AUTOBACS - the letters in the name represent the giant auto parts retailer's core business:
- Appeal,
- Unique,
- Tires,
- Oil,
- Batteries,
- Accessories,
- Car audio, and
- Services
AUTOBACS SEVEN CO., LTD was established in 1948 as a wholesaler and retailer of automotive parts.
They pioneered automotive aftermarket specialty retailing in Japan with the first AUTOBACS store in 1974 in Osaka, and the retail network has since grown to become Japan's largest nationwide chain with over 500 stores.
They have expanded internationally, having already established 11 stores in Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, France, USA and China respectively.
In 1997 Autobacs launched the "Super Autobacs" concept. The first store was in the Chiba Prefecture. This is the company's largest store, dominating the local landscape. It is department store size, a cross between a theme park for car enthusiasts and an automotive retail store. There are now over 500 stores in Japan alone.
When the store opened, Japanese car culture aficionados rejoiced. Fuelled by Japanese race queen culture and the country's love of driving as a hobby activity, Super Autobacs fast became THE auto experience destination and the most successful auto parts chain in the country.

Complete with large fitting bays, located outside, Super Autobacs also has a workshop where one can see modified Supras, Nissan GT-Rs and other 'hot' cars being modified with the latest aftermarket accessories from HKS, CUSCO, TEIN, Tanabe, and Veilside, amongst others.
Customers are kept informed on the status of their cars in a couple ways. First, they can check a monitor in the service area to see when their cars were taken into service, when the technicians actually started work on those vehicles and when completion is expected. Or, if customers want to wander through the store, go to the movie inside the store or, if they just have to get some other business done and leave the store...no sweat--customers are given cell phones so that Autobacs can call them when the repairs are finished.
The store consists of several departments including the latest in-car entertainment. The huge CD and DVD selection comes courtesy of a partnership with Tower Records.
Watch the latest DRIFT DVDs in a multi-screen theatre or racing videos playing on 50-inch plasma TVs while the Super Autobacs staff fit an exhaust of set of wheels to your 'ride', or go to the cafe and restaurant, and select a book to read while you wait.
You have a choice of three movies shown in the store's three theaters, each with seating for more than 100 people. Interestingly, people who don't shop at the store come to the theatres, which means Autobacs has an opportunity to lure them onto the sales floor during their visit.
Super Autobacs have something for everyone - car care products, roof racks, 26" chrome wheels, 1000 HP ball-bearing turbo kits, sports exhaust systems, body kits, wheel and tyre packages, even cup holders in one hundred different configurations (colour, size, etc).
For parents who want to shop without being distracted by kids, there's a 'Kid's Park' childcare centre inside, fully staffed.
If you find it difficult to make a choice when it comes to modifying your car, then Super Autobacs can sell you a complete modified car from its new and used showroom, conveniently located next door.
The huge car park is also regularly used as a display area for car shows, demonstrations and training.
Super Autobacs have expanded to other Asian countries as well as the US and France.
In 2003 Super Autobacs opened its first U.S. store, Super Autobacs Car-Life, located in Orange County. At 35,000 sq.ft, it is the largest retail store dedicated to automotive parts and services in California.
According to President and CEO of Autobacs, Yasukiyo Tajima, “Super Autobacs is the car lover's utopia. From the moment you step into a Super Autobacs store, you know that your car lifestyle will never be the same."
"We've taken out the word 'boring' out of shopping for car essentials and raised the level of person 'car-life' support by carrying the coolest and widest selection of high-performance aftermarket products and accessories--anywhere. When it comes to your car, Autobacs is the ultimate shopping and service-oriented experience."
Within a few minutes of walking around you will be convinced that you are in Japan. As one US observer put it, “The store has a feel that we don't get from other stores in the States. It's very Japanese and that's a good thing. Hell, we purchased some hood pins for Silvia.”
The Orange County store stocks over 20,000 separate products including the newest and hottest brands, but the product selection is just the tip of the Super Autobacs iceberg. Central attractions include the autobay-as-art, where customers can watch hot customizations being installed by Autobacs mechanics (also known as "automotive Iron Chefs") while reclining in comfort in the custom-designed waiting rooms.
Super Autobacs customers spend an average of two hours in the Super Autobacs store near Tokyo. Most western merchandising techniques are designed to move customers through stores quickly, so as to save them time rather than compelling them to use their time to linger and examine what is for sale. This is the secret to the Super Autobacs concept.
One reason customers might linger is because of the store's size--55,000 sq. ft. The other--and real--reason is that the store is exciting, even for those whose first love is not cars. That's certainly not surprising since Autobacs set out to create a Disney-like atmosphere where you get more amazed as you go from "attraction to attraction."
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