Advance Auto Opened New Store in Athens
The company has expanded its local footprint while providing financial support to a college program.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Auto Parts
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Advance Auto has opened its fifth store in Athens at 5055 Jefferson Road. The retailer also marked the expansion by donating $1,000 to the local automotive technology program at Athens Technical College.
Why it matters
The investment supports the training of future technicians during a period of high workforce demand. Strengthening local educational pipelines helps ensure the availability of skilled labor for automotive repair and maintenance.
Advance Auto now operates five stores in Athens as part of its network of 4,311 locations. The company also provided a $1,000 donation to Athens Technical College, the second such contribution made this year.
The players
Advance Auto
This is a major retail chain that provides automotive parts and accessories to customers across the United States and international markets.
Athens Technical College
This institution provides technical and vocational education, including an automotive technology program designed to prepare students for the workforce.
The details
A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the new facility on Jefferson Road. The automotive program chair at Athens Technical College accepted the donation to fund ongoing training initiatives for students.
Timeline
Advance Auto made two donations to the college in 2026.
Projected annual job openings for technicians run through 2034.
Roadmap
This expansion reflects the ongoing effort by major automotive retailers to secure a skilled labor force by partnering with regional technical institutions. By funding training programs, the industry aims to bridge the gap between educational preparation and the high demand for qualified technicians.
Local drivers in the area gain access to a new retail location for vehicle parts and maintenance supplies. The corporate funding also supports the local technical college by enhancing the resources available for students pursuing automotive careers.
The takeaway
Maintaining close ties between private corporations and technical schools is a key strategy for stabilizing the automotive repair labor market. Residents can expect continued educational investments as businesses look to fill roughly 70,000 annual technician positions through 2034.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry updates in the Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Athens Banner-Herald.
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