Scores of shelves are being assembled in the new NAPA store to warehouse parts for storage and distribution to other area stores.

NAPA mega hub prepares to fill vacated Big Lots space

Webb City store will also be a parts hub for three other area stores 

NAPA mega hub to fill Big Lots space

The lights are on in the south section of the old Walmart/Consumers shopping center that Big Lots recently abandoned.

Jeff Mills, owner of NAPA Auto Parts stores in Pittsburg, Kan., Joplin and Carthage, says he’s preparing to open what he calls a NAPA mega hub in Webb City.

“It’s a new, exciting deal,” says Mills. Besides opening an additional store in the market, he says the store will be large enough to serve as an auxiliary to the warehouse in Kansas City. As a mega hub, the Webb City location will help supply other local stores. There will be a daily shuttle from Kansas City to Webb City, allowing orders placed by 11 a.m. to be delivered by 3 p.m.

Mills said he is hiring local people to run the store and plans to be open May 1.