Part stores hit by Net loss

More than half of Britain's 6,000 car accessory stores have been forced to close as a result of the Internet shopping boom

Auto Express Car Reviews

Online shoppers affecting parts sales on the high street, says new report

23rd May 2007

There are now only around 3,000 accessory shops still operating compared to 10 years ago, according to a report by spares supplier Car Parts Direct. It blames the closures on the decline of DIY maintenance and the rock-bottom prices now available on the Internet. The fact parts are delivered direct to your door makes buying on the Web even easier.

A Car Parts Direct spokesman said: "More motorists are now shopping online to get a cheaper deal, and high street stores are struggling to stay competitive." He added drivers could save more than £200 on a single part, if they compared prices.

A pair of front disc brakes for a Jaguar S-Type, for example, cost £323.28 at one Halfords store, while a franchised dealer charged £159.15 and Car Parts Direct had them for £119.92. At £26.96, its price for a pair of Toyota Avensis front brake pads was less than half the £69.11 charged at one official franchise.

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