It’s confusing for sure...... I did some research since I have relatives that have been involved with Genuine Parts Company for years and have owned several stores. I have heard the two names interchanged for as long as I can remember.
Genuine Parts Co. and NAPA have been connected for about 90 years. Genuine Parts has a division called Automotive Parts Group which owns and manages the NAPA stores, franchises, and distribution centers. They always have, or have since 1928.
My local store was remodeled a year or so ago. I think GPC may be buying some of the franchises back and making them owned stores. I can’t find anything about changes in structure or ownership of the companies themselves or the distribution centers.
I did read that they are marketing more parts under the “Genuine Parts” name. That is a marketing tactic since it implies to people that it is a “OEM” part. So you may see the Genuine Parts name more where you used to see NAPA.
I found this on the NAPA website which seems to backup the theory that they may be buying some old franchises, and modernizing. Which is what happened to my store. Probably more marketing tactics to appeal to younger folks and particular demographics. I am expecting English to become a second language in my NAPA store, just as it has at Autozone and the others nearby.
“The Automotive Parts Group of Genuine Parts Company is one of North America's leading distributors of automotive replacement parts, accessory items and service items. This group consists of 61 NAPA Distribution Centers in the United States serving approximately 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores including 1,000 company owned stores. Clean, modern, organized stores appeal to do-it-yourself retail customers as well as automotive professionals. NAPA, a nationwide supplier, continues to add new stores and relocate older stores to improved, updated facilities.”