Convenience retailers of all sizes have spent the past few years exploring new ways to build and remodel their locations as a means to draw in more customers. Tulsa, Oklahoma-based QuikTrip has been a big part of this trend with the fast rollout of its remote travel centers. Now, the company has its sights set on another store format that marks the next evolution of its standard locations.
QuikTrip has launched the first set of its Generation 4 convenience stores near its home base in Tulsa, as well as in Wichita, Kansas, and Joplin, Missouri. Two more are set to debut this year in Tulsa and Crestwood, Missouri. Each new Gen 4 location creates about 24 new jobs, QuikTrip has said.
The 6,400-square-foot c-stores are about 1,000 square feet larger than a traditional QuikTrip — but still smaller than the 8,200-square-foot travel centers — and aim to give customers a smoother shopping layout and help employees work more efficiently.
In an announcement for both the Wichita and Joplin stores, QuikTrip said it took three years to develop the Gen 4 concept, implementing feedback from customers as well as employees across operations, store development, food service and real estate.
“Gen 4 shows what happens when you design around the people who know our customers best and give them the tools to serve them even better,” QuikTrip Corporate Communications Manager Aisha Jefferson said in both announcements.
The building features expanded storefront windows and a glass vestibule, which aim to create a brighter, more welcoming environment while improving temperature control and cleanliness. A spokesperson for the City of Crestwood confirmed back in January that location will also feature 12 gas pumps in the forecourt.
Once inside the store, customers can find an expanded QT Kitchens foodservice program, featuring made-to-order and grab-and-go offerings like burritos, pizza, sandwiches and frozen beverages.
Back in January, QuikTrip’s spokesperson said the kitchen is twice the size of that of a standard location. There’s additional space for kiosk ordering and food pickup, as well as a dedicated waiting area that helps reduce congestion and improve flow during busy periods.
The dispensed drinks area features the revamped beverage program QuikTrip unveiled last summer in a bid to become a leader in beverage innovation.
The store also includes eight individual, family-friendly restrooms — including four ADA-compliant units with baby changing stations — allowing for easier maintenance and greater availability. It also includes a “streamlined checkstand layout” to help employees move customers through more quickly during peak hours, QuikTrip has said.
Beyond its public areas, the Gen 4 store design includes expanded storage space. That, along with the improved kitchen layout, make it easier for employees to manage inventory, maintain equipment and keep popular items in stock.
The design allows for future testing of features like site-specific pickup or delivery options without requiring major structural changes.
“Gen 4 is about getting it right – and staying flexible so we can keep delivering the excellent experience our customers expect,” QuikTrip Vice President of Store Design and Projects Kelli Ostmeyer said in both announcements.
