Western Auto

Opening in Kansas City in 1909, Western Auto was once a mainstay for America's auto repair enthusiasts. Its founder, George Pepperdine, had a great vision and it spread to approximately 1200 stores across the nation. As other corporate giants came in through the years, they purchased it, altered it, and sold it to the next person until 2003 when Sears sold the majority of the company to Advance Auto Parts and closed the rest. Today, there are a few small reminders around. Some small towns still have the Western Auto signs in their town squares. Every once in a while a Western Auto product will show up in an antique store. But most notable in Kansas City is the unique triangular Western Auto building that rises above the skyline. It is now a Kansas City landmark.