GPC Acquires Largest US NAPA Independent Store Owner
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By AutoZone
MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE: AZO) today reported net sales of $4.8 billion for its third quarter (12 weeks) ended May 9, 2026, an increase of 8.4% from the third quarter of fiscal 2025 (12 weeks). Same store sales, or sales for our domestic and
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view, provider of auto services and tire solutions across the United States and Puerto Rico, has selected RELEX Solutions to optimize forecasting and replenishment across its store and distribution center (DC) network. The AI-driven platform is intended to improve end-to-end planning. Platform Integrates Forecasting, Replenishment and Inventory Visibility
The RELEX platform will enable Pep Boys to account for complex demand influences such as seasonal demand shifts, regional buying patterns, and promotion-driven spikes, helping ensure inventory placement and availability across its network, the company said. By integrating forecasting, replenishment, and inventory visibility into a single platform, RELEX supports collaboration, enabling Pep Boys to streamline operations and make data-driven decisions across its supply chain.
Wysupp to Implement the Solution
The platform will also help
link hidden, please login to view refine exception management with alerts, supporting SKU lifecycle transitions. It will improve DC prioritization, support vendor collaboration, and optimize product allocation across the network. The solution will be implemented by RELEX partner Wysupp. Wysupp and RELEX Solutions Statements
“We’re excited to support Pep Boys in this project alongside RELEX, helping turn advanced planning capabilities into practical improvements across their operations,” said Sandra Oliveira, chief executive officer of Wysupp. “Implementations like this go beyond technology, they require close collaboration and a strong understanding of retail and supply chain realities to drive real results. It’s great to be part of a transformation that will help Pep Boys operate with greater visibility, efficiency, and confidence moving forward.”
“Pep Boys’ ecosystem requires sophisticated planning to handle high mix volumes, in a dynamic consumer driven environment,” said Greg Huffman, director at RELEX Solutions. “Our platform assists with data-driven decisions that improve both service levels and operational efficiency.”
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By Counterman
NAPA announced the promotions of
link hidden, please login to view to Vice President, Procurement & Sourcing, link hidden, please login to view to Vice President, Commercial Products, and link hidden, please login to view to Senior Vice President of Pricing and Procurement. These leaders will take on expanded responsibilities across the NAPA merchandising organization, reinforcing the company’s commitment to building deep internal talent and strengthening its product and supplier strategy. Pérez brings two decades of experience leading P&Ls across the automotive aftermarket, retail and consumer products industries. She most recently served as Senior Director of Category Management at NAPA, where she led a portfolio spanning brakes, undercar and heavy duty, driving growth through sourcing strategy and supplier partnerships. Prior to NAPA, she held merchandising leadership roles at HD Supply, SPANX and The Home Depot.
“Cristina has played a pivotal role in transforming category management and sourcing at NAPA Auto Parts. Her strategic mindset, deep merchandising expertise, and ability to build high-performing teams have strengthened our capabilities and positioned us for continued growth. This promotion recognizes both her leadership and the meaningful impact she has made across our organization,” said Danny Huffaker, SVP, Product & Marketing,
link hidden, please login to view. Griffiths has been with NAPA for four years, growing from Director of Category Management to Senior Director, Underhood, where she onboarded strategic brands to diversify the NAPA portfolio. In her new role, she will lead the category team responsible for Hard Parts and Applied Parts, including Brakes and Undercar. Prior to NAPA, she held senior category management roles at White Cap.
“Laura is an exceptional leader who has played a critical role in advancing our category management capabilities at NAPA Auto Parts. Through strong cross-functional collaboration and trusted supplier partnerships, she has helped build a more strategic and customer-focused organization. This promotion recognizes her leadership, her results, and the meaningful impact she continues to have across our business,” said Huffaker.
Portera joined GPC nearly four years ago as Vice President of Finance before moving over to NAPA where he has spent the last three years, first as Vice President of Corporate Development and then as Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis. He most recently served as the Vice President of Pricing and Procurement. His recent outstanding achievements include successfully navigating the First Brands bankruptcy and launching the new direct import program for NAPA rotors, the company said. Prior to GPC and NAPA, he had a successful 10-year career at FedEx, which included roles in SEC reporting, FP&A, Treasury and an international expat leadership assignment.
“Will has been a steady and trusted leader within our organization, bringing clarity, discipline and strategic thinking to some of our most complex challenges,” said Jamie Walton, EVP, Merchandise & Stores, NAPA. “This promotion reflects the significant impact Will has made at NAPA and our confidence in his continued ability to drive value for our customers and supplier partners.”
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to viewannounced it acquired Carquest of Decorah from Randy and Annita Flatland, who have served the Decorah community for decades. Randy Flatland began his automotive career at the store in 1988 when it was known as Decorah Auto Supply. In 2008, he and his wife Annita purchased the independent Carquest location, building the business around strong relationships with employees and customers.
“Annita and I have always believed that taking care of our people and treating customers with honesty and respect is what made our business successful,” said Randy. “As we started thinking about the future, we wanted a partner who shared those same values. Arnold Motor Supply stood out to us because of its focus on people and long-term relationships. We’re excited to begin this next chapter and appreciate the warm welcome.”
“We’re proud to welcome Randy, Annita, and the entire Decorah team to
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Pictured (from left): Annita Flatland, Randy Flatland and Mike Molle, vice president of store operations.
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By NAPA
The Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing season returned to competition Saturday, April 18th, at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO. Kasey Kahne Racing’s
link hidden, please login to view No. 9 team arrived at the reconfigured 3/8‑mile “Diamond of Dirt Tracks” eager to get the car back in motion after a three‑week regroup, with progress to prove.
Teams of each of the 43 cars taking part in the ninth race of the season set sights on the win and the The Diamond Classic’s $12,000 payday.
No. 9 driver, Daison Pursley, showed early speed, posting a 13.275-second lap in Hot Laps, fourth‑quickest in practic, and running a 13.628-second qualifying lap for fifth in his group.
Pursley started P2 in the first Heat Race of the night and jumped to the lead during the first lap, coming out of turn 4 and down the front stretch to the flagstand. Pursley kept the lead throughout the 8-lap race. The win marked Pursley’s first Heat Race victory of the 2026 season and punched his ticket to the Dash. In the Dash, the NAPA Auto Parts No. 9 slipped from third to fourth, lining the team up to start outside the second row of the A-Main.
Fireworks and pyrotechnics signaled the start of the 30-lap Diamond Classic. Pursley raced into third position for the first six laps. After an early caution, Pursley chose his position back by way of the choose cone and was challenged into turn one by Sye Lynch (No. 42), ultimately being shuffled into fourth by the No. 42 and No. 13 of Tanner Holmes. The track’s renovation brought the track banking all the way to the wall, producing even more high‑banked, door‑to‑door racing. Pursley kept heavy pressure on P3 of Holmes, finishing less than a car length behind the No. 13 and just outside of the podium. Kerry Maddsen (No.55) started on the pole and dominated, leading every lap to claim his first High Limit Racing victory.
Pursley’s fourth-place finish left crew chief Jarrett Martin encouraged; he noted the team learned every time they were on the track and made the right adjustments from the Dash to the Diamond Classic.
Weather threatened nearby Lakeside Speedway in Kansas on Friday, forcing the cancellation of that program due to tornado warnings. That event will not be made up at this time. The next High Limit Racing event is Tuesday, April 21st, at Eagle Raceway in Eagle, Nebraska, and will be broadcast nationally on FS1.
Start / Finish: 4 / 4
Points Standing / Total: 8th / 456 pts. (-137)
Next Race: Tuesday, April 21, Eagle Raceway, Eagle, NE
How to Watch or Listen: 9:00 p.m. ET on FS1
NAPA:
link hidden, please login to viewDaison Pursley: link hidden, please login to view
Kasey Kahne Racing: link hidden, please login to view The post
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