3 Big Numbers is a weekly column that looks at a few key details from around the c-store industry.
Last week, we looked at M&A news in the convenience store industry. Today, we’ve decided to highlight fresh store openings. Two of today’s entries discuss new-to-industry stores, while the third is a new partnership between a retailer and a university.
In this week’s “3 Big Numbers,” Sheetz hits a milestone, Wawa debuts a new store format and Buc-ee’s makes a bold move.
800
The number of Sheetz stores now open.
When Sheetz opens its latest store in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday, the retailer isn’t just celebrating a grand opening— it’s also observing a big milestone. The company has reached 800 stores in its network.
While Sheetz’s growth ambitions may not be as oft-discussed as Wawa’s or 7-Eleven’s, the company still has lofty goals. It aims to surpass 1,000 locations by 2028. The retailer opened its 700th site on Sept. 12, 2023, so it’s taken about two years to open the last 100 locations. The pace will need to pick up to hit its 2028 target.
But for now, the company can take a well-earned victory lap. “Our family is incredibly humbled to be able to reach this milestone,” said Travis Sheetz, president and CEO of Sheetz.
8,000
The square footage of Wawa’s first travel center.
Wawa on Thursday also opened its first travel center. The 8,000-square-foot location in Hope Mill, North Carolina, has been in the works for more than a year.
In addition to more space in the store and larger bathrooms, the site will also include tractor-trailer parking, larger parking spots for RVs and more items geared toward professional drivers.
This is not Wawa’s largest store. That honor goes to its flagship store at 6th and Chestnut streets in Philadelphia, which is over 11,000 square feet. But the travel center concept has the potential to become a common part of Wawa’s footprint if the concept resonates with consumers.
1
The number of stores outside of Buc-ee’s travel centers that carry its goods.
Buc-ee’s stores are pit-stop meccas for many travelers. With their fresh food, clean bathrooms, dozens of fueling positions and massive shops, it’s no secret why they make for an entertaining break on a long drive.
But despite the growing cult following around the brand, the company hasn’t really expanded beyond the bounds of its stores. It has no official e-commerce presence, and there are no Buc-ee’s pop-up shops in other retailers’ locations.
Until now.
Texas A&M has become the first place outside of Buc-ee’s travel centers to carry its branded goods, including snacks and swag. Given the retailer’s founder is a graduate of Texas A&M, this may also be the only one, but time will tell.
