It seems there is a lot of corporate activity revolving around the independent owners side of the CARQUEST store group. Many owners are unhappy with the perpetual product lineup changes and lack of DC inventory in many parts of the country. Most of these stores are in more rural locations where their inventory requirements differ from the company city stores that focus on fuzzy dice and all the chemicals you could ever need. The loss of longtime stalwarts of quality have taken their toll on sales. Gone is WIX, Gates, KYB, and other veteran suppliers that offered stable quality and reputable product to the independent store groups customers. Today, you often don't know what is really in the box.
What happens when AAP completes the plan to spin this group off? Many owners are looking for alternatives to preserve their livelihood. They certainly don't want an AAP logo on their business.