www.alldata.com/press-release/alldata-expands-its-presence-canada |publisher=ALLDATA Automotive Intelligence |access-date=14 January 2020 |date=15 December 2011}}{{cite news |last1=Zacks Equity Research |title=AutoZone Expands in Canada |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/autozone-expands-canada-151518606.html |access-date=14 January 2020 |work=Yahoo! Finance |date=16 December 2011}}

On August 17, 2012, AutoZone expanded into their 49th state Alaska by opening their 5,000th store in Wasilla, Alaska.

In 2012 AutoZone opened their first store in Brazil.{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1516/117184312004361/filing-main.htm |title=AutoZone, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Dec 4, 2012 |publisher=SEC |work=EDGAR |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}}

In December 2012, AutoZone purchased AutoAnything.com, an e-commerce leader in aftermarket automotive parts based in San Diego, California.{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2653/0001193125-12-501787.pdf |title=AutoZone, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date Dec 13, 2012 |publisher=SEC |work=EDGAR |access-date =Jan 18, 2013}}

By April 2017, AutoZone had been the largest retailer of automotive parts in North America for three consecutive years.{{cite web|last=Adams|first=Bruce|title=AutoZone again claims No. 1 spot in Top 25 Auto Chain Report|url=http://www.searchautoparts.com/aftermarket-business/special-reports/autozone-again-claims-no-1-spot-top-25-auto-chain-report|website=SearchAutoParts.com|access-date=April 13, 2018|date=April 25, 2017}} As of August 2017, AutoZone had 5,465 locations in the United States, 524 locations in Mexico, and 46 locations in Brazil, for a total of 6,035.{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/866787/000119312517319357/d447746d10k.htm | title=US SEC: Form 10-K AutoZone, Inc. |publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission |date=October 25, 2017}}

On October 22, 2018, Pitt Hyde announced that he would be stepping down from AutoZone's board of directors.{{cite web |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/money/2018/10/22/pitt-hyde-step-down-autozone-board/1727030002/ |title=Pitt Hyde to step down from AutoZone board |work=Commercial Appeal |date=October 22, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018}}

= 2020s =

File:People in the parking lot of a burned down Auto Zone on Lake Street on Thursday morning in Minneapolis, Minnesota (49945223833).jpg, Minnesota]]

In late May 2020, two AutoZone stores were destroyed by arson during the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis–Saint Paul.{{Cite news |last=Penrod |first=Josh |last2=Sinner |first2=C.J. |date=2020-07-13 |title=Buildings damaged in Minneapolis, St. Paul after riots |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/a-deeper-look-at-areas-most-damaged-by-rioting-looting-in-minneapolis-st-paul/569930671/ |access-date=2022-05-05}}

In early Jan 2024 Phillip Daniele, was promoted to CEO.

Corporate affairs

AutoZone is incorporated in the state of Nevada.

=Headquarters=

Since October 1995, AutoZone has been headquartered in its J.R. Hyde, III Store Support Center (SSC), a {{convert|270000|sqft|sqm|adj=on}}, eight-story building in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee."[http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/print-edition/2011/05/13/autozone-hq-holds-title-as-most.html?page=all AutoZone HQ holds title as most earthquake-resistant Memphis building]." Memphis Business Journal. May 13, 2011. Retrieved on December 6, 2014. As of 2013 there were over 1,200 employees there."[http://www.autozoneinc.com/careers/ssc_jobs.html Store Support Center]." AutoZone. Retrieved on June 4, 2013.

The project manager of the building's construction was Rob Norcross, a principal at LRK Inc. The building has the capability to withstand a 9.0 magnitude earthquake because it has a special base isolation system that had a price tag of $950,000.

= Private labels =

AutoZone sells lead-acid car batteries (manufactured primarily by Johnson Controls) and other automotive parts using its Valucraft and Duralast private label brands.{{Cite web |last=Kusic |first=Luca |date=2022-09-16 |title=Who Makes Autozone Duralast Batteries? |url=https://vehiclefreak.com/who-makes-autozone-duralast-batteries/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Vehicle Freak |language=en-US}} AutoZone also sells tools under the Duralast brand.{{cite web |url=https://www.autozone.com/landing/page.jsp?name=duralast-tools |title=Duralast Tools |work=AutoZOne |access-date=November 12, 2018}}

Retail stores

Image:2008-09-11 AutoZone in Hillsborough, NC.jpg.]]

AutoZone's 7,140 retail outlets {{asof|2023|08|26|lc=y|df=US}} throughout the United States, Mexico and Brazil stock a variety of aftermarket parts as well as some OEM parts. All AutoZone stores are corporately owned; the company does not have franchise operations.[http://www.autozoneinc.com/about_us/our_company/index.html About Us: Our Company, Our Culture] AutoZone Official Site

Sponsorships

In 2004, AutoZone celebrated its 25th anniversary and announced a corporate sponsorship agreement with auto racing association NASCAR.

In 2007, AutoZone sponsored Kevin Harvick and Timothy Peters in the NASCAR Busch Series.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}

AutoZone holds the naming rights to the downtown Memphis baseball stadium that is the home of the Memphis Redbirds of the Pacific Coast League. The company also sponsors the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.{{cite web|url=https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2017/jan/21/college-football-bowl-scene-changes-but-autozone-liberty-bowl-endures/|title=College Football Bowl Scene Changes, But AutoZone Liberty Bowl Endures|website=memphisdailynews.com}} The AutoZone Liberty Bowl, alongside the College Football Playoff Foundation donated $250,136.03 to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.{{cite web |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/2018/11/11/st-jude-childrens-hospital-wings-cancer-donations/1910782002/ |title=St. Jude children's hospital, WINGS get generous donations |work=Commercial Appeal |last=Van Tuyl |first=Chris |date=November 11, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018}} The AutoZone Liberty Bowl awarded 2018's Distinguished Citizen Award to Priscilla Presley.{{cite web |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2018/04/08/priscilla-presley-named-autozone-liberty-bowls-2018-distinguished-citizen/491469002/ |title=Priscilla Presley named AutoZone Liberty Bowl's 2018 Distinguished Citizen |work=Commercial Appeal |last=Maxey |first=Ron |date=April 8, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018}}

They are an official sponsor of Bellator MMA, the world's second largest Mixed Martial Arts promotion.

Lawsuits

AutoZone paid $3.3 million to settle a lawsuit by the families of a family who was killed due to being rear-ended by an AutoZone-owned truck. The suit alleges that AutoZone was negligent in training the driver of the truck.{{cite web |url=https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/AutoZone-pays-3-3-million-for-Bridgeport-13088329.php |title=AutoZone pays $3.3 million for Bridgeport family's deaths |work=CT Post |last=Tepfer |first=Daniel |date=July 19, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018}}

AutoZone faced a lawsuit for gender discrimination in which the plaintiff alleged that men treated her differently when she was promoted and that she feared revealing a pregnancy to her superior. When the pregnancy was discovered, she alleges that her district manager pressured her to step down from her position. She was demoted in February 2006 and fired in November 2011. The jury on the case ruled in 2014 in favor of the plaintiff, awarding her $185 million in punitive damages as well as approximately $873,000 in back wages. AutoZone has announced its intention to appeal the verdict.{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/AutoZone-Ordered-to-Pay-185M-in-Discrimination-Suit-283004671.html |title=AutoZone Ordered to Pay $185M in Discrimination Suit |work=NBC San Diego |last1=London |first1=Christina |last2=Nguyen |first2=Candice |date=November 17, 2014 |access-date=November 12, 2018}} The Wall Street Journal's Jacob Gershman suggested that the verdict would be scaled back, noting that the jury verdict is not the end-all be-all.{{cite web |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/law/2014/11/19/186-million-autozone-verdict-is-eye-opening-but-unlikely-to-stick/ |title=$186 Million AutoZone Verdict is Eye-Opening, but Unlikely to Stick |work=The Wall Street Journal |last=Gershman |first=Jacob |date=November 19, 2014 |access-date=November 12, 2018}}

A Georgia woman was fired after a customer insulted her and used multiple racial epithets against her. She alleges that the district manager told her to "suck it up," and she is filing a lawsuit against AutoZone for violating her civil rights.{{cite web |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/local/autozone-worker-customer-unleashed-racist-tirade-and-got-fired/SllKqrTWXU4FZs1D6iSHjL/ |title=AutoZone worker: Customer unleashed racist tirade — and I got fired |work=AJC |last=Northam |first=Mitchell |date=January 24, 2018 |access-date=November 12, 2018}}

AutoZone came under fire from allegations that a district manager had told an employee to remove a flag displayed on the company's premises for the sake of improved diversity. AutoZone denies that and claimed that it was the poor means by which the flag was put up, with duct tape and suction cups.{{cite web |url=https://www.snopes.com/news/2016/09/02/autozone-flag-removal/ |title=AutoZone Flag Removal |work=Snopes |last=Lacapria |first=Kim |date=September 2, 2016 |access-date=November 12, 2018}}

In June 2019 AutoZone entered into an $11 million settlement against with the State of California to resolve allegations that the company had violated state laws governing hazardous waste, hazardous materials, and confidential consumer information. AutoZone is charged with illegally disposing of millions of hazardous waste items, including used motor oil and automotive fluids, at landfills not authorized to accept hazardous waste.{{cite web |url=https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-becerra-announces-11-million-settlement-against-autozone |title=Attorney General Becerra Announces $11 Million Settlement against AutoZone for Illegal Disposal of Hazardous Waste Statewide |work=California Attorney General |last=Becerra |first=Xavier |date=June 18, 2019 |access-date=June 19, 2019}}