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Wawa’s Growth Strategy Turns Toward the Southeast
from CSN-0522
by ensembleiq
The retailer’s goal is to operate a total of 1,800 convenience stores by 2030
WITH PLANS to double its footprint within the next decade, Wawa Inc. is zeroing in on growth in the Florida Panhandle region, along with adjacent markets in South Alabama.
The convenience store retailer “is actively looking” into sites for new stores in the Florida markets of Pensacola, Panama City and Tallahassee, along with Mobile, Ala. Wawa currently plans to open up to 40 convenience stores in these markets. The first of these locations are expected to welcome customers in 2024.
“Over the years, we’ve been delighted to hear from so many people from so many areas who are interested in having a Wawa closer to home. We couldn’t be more excited to bring Wawa’s one-of-a-kind brand and offering to these new markets in the near future,” said John Poplawski, vice president of real estate for Wawa. “We look forward to expanding beyond our current reach and serving these new markets with our quality fresh food and beverages and, as always, our deep commitment to the communities in which we operate.” This summer will mark the 10th anniversary of Wawa’s entry into Florida. The retailer welcomed customers at the first store, across from SeaWorld Orlando, on July 18, 2012. Over the past decade, Wawa has expanded throughout the state and will open its 250th store in the Sunshine State later this year. In all, Wawa employs almost 10,000 associates in Florida.
Along with new markets, Wawa plans to grow in its existing markets and is slated to open 54 new stores in 2022. It also plans to enter new adjacent markets over the next few years.
CEO Chris Gheysens recently told the Philadelphia Business Journal that the retailer is preparing for its “most aggressive growth” in the company’s history. As a result, Wawa will just about double its store count in the next decade.
Today, the Wawa, Pa.-based chain operates roughly 965 stores throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C. It wants to operate approximately 1,800 locations by 2030, eventually cutting the ribbon on up to 100 stores a year.
