Automotive parts retailer AutoZone celebrates its 16th birthday this October. The privately-owned national retailer has grown to a footprint of 103 wholly-owned retail stores, 10 regional distribution centres and 44 member-operated retail stores.
Shane Kennedy, AutoZone marketing manager, said the expansion strategy is to open stores in regions where the company can invest in the community and form relationships with communities.
“Innovation and value are our main customer focus,” said Mr Kennedy. “To remain successful we will continue to focus on purchasing the best products at competitive prices and build on our strong local and overseas supplier relationships.”
“AutoZone has developed extensive corporate social investment initiatives that assist a number of organisations throughout the country. The projects include a programme that sponsored 37 students on the W&RSeta’s Unemployed Youth Assistance Project (UYAP).
AutoZone currently has a further 81 learners in its stores on a similar W&RSeta project in the rural areas (Free State, Northern Cape, Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga), which is also being facilitated by Retail Relate.
R60 000 was donated to St Vincent School for the Deaf and another R60 000 to Christel House, a school based in the Cape for disadvantaged children.
AutoZone provides financial support to the SAPS Widow and Orphans Trust and the SAPS Education Trust. Both organisations help widows and children of members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) who have passed away while serving in SAPS.
Another project, FWC HIV/Aids Shelter provides hospice care, healthcare and shelter for terminally ill HIV/Aids patients to enable them to live with dignity. The shelter is situated in a previously disadvantaged community along the main transport route in Johannesburg. AutoZone donates monthly to FWC, ensuring that food and other essentials are provided to the patients.
AutoZone recently achieved a Level 3 BBBEE status. This means that customers are now able to attribute 110% of any spend with AutoZone to their own BBBEE scorecard.
For more information contact AutoZone on toll free: 0800 200 990 or visit the website www.autozone.co.za .
About AutoZone
AutoZone is the largest privately owned automotive parts retailer and wholesaler in Southern Africa. AutoZone has a footprint of 10 wholly-owned Wholesale branches, 103 Wholly-owned Retail branches and 44 member-owned franchise branches. These branches are supported by a supplier base of more than 688 world-class suppliers and an active parts range of more than 75 000. AutoZone also has presence in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Botswana through a footprint of corporate and member branches. AutoZone’s branches are backed by a well-developed supply chain, merchandise and support services.
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