MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept. 8, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO), the nation's leading auto parts retailer and a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories, announced today that the State of Arkansas has joined a growing list of states who are adopting AutoZone's Automotive Parts and Supplies contract under the U.S. Communities Group Cooperative Purchasing Alliance.
After a competitive field analysis and a service pilot program, the State of Arkansas Department of Procurement made the decision to adopt AutoZone's U.S. Communities Group Cooperative Purchasing Alliance contract offering for all State Agencies as part of an ongoing effort to improve purchasing efficiency throughout the entire state. The contract will allow state agencies and local municipalities in the State of Arkansas the opportunity to realize the cost savings provided on all of the products offered under the AutoZone contract. The contract was formally adopted on July 1, 2009.
The State of Arkansas will have access to the AutoZone Strategic Partners program that will allow state agencies the opportunity to share best operating practices and product testing results with fleet operating groups from across the country that are similar in size. AutoZone has recently launched the "AutoZone: Great Brands, Great Products" initiative as part of the Strategic Partners program for public sector customers. The "Great Brands, Great Products" program helps public sector fleet groups to realize the additional strategic sourcing savings that can be achieved through the consolidated use of AutoZone's everyday store stocked brands and products.
"On behalf of 588 AutoZoners in 59 locations across the State of Arkansas, we look forward to working with the various state agencies and local governments to help lower their costs while providing an extraordinary level of customer service. The entire AutoZone team is excited about the opportunity to grow our business in the State of Arkansas with the AutoZone WOW! Customer Service model," said Larry Roesel, Senior Vice President of AutoZone Commercial.
About AutoZone:
As of May 9, 2009, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 4,172 AutoZone stores in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico in the U.S. and 168 stores in Mexico.
AutoZone is the leading retailer and a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States. Each store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Many stores also have a commercial sales program that provides commercial credit and prompt delivery of parts and other products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, and service stations. AutoZone also sells the ALLDATA brand diagnostic and repair software. On the web, AutoZone sells diagnostic and repair information, and auto and light truck parts through www.autozone.com. AutoZone does not derive revenue from automotive repair or installation.
About U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance:
U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance is a nonprofit that assists local and state government agencies, school districts (K-12), higher education, and nonprofits in reducing the cost of purchased goods through pooling the purchasing power of public agencies nationwide. This is accomplished through competitively solicited contracts for quality products through lead public agencies.
Today more than 32,000 public agencies utilize U.S. Communities contracts and suppliers to procure 1 billion dollars in products and services annually. Each month more than 400 new public agencies register to participate. The continuing rapid growth of public agency participation is fueled by the program's proven track record of providing public agencies unparalleled value.