Pep Boys Launches New Concepts Amid Sales Slump

PHILADELPHIA-Though its 2008 fiscal year results were less than desired, Pep Boys is planning to roll out two new concepts this year–smaller service-oriented stores and store-within-a-store areas that focus on “performance” vehicles, such as muscle cars, certain imports and trucks.

The company opened its first service store this quarter in Ventura, CA, with plans to open 15 more this year and an additional 20 to 40 units in 2010. Management said during its fourth-quarter conference call that it will look to lease existing spaces with car bays to fuel the expansion, as opposed to constructing new locations.