Tripling of Outlets Helps Reddi Brake Boost Revenue

Same-store sales of Ventura-based Reddi Brake Supply Corp. were up only slightly in December, but the company showed a large overall revenue increase due to a tripling of its number of outlets.

Sales in December were 5% higher than those in November, reflecting a historical slowdown in demand for auto parts during the Christmas season, Reddi said. Stores operated for a year or more showed a 20% increase over December, 1993, the firm reported.

But a sharp increase in outlets, to 82 from 25 a year ago, spurred net sales to $3.7 million in December, a 155% increase over $1.4 million the previous December.

Reddi distributes brake systems, chassis components and other car parts, mainly to professional mechanics. The rapidly expanding firm opened five new outlets during December. Its outlets are concentrated in the West, Southwest, Southeast and Midwest.

Reddi’s stock trades on the Nasdaq market.