Ragans' Western Auto and the history of the brand... Controversial?

According to Wikipedia, Western Auto Supply Company was started by George Pepperdine in 1909 in Kansas City, Missouri as a supplier of automotive parts and accessories.  It started as a mail order business and opened its first retail store in 1921.  Western Auto was the first store to franchise it's name to new stores.  In 1987, Western Auto was purchased by Sears, Roebuck, & Co. and in 1998 by Advance Auto Parts.  In 2004, Advance Auto Parts stopped supplying parts and services to Western Auto stores, essentially killing the brand.  Dealers were allowed to use the Western Auto name free of charge until 2006, then the name had to be removed.  Our store is currently violating trademark-infringement laws, and while Advance has not brought any legal actions yet, there is a possibility that this may soon change. 

It is unknown to this blogger exactly when our franchise of Western Auto opened, but I do know that it was purchased by Dewey Ragans Sr. in 1970 from Clyde Collins, the original owner.  Personally, my family has taken their cars there to be worked on for years. I've never had any issues with them and they've always done a great job on the vehicles.  According to their website, they are one of the largest state inspection stations in Virginia by volume, and that says something about the quality of service locals receive at Ragans. I've always loved going though the isles and looking at the merchandise, some of which has been on the shelves for decades.  While I do understand the love of the old name, I fear the Ragans may be playing with fire still using the Western Auto brand.  I would hate this beloved local institution to face a lawsuit over it.

Ragans' Western Auto

5813 George Washington Mem. Hwy.

Yorktown, VA 23692
757-898-5047
service@ragans-westernauto.com
http://ragans-westernauto.com/

Store Hours:
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 4:30pm
Sunday Closed

Shop Hours:
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 7:00am - 4:30pm
Sunday Closed