Advance Auto Parts opens its first Houma store

Advance Auto Parts Inc., an automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories and maintenance items, has opened its first Houma store at 1370 West Tunnel Blvd.

The store had its soft-opening March 13; the official grand opening will be celebrated March 30.

In the meantime, store manager Hank Stein said the reception so far to Houma’s newest auto parts store has been great. “I really couldn’t ask for anything better than how it’s been this past week,” Stein said. “Everyone is really excited to see us here and open.”

The store is situated near a number of mechanic shops on the west side of Houma. In fact, company officials said they chose the location because of its easy access to customers as well as the garages where they take their vehicles for repair.

With over 11 years in retail sales industries including experience with two other retail giants, Stein says it’s the “nice, friendly environment, special programs for commercial business, great prices and price-match guarantee” that set Advance Auto Parts from the rest of the pack.

“With that price-match guarantee, there really is no reason to go anywhere else,” Stein said.

“Add to that the wealth of knowledge our staff has as far as inside and outside of the store,” he said, “and you can’t go wrong.”

In fact, Advance Auto Parts has ASE-certified technicians only a telephone call away to help with questions and to ensure customers find the right part, Stein said. The company even goes so far as to help staff members earn ASE certification after two years. “It’s just one more way to ensure that our customers are getting the best products from the most trained people,” he said.

The Houma store also offers customers a number of free services. Customers can have windshield wipers installed for free. Following a complimentary check of the vehicle’s electrical system – alternators and starters – and old battery, Stein said the staff will also install new car batteries for free. “And we do it with a smile,” he said.

In addition, Advance Auto Parts will accept used motor oil and batteries for recycling – ensuring that these materials don’t end up in landfills where they could harm the environment.

Advance Auto Parts’ staple – free advice and instruction on the care of virtually every vehicle project – is also to be expected, Stein said.

Whether a customer is washing and waxing their vehicle or has questions about replacing spark plugs, the in-store consumer education program has a number of brochures that offer step-by-step instructions.

The company’s Web site – www.AdvanceAutoParts.com – also has articles, videos and iPod downloads in the “Advance Know-How” section.

“These free consumer education tools, and the expert advice the new store’s 12 team members provide, help customers keep their vehicles looking good and running well,” said Michael Jordon, division manager for Advance Auto Parts. “The right parts at the right price are as important as the right advice and educational tools to finish the job.

The Houma store has a large retail section, as well as a number of parts stored in the backroom, Stein said.

“And a parts that we may not have in the store we can get, sometimes in as little as a day,” he added.

In addition, fast parts delivery is available to local commercial customers, such as professional mechanics and garages, Stein said.

The West Tunnel Boulevard site may be Advance Auto Parts store, but it is its third in the Tri-parishes. Stein said the company operates stores at 514 Jackson St. in Thibodaux, on La. 1 in Cut Off and 615 Brashier Ave. in Morgan City.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Stein at (985) 872-5657.

Advance Auto Parts Houma store manager Hank Stein (at right) helps Tony Humpert find a part. The store will celebrate its grand opening March 30. * Photo by KEYON JEFF