Another parts chain bites the dust

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JHZR2

JHZR2

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AiD auto stores which are around the New York City area. This one is in the Farmingville New York area, but the clerk said they're all closing. The funny thing is that there are no convenient parts stores in this area. I never really bought anything from the store so I don't know how good their personnel were. But it couldn't have been worse than any of the typical chains.
 
Never heard of this place so I looked around for reviews. Found this:
lol.gif


Chain store for all of your automotive needs. I basically just go here to get oil, windshield washer fluid or maybe even car wash stuff. I don't know what about 97% of the things in here are for since I'm no grease monkey. However, I CAN change my windshield wiper fluid and check/add oil, so maybe there's hope. ...nah.

This store is really quiet, no music or anything. You walk in and it's like instant boredom overcomes you. I can't imagine working there all day like that. I almost cried near the floormat section. I became sad and reflective in the crushing silence. Too much alone time with my thoughts.

The workers here are OK though, I usually see the same kids and they're very courteous and helpful. The manager likes to throw his weight around though, trying to convince himself of his own authority. But the kids roll their eyes and grudgingly obey only to make fun of him later in the break room. I guess it's like this in most retail places.

All in all, it's a quick and painless place to shop. In and out. Beware the silence though.
 
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
There's always Amazon, which is working on "next day delivery" for almost everybody.

The reason why it bit the dust.
 
i hate hearing stuff like this though the free market rules and times are changing which means we will soon buy everything online. to be honest if i could find a decently priced place with good stuff i would be happy.
 
It's amazing how things evolved. Back in the day in my area, there were a few parts stores where there was literally a dozen guys behind the counter, you stood in line, the phones never stopped, nor did those parts guys. Forest City Auto parts was one, Hutchins/Angert was another. A few chain places cropped up and the above went away. Now mail-order is taking a big chunk.

Joel
 
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
There's always Amazon, which is working on "next day delivery" for almost everybody.


While this seems great in theory, not being able to walk into a brick and mortar store to actually be able to hold that part and inspect it closely make sure it is not defective ect, will be bad for many consumers.

I don't want actual stores to disappear!
 
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
There's always Amazon, which is working on "next day delivery" for almost everybody.

The reason why it bit the dust.


Amazingly enough I just had an order rejected by master-Carr, because my email server is in a foreign country. Though the items were to be shipped and used in my New Jersey home they stated that they suspected that I was going to export some (this was a $125 order, not some $10k order with lots more stuff) and therefore refused to do business with me now or in the future.

Talk about stupidity and ridiculousness - and that's an Internet business.
 
when I lived in LI I vaugely remember AiD stores; the big one then was US-1, but I hated going there, all dirty and unorganized and expensive. there were a few good independents I went to.
here in PA auto zone and advance are strong, as is National Auto, which is (ironically) a local PA chain.
 
Originally Posted By: Benzadmiral
Anybody remember Western Auto and Auto-Lec?


I still lament the loss of my beloved Western Auto.

When I was a kid, it was the most wonderful place in the world. They had bicycles, go-karts, lawn mowers, refrigerators, rifles....everything.

By the time I was old enough to work there, most of the non-automotive stuff was gone. That was okay. I didn't really want to be a refrigerator salesman anyway. But I did like car parts.

I dreaded the days I worked the tire and service counter, but loved working the parts counter. I liked being a counterman. Wish it paid better.

Now back to the OP:
I'm honestly surprised a bigger chain didn't aquire and assimilate this one.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
There's always Amazon, which is working on "next day delivery" for almost everybody.

The reason why it bit the dust.


Amazingly enough I just had an order rejected by master-Carr, because my email server is in a foreign country. Though the items were to be shipped and used in my New Jersey home they stated that they suspected that I was going to export some (this was a $125 order, not some $10k order with lots more stuff) and therefore refused to do business with me now or in the future.

Talk about stupidity and ridiculousness - and that's an Internet business.

Wow, never thought of that. Time for a gmail account.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
2b93798e.jpg


AiD auto stores which are around the New York City area. This one is in the Farmingville New York area, but the clerk said they're all closing. The funny thing is that there are no convenient parts stores in this area. I never really bought anything from the store so I don't know how good their personnel were. But it couldn't have been worse than any of the typical chains.


The one local to me was gone for at least 10 years now, but I still have some old Meg's liquid cleaner wax with their fading price tag on it.
I thought they had ALL closed up shop almost that long ago.
21.gif
 
Originally Posted By: chevyboy14
i hate hearing stuff like this though the free market rules and times are changing which means we will soon buy everything online.


Yep. There used to be a parts store within walking distance of my house. That closed many years ago. Everything is way the heck out of the way these days.

One can blame Amazon and other online retailers. That's only part of the problem. I've gone to parts stores and dealer parts departments here and have been told the wait for a part would be much longer and the cost much higher than what I found online.

Napa here doesn't carry the Bosch 3300. They can order it in, at about double the price it should be. I don't think they understand that this filter fits a huge amount of farm and yard equipment (in addition to its automotive applications) and that they're in the middle of farm country. Every other retailer carries the cross in stock. It's nonsense like that which gets aggravating.
 
Originally Posted By: chevyboy14
i hate hearing stuff like this though the free market rules and times are changing which means we will soon buy everything online. to be honest if i could find a decently priced place with good stuff i would be happy.

not auto parts, but related: on friday, I was at my Dad's house and he was saying he couldn't find replacement batteries for his cordless phones. the nearest radio shack is 40min away, and he couldn't find them in the local stores; one place said they could get them and they would be around $22 ea.
so I pulled up amazon, found the battery for 6.99, ordered 3 of them, free shipping.
that was friday afternoon.
they were in his mailbox MONDAY.
 
Originally Posted By: mpvue
one place said they could get them and they would be around $22 ea.
so I pulled up amazon, found the battery for 6.99, ordered 3 of them, free shipping.
that was friday afternoon.
they were in his mailbox MONDAY.
sounds about right. I avoid the local ripoff's and laugh all the way to the bank too.
 
Originally Posted By: mpvue
Originally Posted By: chevyboy14
i hate hearing stuff like this though the free market rules and times are changing which means we will soon buy everything online. to be honest if i could find a decently priced place with good stuff i would be happy.

not auto parts, but related: on friday, I was at my Dad's house and he was saying he couldn't find replacement batteries for his cordless phones. the nearest radio shack is 40min away, and he couldn't find them in the local stores; one place said they could get them and they would be around $22 ea.
so I pulled up amazon, found the battery for 6.99, ordered 3 of them, free shipping.
that was friday afternoon.
they were in his mailbox MONDAY.


Yep. I did the same thing for my mom and an HP laptop power cord. Best Buy and Fry's either didn't have them or they were priced at close to $100 for an OEM replacement.

Went on e-Bay, found an HP-brand power cord, less than $20 shipped to her. Done deal.

As for auto parts, I've been buying at Rock Auto lately. Easy to use website, good prices, fast shipping. Only time I use an auto parts store is if I need it Right Now. Most times I don't.
 
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