AutoZone Inc., the Memphis, Tenn.-based retail auto parts supply chain, says it has leased 12,000 square feet of floor space on Spokane's North Side for a new store.

Company spokeswoman Brenda E. Berry says the company expects to open the store in July in the former America the Beautiful Dreamer Inc. site at 7306 N. Division. AutoZone's stores typically have about 10 employees, Berry says.

Chad Carper and Jim Quigley, both of Kiemle & Hagood Co., handled the lease.

AutoZone operates more than 4,100 stores in the U.S., including a total of five outlets in Spokane and Kootenai counties. It has Spokane-area stores at 2526 N. Division and 13911 E. Sprague. It also has stores in Deer Park, north Spokane County, and Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, in Kootenai County.

Berry says the company has experienced steady growth and continues to open new stores despite the current economic downturn.

Last week, the company reported its net income rose to $173.7 million on sales of $1.66 billion in its latest fiscal quarter ended May 9, up from net income of $158.6 million on sales of $1.52 billion in the year-earlier period.