This summer saw significant expansion activity by convenience store chains, with several major players pushing into new states and metropolitan areas.
Both QuikTrip and Kwik Trip announced stores in new territories — the former in Colorado and the Chicago area, the latter in Michigan. Royal Farms also outlined its first store in Michigan.
What’s driving the rapid pace of expansion? For some chains, these are gradual movements into new markets. Others, meanwhile, are in the midst of a significant growth push as they look to bring their beloved brands to new customers.
That’s certainly the case with Wawa, which recently broke ground on its first store in Alabama, slated to open in 2024. That chain, known far and wide for its foodservice, is in the midst of its “most aggressive growth” period ever, CEO Chris Gheysens told the Philadelphia Business Journal. It’s also the plan for Buc-ee’s, the chain with the beloved supersized stores that recently pushed beyond Texas and now has its sights set on Missouri, Colorado and beyond.
Read on for more on the expansion plans of several c-store chains.
6 c-stores pushing into new markets
Convenience chains are always looking to expand, but this summer saw a flurry of activity from companies like Wawa and Buc-ee’s that are aiming to reach new customers.
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Wawa begins construction on first Alabama location
By Brett Dworski • Sept. 13, 2022The company’s first site in Fairhope, Alabama is slated to open in 2024 — and so are a heap of other new-to-market stores around the country. Read the full article ➔
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Royal Farms expanding to Michigan, its first location outside the East Coast
By Brett Dworski • Sept. 14, 2022The c-store chain will have a store inside a 2-million-square-foot trade center being built in Romulus, a suburb about 20 miles West of Detroit. Read the full article ➔
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Kwik Trip debuts first store in Michigan with another to open this year
By Brett Dworski • Sept. 16, 2022The expansion puts the convenience store on the map in five states as it looks to grow its footprint further north. Read the full article ➔
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Amazon Go opens first location in Southern California, with another on the way
By Brett Dworski • Sept. 14, 2022The 4,100 square-foot c-store in Whittier, California, is Amazon Go’s second store that follows its new suburban format. Read the full article ➔
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QuikTrip is coming to Chicago as battle for Windy City market share heats up
By Brett Dworski • Sept. 22, 2022The convenience store chain’s expansion plans come just one month after Circle K announced its push into the area long dominated by 7-Eleven. Read the full article ➔
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Buc-ee’s announces store in Missouri, will expand West in 2024
By Brett Dworski • Aug. 17, 2022The c-store chain, known for its massive stores and variety of food options, will offer full-time benefits like 401(k) matching and three weeks of vacation to workers at the upcoming 53,000-square-foot location. Read the full article ➔
