This paper is dedicated to the memory of Linda Anderson, research writer and well of wisdom. AutoZone, Inc. Introduction AutoZone stores can be found in virtually every town of any size in America, and it's becoming more common in Mexico. As general retail suffers convulsions in the present economy, AutoZone continues to improve year after year. Company Description Overview Founded in 1979, AutoZone opened as Auto Shack in Arkansas but later changed its name as it changed its headquarters to Memphis, Tennessee. It is one of the country's leading specialty retailers of automobile replacement parts, accessories and direct auto service. It "operates in the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) retail, Do-It-for-Me (DIFM) commercial and other customer markets" (Raman, 2008). As of August 30, 2008, it did so at its "4,092 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and 148 stores in Mexico" (Raman, 2008). Both in the DIY and DIFM markets, AutoZone provides a full range of replacement parts for virtually all makes and models of cars commonly found in current use, and supplies many local repair garages with the parts they need for their customers. It also offers a broad range of consumer, hobbyist and body repair products and tools (AutoZone Inc. (AZO): Profile, 2008). AutoZone offers products and services crucial to its commercial markets. It offers a "commercial sales program that provides commercial credit, and delivery of parts and other products to local, regional, and national repair garages, dealers, and service stations" (AutoZone Inc. (AZO): Profile, 2008). The company also "sells the ALLDATA brand automotive diagnostic and repair software, as well as diagnostic and repair information, auto and light truck parts, and accessories on the Web at autozone.com" (AutoZone Inc. (AZO): Profile, 2008). As other retailer