MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Since acquiring Chief Auto Parts in
June 1998, AutoZone (NYSE: AZO - news) has relocated 31 and remodeled 61 Chief stores into AutoZone stores in California, Nevada, Tennessee and Texas. AutoZone has
targeted September to complete the conversion of an additional 281 Chief
stores, all of which are in California. AutoZone has already converted and
reopened 94 Express locations acquired from Pep Boys in October 1998.
``Our AutoZoners have a great track record of delivering unbelievable
results in unprecedented timeframes,'' said Tim Vargo, President and COO of
AutoZone. ``Whether it's getting our store systems connected in every Auto
Palace store within days of the acquisition or reopening those 94 Express
stores from Pep Boys in record time, we've shown we can accomplish incredible
things. While visiting many of these remodeled stores during the past few
months I saw real evidence that our trademark customer service was in full
swing. We're tremendously encouraged by the improvements in productivity in
all of our converted stores.''
AutoZone, a Fortune 500 company, sells auto and light truck parts,
chemicals and accessories through 2,700 AutoZone and Chief stores in 39
states. AutoZone also sells heavy-duty truck parts through 43 TruckPro stores
in 14 states, and automotive diagnostic and repair software through ALLDATA.
For weekly updates on the progress of the Chief conversions, visit our web
site at www.autozone.com . Updates will be made every Monday.