Darnell Parts Service, Inc., owners of the locally owned NAPA Auto Parts store has merged with Carquest. Darnell Parts Service has been in business for 45 years beginning with Jasper Darnell in 1964 when he opened the original store location in Jonesville. The store is now located at 1020 North Bridge Street, Elkin.

"All of our employees will remain the same as well as the customer service we provide to the community," Sharon Poindexter said. "Timing is everything and this was the time to make a move. We discussed the decision to merge with the entire family and decided that this would be a very positive move for everybody. The merge will allow our employees benefits that we couldn't offer. It was just a good business decision."

The Carquest company has added over a third more inventory than was previously offered at the location, allowing customers more access to the parts needed.

"This was a win, win situation for our customers, our employees and the town," she said. "The store will now offer not only more inventory, but will have a few additional hours of operation also."

The Carquest store hours are Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. The store will remain closed on Sundays at this time.

The Darnell family tradition continued after Jasper Darnell's passing in 1967 with his wife Nita leaving her job at Chatham Manufacturing to run the family parts store. In 1981, the Darnell's joined the NAPA auto parts buying system and has continued until this weeks merger with Carquest. When the Darnell children, son Terry and daughter Sharon, became of age, they too joined the family business and have been the operational managers. They will remain with the merger.

Nita Darnell was the first woman to serve as director of the North Carolina Automotive Wholesales Association and Terry Darnell served as vice-president and president. He was also instrumental in bringing Tennessee into the association and changing the nane to (AAACT), Automotive Aftermarket Association of the Carolinas and Tennessee.

The Darnell family has carried out a theme of community service by volunteering with local charitable organizations in Elkin such as The Grace Clinic,

The Ark, and by doing mission work through their churches.

"The Carquest motto is "Our promise: a passion for excellence," Poindexter said. "This is what we have always strived to provide our customers and will continue to do. We're the same people at the same location, we're just flying under a different banner."

A grand opening of the Carquest location is planned for sometime in the next few weeks. 336-835-6272.