I completely stumbled on this place today while getting gas. I thought to myself, can this place really be an independent parts store, well yes indeed it is. As a matter of fact it is the last remaining independent parts store on the Southside, possibly Hampton Roads.
The outside of the building is modest and looks the part of a non-chain type store which I really like. Independents are like buried treasure, once you dig them up you can cherish your find. I only needed some washer fluid, so even though this place was small I was sure to find this. What I came to find out was these guys go head to head with the Auto Zones and O'Reilly's of the area, granted on a much smaller scale.
So I walked in and this place is extremely neat and tidy, but keep in mind small. It had the old tile and just was a really cool throw back. It reminded me of being younger and going to the corner hardware store with my Dad. Immediately the mid age man ask if he could help and he points me to what I need. I took a look around confirmed my suspicion that indeed this was a "Mom and Pop" store, or actually and Father/Son business that goes back 30 years. Both Father and son were together today behind the counter.
At check out I struck up a little conversation with the older gentlemen who said they were proud to be an independent and survive. But if you think just because they are small they cannot get you what you need think again. They have suppliers along the East Coast, even Canada that can get product to their store in a day. They also have three older Chevy S-10 trucks that serve the area garages with delivers of parts.
This was a treat for me and did make me realize where this country' roots are founded and it's not in large big box chain stores that often struggle with customer service. I would love to be optimistic and think this could survive a third generation. If you have a parts need and reside in the area check them out. read more