AutoZone vs. O’Reilly (prices, services, locations, products + more)
Subsidiaries disclose: We may receive commissions for links in this article.
In auto retail, there are top companies vying for supremacy. AutoZone and O’Reilly are the largest retailers and distributors of auto parts and accessories.
While these retail stores have cultivated different brand identities, they share some similarities as they offer the same products and services. So, how do AutoZone and O’Reilly compare? If you want to know, keep reading!
AutoZone and O’Reilly in 2022
AutoZone and O’Reilly aren’t too different. However, as a customer, you may find that one of the stores has a better deal than the other, depending on the products and services you need.Both companies have high-quality OEM and third-party auto parts and accessories to meet the needs of different customers in 2022.
To learn more about the similarities and differences between AutoZone and O’Reilly, read on for helpful facts!
AutoZone vs. O’Reilly: Income
Generally, AutoZone generates more revenue than O’Reilly Auto Parts because it has more store locations, which leads to more sales.
While AutoZone’s 2021 revenue will be approximately $14.6 billion, O’Reilly Auto Parts ended the third quarter of 2021 with $272 million in sales.
In previous years, O’Reilly generated $11.6 billion in revenue, an increase from previous years.
AutoZone vs. O’Reilly Auto: Location
AutoZone is the largest auto parts retailer in the United States. It operates more than 6,000 stores in the United States, Mexico and Brazil.
On the other hand, O’Reilly now has 5,759 stores in 47 US states and 25 ORMA stores in Mexico.
These stores are also increasing, thus making O’Reilly a formidable competitor to AutoZone.
AutoZone and O’Reilly: Products and Services
Because AutoZone and O’Reilly are in the same business environment, they sell similar products and provide the same services.
However, in some cases, the brand, variety and choice of products vary widely.
For example, AutoZone has its own battery brand Duralast, while O’Reilly sells the Super Smart brand.
Additionally, they offer discounts, specials, and offers to their customers, enabling them to get products at cheaper prices.
You can buy products in-store or order online from their website. Both retailers make it easy for customers to access their products.
AutoZone and O’Reilly stores also offer some free services such as battery tests, alternator, starter tests and check engine light tests.
Does the same company own AutoZone and O’Reilly?
Although the two retailers are in the same business, they are not under the same management.
AutoZone was founded in 1979 by JR “Pitt” Hyde, the first chairman and CEO of wholesale grocer Auto Shack.
In 1991, AutoZone became a public company after listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the name “AZO”.
A few years later, the company entered the Fortune 500 list for the first time in 1999.
William C. Rhodes III has served as AutoZone’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since 2005 and is the fourth person to hold this position since AutoZone was founded.
AutoZone also acquired other businesses, including ALLDATA, a leading supplier of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and online retailer AutoAnything.
On the other hand, O’Reilly opened its first store in Springfield, Missouri in 1957 by Charlie O’Reilly.
O’Reilly has experienced a similar expansion to AutoZone over the years. Although it has fewer stores than AutoZone, O’Reilly has a strong presence in most states.
As part of its expansion plans, O’Reilly acquired a number of stores, including CSK Auto in 2008, VIP Parts in 2012, Tires and Service and Bond Auto Parts in 2016.
In Mexico, the retailer acquired Mayasa Auto Parts in 2019, increasing its international presence.
In 1993, O’Reilly went public and is now traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol ORLY.
In 2018, O’Reilly named co-president Greg Johnson as CEO and Jeff Shaw as chief operating officer.
Greg Henslee becomes Executive Vice Chairman of the Board and David O’Reilly continues as Executive Chairman of the Board.
Which is cheaper: AutoZone or O’Reilly?
AutoZone and O’Reilly are priced competitively, especially since they operate the same products and services.
Because of this, the price difference isn’t that big. You may find some parts cheaper from AutoZone and others from O’Reilly.
If you buy general maintenance products, such as batteries, wipers, oil, etc., the price of the two stores should differ by a few dollars.
However, if you’re shopping for major replacement parts, it’s advisable to shop around and compare prices.
AutoZone vs. O’Reilly: Return Policy
If you need to return a defective item or wrong order to any of these stores, O’Reilly has the widest window.
The retailer has no time limit for customers to return products to the store for a refund.
O’Reilly’s return policy is more flexible, so it’s perfect for when you need to return a few months after your purchase. However, it should be unused and you should have a receipt.
AutoZone, on the other hand, has a 90-day return policy that customers need to follow if they need a replacement or a refund from the store.
Both retailers require you to return auto parts and accessories with the original packaging and receipt.
Plus, if you ordered online, you can also return or send the product back in-store.
AutoZone vs. O’Reilly: Price Match
AutoZone and O’Reilly offer price matching services. You can request a price match at any of these stores as long as the product is the same.
However, according to their price matching policy, neither store will offer a lower price if you’re comparing an online retailer like Amazon.
Instead, use this service only if you compare it to competitors like Advance Auto.
AutoZone vs. O’Reilly: Shipping
Since customers can order products online from both stores, delivery is available for most products.
Both stores have same-day and next-day shipping policies for certain products. Therefore, you can check the website for confirmation before processing your order.
AutoZone and O’Reilly: Rewards Program
O’Reilly and AutoZone offer rewards for customer loyalty.
If you sign up for a rewards program, you can get exclusive offers, discounts and earn points that you can redeem for rewards.
For AutoZone, the rewards program allows customers to earn $20 for every five purchases. These bonus awards expire after 90 days.
On the other hand, the O’Reilly rewards program allows customers to earn points for every dollar spent.
After spending $150 and earning 150 points, you’ll get a $5 reward that you can redeem.
AutoZone and O’Reilly: Customer Satisfaction
According to Trustpilot reviews, the AutoZone store has a customer satisfaction rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.
Reviews on Consumer Affairs ranked AutoZone higher because its staff were more helpful.
O’Reilly scored lower than AutoZone because of its less efficient service compared to AutoZone.
AutoZone vs. O’Reilly: Employee Satisfaction
According to reviews on Indeed, AutoZone has a 3.5 rating, while O’Reilly has a 3.4 out of 5 stars.
AutoZone offers better career advancement opportunities than its competitors.
Compensation and leadership culture are also better, which means the company is a better place to work.
However, if you’re looking for a job at any of these stores, you need to think carefully about each position.
These salaries and wages vary from position to position; therefore, it is advisable to make a comparison first.
To learn more about AutoZone, you can also read our posts on AutoZone Competitors, AutoZone vs. NAPA, and AutoZone vs. Advance Auto Parts.
in conclusion
AutoZone and O’Reilly aren’t too different. However, as a customer, you may find that one of the stores has a better deal than the other, depending on the products and services you need.
Both companies have high-quality OEM and third-party auto parts and accessories to meet different customer needs. They have many similarities in their products and services, but also have different policies for their customers.
