But even as comparable store sales were off 1.3% year-over-year, the retail parts/accessories/tires/service company announced plans to add new 30 Pep Boys Service & Tire Centers during fiscal 2014.

For the last fiscal year, which ended Feb. 1, Pep Boys recorded sales of $2.07 billion vs. $2.09 billion the year prior. Net earnings came to $6.9 million, down from 2012’s $12.8 million.

“Our service business continues to grow,” said Pep Boys president and CEO Mike Odell. “On a comparable store basis, customer count, maintenance and repair sales and tire units all grew quarter over quarter.

“While retail tire pricing has recently stabilized, prices are still below last year’s level, which has and is expected to continue to negatively impact top line sales results through the second quarter of 2014,” he said. “We are also growing our service footprint, adding 30 Service & Tire Centers during fiscal 2014. These new Service & Tire Centers showcase the welcoming exterior curb appeal and comfortable customer lounge of our new ‘Road Ahead’ format.

“In addition to allowing us to realize our vision to be the best alternative to the dealer, our Road Ahead strategy also allows us to use our retail business to drive our service business,” Odell continued. “Our first completed Road Ahead market in Tampa continues to produce returns in line with our 15% hurdle rate. Based on those results, we are moving forward to complete an additional 20 stores in three markets – San Francisco, Boston and Charlotte – during the first half of 2014 and initiating plans for an additional three markets to be completed in late 2014/early 2015.”

Pep Boys currently operates some 800 service centers in 35 states and Puerto Rico.