Thanksgiving Day, a time for family, feasts, and… car trouble? If you’re facing unexpected vehicle issues on this holiday, finding a reliable car parts store becomes crucial. While many businesses close their doors for Thanksgiving, the need for auto parts doesn’t take a holiday. This brings us to the story of O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., a company with a long history of serving customers, which might just be your answer when searching for “Car Parts Store Open On Thanksgiving”.
O’Reilly Auto Parts officially began its journey in Springfield, Missouri, in 1957. However, the O’Reilly family’s involvement in the automotive industry stretches back further, rooted in a drive for opportunity and progress. Michael Byrne O’Reilly, seeking a better life, immigrated from Ireland to America in 1849. His grandson, Charles Francis O’Reilly, entered the auto parts business in 1914. By 1924, Charles had developed a strong connection with the Springfield area while working for Fred Campbell Auto Supply. Recognizing the region’s potential, he moved there and eventually became manager of Link Motor Supply by 1932. His son, Charles H. (Chub) O’Reilly, joined him, and together they built Link into a leading auto parts store in the region.
In 1957, when Link Motor Supply planned changes that didn’t align with Charles F. and C.H. O’Reilly’s vision, they took a bold step. Instead of accepting retirement for the elder O’Reilly and a transfer for Chub, they decided to establish their own company: O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. They opened their first store on December 2, 1957, with a small team of 13 employees. From the outset, O’Reilly prioritized hard work and customer service. This dedication fueled impressive growth, with sales reaching $700,000 in their first full year of operation in 1958.
By 1961, O’Reilly’s success led to the creation of O’Reilly Automotive Distributors to serve independent jobbers, and their total volume reached $1.3 million. Their commitment to expansion continued, and by 1975, with annual sales hitting $7 million, they built a larger 52,000-square-foot warehouse. At this point, O’Reilly had expanded to nine stores across southwest Missouri, solidifying their regional presence as a reliable “car parts store”.
O’Reilly’s long-term stability was further strengthened in 1993 when the company went public. This move paved the way for significant expansion through new store openings and strategic mergers and acquisitions. Today, O’Reilly Auto Parts operates in 48 states, demonstrating remarkable growth from its single store beginnings.
Throughout its history, O’Reilly Automotive has maintained a philosophy of growth and progress, both for the company and its team members. This enduring principle underscores their commitment to being a dependable “car parts store” for their customers. While Thanksgiving hours can vary by location, O’Reilly’s history suggests a dedication to serving the automotive needs of their communities. To find out if your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store is open on Thanksgiving, it’s best to check their website or call ahead for specific holiday hours. Their legacy of service might just mean they are there for you when you need them most, even on Thanksgiving Day.
