Jobber News Executive Outlook 2025: Sean Stokes

Jobber News reached out to leaders in the supply and distribution segment of the automotive aftermarket and asked them what they see happening in the industry over the next 12 months, what will improve, what one challenge to the industry will be and what opportunities are out there for jobbers and suppliers alike. We will present their answers in alphabetical order over the coming weeks…

You can view the full feature in our January 2025 issue.

Sean Stokes, VP, Auto Parts, GM  |  PartSource

We are seeing a bifurcation in product selection where customers are shifting away from mid-tier product and selecting either premium parts or shifting to the opening price point products.

Higher costs of living along with higher interest rates over the last few years have pushed customers to fix their existing vehicles instead of looking at new ones. It has also impacted the amount of non-essential projects people are doing with their vehicles. We are seeing a bifurcation in product selection where customers are shifting away from mid-tier product and selecting either premium parts or shifting to the opening price point products. Lower interest rates will be a positive headwind for the aftermarket in 2025. The aftermarket in Canada will continue to experience similar growth to what was experienced in 2024 for the upcoming year.

We will see continued consolidation of competitors in the Canadian aftermarket in 2025. This will drive the continued importance of partnerships and aligning with the suppliers that are adding the most value to your end consumers. Generative AI technology strategies will continue to drive efficiencies and improve decision making for aftermarket companies. These technologies will continue to improve aftermarket in-stock and digital interfaces to create a more seamless ordering process for installers and DIY customers. More companies will need to get involved in efforts to reinforce right to repair. This will be a key driver of business over the next few years.

With lower interest rates expect to see larger aftermarket jobbers and distributors expand their warehouse options. Talent acquisition and training of counter staff and technicians continue to be a vital component of success as it seems the overall talent pool for the aftermarket is shrinking. Participating in the AIA Canada recruiting and training efforts will provide companies with a helpful support mechanism for employee engagement.