Walmart, Advance Auto Parts To Launch Automotive Specialty Store On Walmart.com

Walmart.com and Advance Auto Parts Inc. have announced a strategic partnership that will create an automotive specialty store on Walmart.com. Expected to begin rolling out in the first half of 2019, the new omnichannel shopping experience will provide customers with access to Advance’s extensive portfolio of aftermarket automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items.

“This year, we’ve been incredibly focused on building our offering on Walmart.com to ensure we have the specialty assortment that our customers are looking for,” said Phillip Oaks, vice president and group general manager, retail merchandising, Walmart eCommerce. “In line with this focus, we are thrilled to be partnering with Advance, which will bring us its industry-leading automotive product assortment and know-how. This comprehensive partnership will enhance almost every aspect of the automotive customer shopping experience – from the product offering online to fulfillment capabilities.”

The new specialty store will complement Walmart’s automotive offering of common parts and accessories online and in stores, including an extensive assortment of tire, lube and battery services in more than 2,500 Walmart Auto Care Centers across the country. Launching in phases over the coming year, the specialty store also will feature a variety of Advance’s value-added content and product information. The companies also plan to work together to explore new fulfillment options that will bring customers unparalleled convenience, including home delivery, same-day pickup in a Walmart or Advance store and installation of some parts.

Tom Greco, president and CEO of Advance, called this an “exciting partnership for both Advance and Walmart customers.”

“At Advance, we are absolutely committed to building a best-in-class omnichannel experience and Walmart is an undisputed omnichannel leader,” said Greco. “Partnering with Walmart enables us to share our extensive product offering and trusted advice with an increased number of do-it-yourself customers and supports our long-term strategic objectives.”

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Ryan Waldron as president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

"At Goodyear, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and in Ryan Waldron, we have a customer-centric, execution-focused business leader with a deep understanding of both the marketplace and all aspects of our business, as well as a proven track record of delivering results," Stewart said. "I am thrilled to announce him as president of Goodyear's Americas business and have enormous confidence that under his leadership, both the company and our customers will reach even greater levels of success."