Advance Auto Parts to Launch Specialty Store on Walmart.com

   By Colin Kellaher 
 

Walmart Inc. (WMT) and Advance Auto Parts Inc. (AAP) on Tuesday said they plan to create an automotive specialty store on Walmart.com.

The companies said the store, which will begin rolling out in the first half of 2019, will give Walmart.com customers access to Advance's portfolio of aftermarket automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items.

The specialty store will complement Walmart's automotive offering of common parts and accessories online and in stores, the companies added.

Advance and Walmart said they also plan to explore new fulfillment options, including home delivery, same-day pickup in Walmart or Advance stores, and installation of some parts.

The move by Advance comes as brick-and-mortar auto-parts retailers work to combat the e-commerce threat from the likes of Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN).

Rival AutoZone Inc. (AZO) last month announced a next-day delivery program, with up to 100,000 parts and accessories available to some 80% of the U.S. population.

Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD), which filed for bankruptcy on Monday, in late August announced a nationwide expansion of a program to install and balance tires for customers who buy them on Amazon.

Write to Colin Kellaher at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 16, 2018 06:44 ET (10:44 GMT)

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