Business & Tech
Napa Auto Parts Relocates with Jump Across Highway 241
After years on the north side of the highway, Napa is set to move into the original Thrifty White Drug location on the south side of Highway 241, next to Hardware Hank.
No need to be alarmed when you see the For Lease or For Sale signs at the current NAPA Auto Parts store. They aren't going anywhere.
"We're expanding," operations manager Gary Nevin said earlier this week.
The current lease was up at the end of May, so the decision has been a couple months in the making. "The space [located between and ] is a much better setup, and it pretty much doubles our usable space," store manager Eric Cegon said.
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Another part of the decision was a location with more traffic.
"We are really looking forward to being more visible and becoming an even stronger business," Nevin said.
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The St. Michael location is part of the Cottens group which runs six other locations throughout the metro area, including Anoka, Buffalo, Osseo, Prior Lake, Rogers and Spring Lake Park.
Some may find it both surprising see is also the new stores neighbor. While management says that didn't take a place in their decision to relocate, it will only continue to keep both stores competitive.
"People already shop around for the best prices online," Nevin sad.
Sandwiched between both auto parts shops is Hardware Hank who also looks forward to a new neighbor.
"It's nice to have someone in there and some added traffic," store manager Justin Petrich said.
In this case, customers will only have a short walk from one store to the other to find the best deal.
"I just hope we don't have to referee," Petrich said with a laugh.
The new and improved Napa opens today, Thursday, May 31.