27% of Checker Auto Parts Stores say Specials Don't Increase Business

CSK Auto Inc. (Checker Auto Parts) was profiled by Tickermine today. This was in light of the company announcing a decrease in net sales of 2.5% or $11.9 million from is first quarter of 2007. We consulted 30 stores around the country and asked what specials were offered this week? Do these attract more customers? What product or services are you selling a lot of this week and are your customers fretting about the economy or weak housing market? All 30 locations ran specials this week. These ranged from “buy three tires, get one free,” to specials on motor oil and discounted tools. We thought that it was positive that 22 respondents or 73% of those be interviewed said business had ramped up as a result. Only eight people or 27% reported no change in customer traffic. Motor oil was selling well for 20% of those polled. 10% cited tire compressers as their best seller. Seven percent cited the Motorola Hands Free Speaker, while another 7% mentioned specials on brakes. 67% of those interviewed said they customers weren't fazed by the weak economy or the housing market crisis. Business just seemed the same for this lot but 10 people 33% said their customers seemed perturbed. And respondents at all 30 locations said their location was older than a year.

Oil Change/Tune Ups Sell Great at AAP stores but brakes, hoses and batteries not so good

We interviewed Advance Auto Parts, Inc this week. This was after analysts said they maintain their "hold" recommendation on the auto parts stores until costs are contained and same-store sales improve. 35 stores around the country were approached and asked if they offered services as well as parts, what is most often purchased by customers (maintenance or parts?), how busy are they and what specific parts or services do they sell mostly right now? 34% of those we interviewed said they offered service and parts at their stores. 60% said they offered parts only, while only 6% said their store only offered services to their customers. 43% of those we consulted said their customers mostly came in for maintenance products such as anti-freeze, oil, lubricants and wiper blades. 49% of those we interviewed said customers were buying parts (i.e. alternators, hoses, belts and brakes.) When we asked how business was now compared with a year ago, seven people or 20% didn't have a clue. 66% said business was just the same, so no impact from the economy whatsoever. While 14% felt that business was up. And when we asked what specific parts sold well in the stores, 17% of respondents said batteries were the biggest seller, 14% said that brakes sold best, hoses were cited by 11% of those we interviewed, while oil change/tune-ups were cited by 46% of those polled, so clearly the best selling item.

Roomba Robot Vacuum Given the Thumbs-Up

94% of appliance stores surveyed by Tickermine this month including Best-Buy, Sears, and Radio Shack, sell the Roomba vacuum by IRobot Corporation. Employees at 84% of the stores interviewed around the country stated that the Roomba was the best robot vacuum cleaner, with 40% selling 1-2 per week. The majority of stores (60%), however, told Tickermine that they sell at least 1-3 Roomba robot vacuum cleaners per day.