Auto Parts Retail Industry Trends

Retail Chains Focus on Professionals

Retail auto parts and accessories stores, which once focused solely on do-it-yourselfers (DIYs), now also focus on do-it-for-mes (DIFMs). DIFM sales growth has outpaced DIYs'. Retail stores are targeting commercial installers who serve DIFMs by offering parts delivery and technical support.

More Generic Parts for Collision Repair

Because of the rise in collision repair costs, insurers are pressing repair shops to make greater use of generic replacement parts. While exterior parts typically still come from the original manufacturer, many interior parts have generic replacements that often cost much less than original parts. The average insurance claim for auto damage rose more than 40 percent in the past decade, according to the Insurance Services Office.

Labor Productivity Gains

Computer technology and greater warehouse automation have allowed parts dealers to keep prices low by using less labor. Larger, more-efficient stores have become common. In the last 10 years, industry labor productivity increased 30 percent.