New Statuses

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If you thought Murray's was already an auto supply store, Merz begs to differ. He says that O'Reilly focuses more on what he calls "hard" auto parts like alternators, starters, and other mechanical components. "Murray's was more of a retail, grab your cart and go up and down the aisles store." Murray's sold hard parts, too, but its focus was more on accessories like car mats, wipers, lightbulbs and, of course, fuzzy dice.

The physical reorientation reflects the change in emphasis. At Murray's, the parts counter was in the back of the store. Now it's up front next to the door--it's the first thing you see as you enter.

So say goodbye to Murray, the bearded, slightly wacked-out looking guy from the old Murray's logo--Merz says all 141 Murray's locations will be converted to O'Reilly Auto Parts stores by the end of 2010. Their sign--a cloverleaf--is a lot more staid.

O'Reilly Auto Parts, 2182 W. Stadium Blvd. 996-4100. Mon.-Sat. 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Sun.

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