U.S. News: O’Reilly Chain Opens Store 1,000

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. opened its 1,000th store last Friday, Jan. 17, 2003, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
The store opening was viewed as significant milestone for the company, which has added 42 stores to the chain since last September.
O’Reilly has opened or acquired 868 stores since going public in April 1993. O’Reilly acquired Hi/LO Automotive, Inc., in 1998, which nearly doubled the size of the company, adding 188 stores. In 2001, the company acquired Mid-State Automotive Distributors, Inc., adding 82 stores and expanding O’Reilly presence to 16 contiguous states. Also in 2001, O’Reilly met its goal, set in 1998, of $1 billion U.S. in sales within five years, one year early. In 2002, the company announced its 2-4-Your Future goal, representing a challenge to reach $2 billion in sales within four years.
“I’m so proud of our team and the hard work and dedication of each member," says Larry O’Reilly, co-chairman of the board and chief operating officer. "Opening our 1,000th store is yet another significant milestone for Team O’Reilly. This store opening brings us one step closer to reaching our 2-4-Your Future goal."