CSK Auto

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CSK Auto Inc. is the largest specialty retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the western United States and one of the largest retailers of such products in the entire country. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, CSK Auto became a publicly traded company in March 1998, and has continued to grow through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth.

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[edit] Operations

CSK has the number one market position in 22 of the 32 major markets in which it operates, based on store count.[citation needed] As of January 29, 2006, CSK operated 1,273 stores in 22 states spanning from Hawaii to Ohio, with principal concentration of stores in the Western United States. CSK operates its stores under four brand names:

  • Checker Auto Parts, founded in 1969, with 442 stores in the Southwestern, Rocky Mountain, and Northern Plains states and Hawaii.
  • Shucks Auto Supply, founded in 1917, with 226 stores in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
  • Kragen Auto Parts, founded in 1947, with 493 stores primarilly in California.
  • Murray's Discount Auto Stores, founded in 1972, with 112 stores in the Upper Midwest.

In addition, as of January 29, 2006, CSK operated four value concept retail stores under the Pay N Save brand name in and around Phoenix, Arizona. These stores target a broader demographic than the four CSK Stores[citation needed] and sell primarily tools, hardware, housewares and other household goods, and seasonal items.

CSK sponsors major league baseball in major markets throughout its trade areas[citation needed] and two National Hot Rod Association Funny Cars. CSK has been designated the Official Auto Parts Store of the NHRA.[1]

CSK serves both the do-it-yourself (“DIY”) and the commercial installer, or do-it-for-me (“DIFM”), customer. The DIY market, which is comprised of customers who typically repair and maintain vehicles themselves, is the foundation of the business. The DIFM market is comprised of auto repair professionals, fleet owners, governments and municipalities.

[edit] History

CSK Auto has experienced growth through a combination of acquisitions and a program of store construction and expansion. In 1997 CSK acquired 81 Trak Auto stores in southern California, converting them to the Kragen name and product mix. This led to an extremely productive year in 1998, as annual sales broke the $1 billion barrier for the first time, and the Company opened, expanded, or relocated a total of 130 more stores.

In June of 1999, CSK added 86 more Checker stores in the Northern Plains states by acquiring the Big Wheel/Rossi Auto Parts, chain, and in October of that same year CSK completed their acquisition of 194 Al's and Grand Auto Supply stores in Washington, California, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska, solidifying its position as the leading retailer of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories in the Western U.S. To strengthen its position in the Northern Plains states, in April of 2000, CSK purchased All-Car Distributors, operators of 21 stores in Wisconsin and 1 in Michigan. These stores now operate under the Checker banner.

On December 19, 2005, CSK announced it had completed the purchase of Murray's Inc. and its subsidiary, Murray's Discount Auto Stores. The 110 Murray's automotive parts and accessories retail stores in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana retain the Murray's name and operating model.

[edit] References

  1. ^ NHRA sponsors
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[edit] External links

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