CSK Auto Tries Discount Retail in New Venture

CSK Auto Corp., the Phoenix company that owns and operates 1,130 auto parts stores in 20 states under the Checkers, Shuck’s and Kragen names, has gone embarked on a non-automotive retail venture.
With plans to expand across the U.S., the company began opening Pay N Save stores this spring in Phoenix and three locations now are selling items such garden windmills, treadmills, fishing gear, gazebos, flagpoles, bar stools, generators, water fountains, lawn tools, mowers and water toys. A fourth store is planned to open in August, also in Phoenix .
CSK ‘s business plan calls for it to have 10 Pay N Saves open in Arizona by the end of this year. Next year, the push will begin to put the stores in different markets across the country.
CSK Auto is a $1.5 billion company that operates Checker Auto Parts, Schuck’s Auto Supply and Kragen Auto Parts stores.
Aarin Centner, Pay N Save’s district manager, who was previously as a district manager for the company’s auto parts stores, describes the Pay N Save concept as a “mini Costco meets a tool store meets a Michael’s.”