Murfreesboro is now home to a milestone for one of the country's largest auto parts retailers. AutoZone, Inc. celebrated the opening of its 8,000th store in Murfreesboro on September 10, 2026, marking 47 years of growth since the company's first store opened.
A Ribbon Cutting With the Governor
To mark the occasion, AutoZone hosted a grand opening ceremony with an official ribbon cutting that included AutoZone leaders, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, according to the company's announcement.
"Store number 8,000 is not the finish line," said Phil Daniele, AutoZone's President and Chief Executive Officer, Customer Satisfaction. "It reflects nearly five decades of growth driven by staying true to our Pledge and Values, investing in our AutoZoners and remaining focused on serving customers—our greatest opportunities are still ahead."
Daniele also credited the company's employees, customers and communities. "Achieving this milestone was made possible by the dedication of our incredible AutoZoners, the loyalty of our customers and the trust of the communities we serve," he said.
What the New Murfreesboro AutoZone Offers
According to AutoZone, the new Murfreesboro store gives local drivers and commercial businesses access to thousands of automotive replacement parts and maintenance items. The store also offers AutoZone's signature free services:
- Free battery testing and charging
- Fix Finder diagnostic services
- Loan-A-Tool program for borrowing specialty tools
Those services are useful for do-it-yourself drivers who handle their own maintenance. For jobs that call for a professional, see OnlyInMurfreesboro's guides to auto repair in Murfreesboro, oil change shops and tire shops.
Why Murfreesboro
AutoZone is headquartered in Memphis, and Murfreesboro.com notes the city is about three hours from the company's home base and is one of the fastest-growing cities in one of Tennessee's fastest-growing counties. Other major retail openings in Murfreesboro this fall include the Buc-ee's opening in Murfreesboro on Nov. 16.
From Auto Shack to 8,000 Stores
AutoZone's first store opened on July 4, 1979, in Forrest City, Arkansas. Founder J.R. "Pitt" Hyde III originally opened the business as Auto Shack before it became AutoZone.
As of August 29, 2026, AutoZone reported:
- 6,863 stores in the United States
- 1,001 stores in Mexico
- 167 stores in Brazil
- 8,031 stores in total
The company also sells parts online through AutoZone.com and serves repair shops and fleets through its commercial program and AutoZonePro.com.
Costs Are on Drivers' Minds
The milestone store opens as many Murfreesboro households and businesses keep a close eye on vehicle costs. Fuel prices climbed sharply in September, as OnlyInMurfreesboro reported in its coverage of record diesel prices and their impact on local businesses. Nissan is also weighing a third production shift at its nearby Smyrna plant, covered in what the new Rogue Hybrid could mean for Smyrna jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is AutoZone's 8,000th store?
AutoZone's 8,000th store is in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The company celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting on September 10, 2026.
Who attended the AutoZone 8,000th store opening in Murfreesboro?
AutoZone leaders, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn took part in the official ribbon cutting, according to AutoZone.
What free services does AutoZone offer in Murfreesboro?
The new store offers free battery testing and charging, Fix Finder diagnostic services and the Loan-A-Tool program.
How many AutoZone stores are there?
As of August 29, 2026, AutoZone had 8,031 stores: 6,863 in the U.S., 1,001 in Mexico and 167 in Brazil.
When was the first AutoZone opened?
The first store opened July 4, 1979, in Forrest City, Arkansas, under the name Auto Shack.
Sources: AutoZone press release via GlobeNewswire and Murfreesboro.com.
*Photo via AftermarketNews.*