As one of the largest and most successful auto parts retailers in the U.S., AutoZone is known for its extensive inventory, reliable advice and outstanding customer service. But for the company‘s 100,000 employees, one of the biggest perks of working at AutoZone is the generous employee discount program.
If you‘re an AutoZoner, you already know that your employee discount can lead to major savings on the parts, tools and accessories you use every day. But are you taking full advantage of this valuable benefit? And how does AutoZone‘s discount stack up against other retailers? Let‘s take a closer look.
Dissecting the AutoZone Employee Discount
The core of AutoZone‘s discount program is a 20% discount on most regular-priced merchandise. This discount is available to all part-time and full-time AutoZoners from day one of employment. There‘s no waiting period or minimum hours requirement – if you‘re an employee, you‘re eligible.
To put that 20% in perspective, here‘s how it compares to employee discounts at some of AutoZone‘s top competitors:
| Retailer | Employee Discount |
|---|---|
| Advance Auto Parts | 20% |
| Genuine Parts Company (NAPA) | 30% |
| O‘Reilly Auto Parts | 20% plus special Employee Pricing |
As you can see, AutoZone‘s 20% discount is on par with other major auto parts retailers. It may not be the highest discount out there, but it‘s certainly competitive.
Now, you might be wondering just how much that 20% can save you over the course of a year. Let‘s do the math:
Suppose you spend an average of $100 per month on auto parts, tools and supplies using your employee discount. That‘s $1,200 per year. At a 20% discount, you‘d save $240 annually just by using your employee perk.
To put it another way, that $240 in savings is equivalent to a $0.12 per hour pay increase, assuming you work full-time (2,000 hours per year). Not too shabby!
Of course, your mileage may vary depending on how often you shop and what you buy. But there‘s no denying that an employee discount can add up to significant savings over time.
Beyond the Discount: More Ways to Save at AutoZone
The 20% merchandise discount is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to saving money as an AutoZone employee. Here are a few more perks and programs you should know about:
AutoZoner Extras Employee Portal
AutoZone‘s internal employee website, AutoZoner Extras, is a goldmine of exclusive discounts and special offers. Just log in with your employee ID to access deals on everything from cell phone plans and movie tickets to vacations and car rentals.
Some of the current offers available through AutoZoner Extras include:
- 20% off AT&T wireless plans
- Up to 40% off hotel stays through Wyndham
- Discounted tickets to theme parks like Six Flags and SeaWorld
- $500 cash back on the purchase or lease of a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram vehicle
- 15% off Dell computers and electronics
These deals are negotiated specifically for AutoZone employees, so you won‘t find them anywhere else. And with new offers added regularly, it pays to check the portal often.
AutoZone Rewards for Employees
All AutoZone shoppers can earn Rewards points on their purchases, but employees have an extra advantage. By linking your Rewards account to your employee ID, you‘ll earn 5 points for every $30 you spend.
Those points can really add up, especially if you‘re using your employee discount to make frequent purchases. Every 100 points earns you a $5 or $10 reward to use on a future purchase. So if you spend $100 per month at AutoZone using your discount and Rewards, you could earn an extra $20 in Rewards every year.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
AutoZone employees also have the opportunity to become shareholders through the company‘s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Participants can invest 1% to 10% of their eligible pay to purchase AutoZone stock at a 15% discount.
Here‘s how it works: Each quarter, AutoZone stock is offered to employees at 15% off the lower of the stock price at the beginning or end of the quarter. Contributions are deducted from your paycheck post-tax, and shares are purchased on your behalf at the end of the quarter.
Over time, participating in the ESPP can be a smart way to build wealth and share in AutoZone‘s financial success. And with the 15% discount, you‘re essentially getting free money to invest. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the plan details and understand the risks before enrolling.
The Bigger Picture: AutoZone‘s Total Rewards
An employee discount is certainly valuable, but it‘s just one component of AutoZone‘s total compensation package. To really understand the value of working for AutoZone, you have to look at the full range of benefits available, including:
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Comprehensive health insurance: AutoZone offers several medical plan options, including an HSA plan with company contributions. Dental and vision coverage, life insurance and disability are also available. Premiums can be as low as $25 per week for individual coverage.
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401(k) retirement savings: AutoZone matches a generous 25% of employee 401(k) contributions, up to 6% of your pay. You‘re fully vested in the company match after just 3 years of service.
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Tuition reimbursement: AutoZone will reimburse up to $2,500 per year in tuition expenses for approved undergraduate coursework, and up to $5,250 for graduate programs. That‘s a huge benefit for employees looking to advance their education and career.
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Paid time off: Full-time AutoZoners can accrue up to 2 weeks of paid vacation per year, plus personal days and sick time. The company also offers paid holidays and bereavement leave.
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Career advancement: AutoZone is known for promoting from within, with over 80% of managers starting as entry-level employees. The company provides extensive training and leadership development programs to help employees grow their career.
When you add it all up, AutoZone‘s benefits package is designed to support employees‘ health, financial security, education and career growth. And that‘s on top of the merchandise discounts and special offers available to AutoZoners.
Getting the Most from Your AutoZone Discount
So how can you maximize your savings as an AutoZone employee? Here are a few tips:
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Know what‘s eligible. Most regular-priced items are fair game for your 20% discount, but there are some exclusions. Review AutoZone‘s policy so you know what qualifies.
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Stack your savings. Combine your employee discount with sale prices, Rewards points and AutoZoner Extras offers to multiply your savings.
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Plan ahead for big purchases. If you‘re eyeing a big-ticket item like a toolbox or diagnostic scanner, watch for it to go on sale and use your discount for an even better deal.
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Share the wealth. AutoZone allows employees to use their discount when buying gifts for others. Your friends and family will appreciate the savings!
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Check the AutoZoner Extras portal. Get in the habit of browsing the employee discount portal regularly for new deals and offers.
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Consider the ESPP. If you can afford to contribute, AutoZone‘s Employee Stock Purchase Plan is a great way to invest in the company‘s success while getting an extra 15% discount.
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Take advantage of tuition benefits. If you‘re looking to further your education, don‘t overlook AutoZone‘s generous tuition reimbursement program.
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Use your Rewards. Scan your Rewards account every time you shop, whether you‘re buying for yourself or others. Those points can really pay off over time.
By following these tips and making the most of all the discounts and perks available, AutoZoners can enjoy significant savings and get the most value from their employee benefits.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, AutoZone‘s employee discount program is a valuable perk that reflects the company‘s appreciation for its workforce. While a 20% merchandise discount may not seem life-changing on its own, it can really add up over time, especially when combined with AutoZone‘s other savings opportunities and benefits.
Whether you‘re a long-time AutoZoner or just considering a job with the company, it‘s important to understand and take advantage of all the rewards available to you. From exclusive discounts and stock purchase plans to tuition assistance and career development, AutoZone offers a comprehensive package designed to support and benefit its employees.
So the next time you use your AutoZone employee discount, remember: it‘s more than just a way to save a few bucks on motor oil or brake pads. It‘s a symbol of your value to the company and a reminder of all the perks and opportunities that come with being an AutoZoner.
