I have been in the auto parts aftermarket all my working life. Most of that time I was working for an independent distributor serving independent parts stores - jobbers. I'm also a gearhead, and I buy parts and supplies all the time. In my job I visit auto parts stores all over 2 states.
The issue with NAPA is they are almost always going to be the highest price in any market, with rare exceptions. For a smaller store, particularly an independent, they almost have to be. Their wholesale cost is pretty much the same as non-NAPA independents, but their fees for being NAPA are the highest in the industry. They charge those independents for everything they do. That NASCAR race car you see every weekend on TV? Each NAPA store gets a bill for their part of that, currently $400 per year. Every form they are required to use, such as for returning unsold merchandise, they are charged for. This creates additional overhead of over $1000/month that other stores don't have. If that store has enough volume, they can absorb it without jacking up their prices. For a small Mom and Pop store, they have no choice - get big or raise prices, or fail.
NAPA has a one-stop advantage: they can source a very wide variety of non-automotive parts such as our small engine or heavy duty, within the NAPA system - for a price. A good independent that has developed connections can match or beat that, at a better price.
Other than that, every store is dependent on factors such as quality and attitude of employees, manager style, and proximity of the warehouse.
Your best bet is to find a locally-owned independent that knows their stuff and treats you well, and be a good customer.
|