Advance Auto parts is closing 700 stores nationwide.

They are placed where they are needed
...and where the rent happens to be cheaper.

I agree with most of what's been said. It'll be shitty if all of the brick and motar auto part stores were gone. They're great for small things that you need in a pinch - random light bulb, electric connector, qt of fluid, etc. However, we are all pretty lucky to have suck quick shipping on most stuff available through Amazon, Summit and such.