Supercheap Auto is an Australian automotive parts and accessories retailer. It was founded in 1972, operating as a mail-order business, and opened its first store in Brisbane in 1974. It now has 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand. Supercheap Auto won Canstar Blue's customer satisfaction award for auto stores in 2013. From the commencement of its automotive accessories retail business in 1972, Supercheap Auto has grown to over 320 non-franchised stores across every state and territory in Australia and in both islands of New Zealand. The phenomenal growth over the years of Supercheap Auto has seen the recent development of new store formats.
In 1972, Reg and Hazel Rowe founded an automotive accessories mail order business. By 1974, the business had a turnover of $1 million and opened its first retail location in Brisbane. In 1993, the business was operating seven stores and Bob Thorn joined the company as Director of Retail Operations. Within 12 months the number of stores operating increased to 14 and Thorn was appointed General Manager. In 1997, Thorn was appointed Managing Director and served in this role until January 2006. During his tenure, the business quickly grew to over 200 stores.
