Has anyone else had a chance to look over the 3rd quarter 2025 Real Deals flyer from NAPA? I used to be excited for the new flyer to see what kind of deals were advertised, but not anymore. I have purchased a lot of Carlyle hand tools over the years that were advertised at a substantial discount. It appears they have revamped the Carlyle line to include the a new green color and increasing the pricing to almost more than tool trucks. They have a BOGO special on double box ratcheting wrenches. The problem is the price for the 8mmx10mm wrench is $103.00! I think they have lost their mind with all the other options out there (Mountain, Gear Wrench, Tekton, etc.). Just my rant, but I'm bummed the good pricing is gone.
NAPA Real Deals Flyer
- Thread starter PACSUNSD
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If you Carlyle then buy Icon from HF they are made by the same company Infar tools Taiwan.
https://taiwantoday.tw/print/Econom...ool-kingdom%3A-Constant-pursuit-of-innovation
https://taiwantoday.tw/print/Econom...ool-kingdom%3A-Constant-pursuit-of-innovation
I was just reading Carlyle decided to "reinvent" themselves with "Venom Green" tools for Gen Z. Apparently research shows Gen Z likes Venom Green.
https://carlyletools.com/hand-tools
This is allegedly the same Carlyle sold at NAPA. Has anyone seen this at NAPA stores?
https://carlyletools.com/hand-tools
This is allegedly the same Carlyle sold at NAPA. Has anyone seen this at NAPA stores?
Is it me or does napa want too much for their hand tools and garage stuff?
They put the prices up or close to tool truck levels for sure. At $29ea I paid for them a few years ago they were a deal, I see the same one now with a green grip for $157. No deal.
IMO they priced themselves right out of the tool business.
I felt like even the old Evercraft? stuff was quite expensive, and there was nothing special about it. NAPA just doesn't seem to really want to sell tools.
I struggle to believe the Carlyle line is even worth the trouble -- I mean sure they sell some of it but is it enough to break even on the costs of contracting it, managing inventory, distribution and stock on hand?
It's too bad because a lot of it is good but Tekton, Capri, HF and even tool trucks can often offer a better value. I doubt any of the major players see Carlyle as a threat right now.
I struggle to believe the Carlyle line is even worth the trouble -- I mean sure they sell some of it but is it enough to break even on the costs of contracting it, managing inventory, distribution and stock on hand?
It's too bad because a lot of it is good but Tekton, Capri, HF and even tool trucks can often offer a better value. I doubt any of the major players see Carlyle as a threat right now.
That's the thing. Worst of both worlds. Too much compared to HF Icon stuff for example but not better than tool truck stuff and without the benefit of the tool truck stuff.
Whoever did their market and segmentation research must have had something in their mind that I cant understand.
yes they stepped over 100 $5 bills in their quest to find a $20. Probably on advice from a consultant who charged them $$$$$
I too wonder who's running the books there. I also think they'll eventually conclude there was something wrong with the tool market or the product line, but never consider maybe their pricing, marketing and promotion was the problem.
"We changed it to Venom Green and it still didn't fly off the shelves. Must be inflation. Or tariffs. Or the cycles of the moon. Alright, shut it down!"
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I'm bummed I didn't snag the compact locking flex head ratchets they used to carry when I had the chance.
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The long anti slip wrench sets were a great deal last year, & I sometimes find deals in the closeout bin. Otherwise Ebay has had some great deals on Carlyle/ NAPA tools.
I have that tool and it's my favorite ratchet. I picked it up because it was on sale at a price that was quite reasonable ($<30). I wasn't even looking for a flex head ratchet but because of the price, I decided to pick one up. I didn't even fully appreciate what I was buying at the time because I didn't realize most flex heads aren't locking.
This was years ago and when I needed another tool I didn't have, I checked out Carlyle and was shocked at how crazy expensive they had gotten.
Everyone else just swaps for whatever the current equivalent.
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There hasn't been a real deal at Napa in a long time. I remember the good times.
Just knowing their corporate mentality, I'm guessing they start by telling you to pound sand. If you push it they likely offer a bottom end ratchet.
I ordered some Valvoline EP ATF a week ago. It claimed they had it, but two days later I got an email saying the order was delayed with no further explanation.
My local store still claims to be able to get it next day. I realize there are different hubs, but if my store can get it, then "NAPA" can get it and ship it to me.
Basically their logistics are terrible. Don't make your problem the customers' problem -- one of the first rules in sales or just business in general.
Then again I should only be mad at myself because I know better -- effectively they've fooled me twice and that's on me.
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