USA: Wawa plans to expand its footprint by doubling store count by 2030
The retailer has announced its plans to open more locations in Florida and South Alabama and is aiming to operate 1,800 by the end of the decade.
Wawa has announced plans to expand its footprint into the Florida Panhandle region, along with adjacent markets in South Alabama over the next few years. In addition to the retailer’s plans to open up to 40 stores in these markets, the brand also desires to double its footprint in the U.S. by the end of the decade.
“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. 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,” said John Poplawski, Vice President of Real Estate for Wawa, in a press release published by the company.
In 2022, Wawa will mark the 10th anniversary of the opening of its first Florida store. Since then Wawa has expanded throughout the state and will open its 250th store in Florida later this year. The brand is set to open 54 new stores in 2022 and has plans to enter new, adjacent markets in the next few years.
In a recent interview with Philadelphia’s Business Journal, Chris Gheysen, CEO of Wawa, stated that the brand is preparing its “most aggressive growth" strategy in its history. Gheysen told the news site that the company seeks to double its number of stores by 2030, which could lead up to a total of 1,800 locations from the 965 stores they currently operate. In addition, the firm is seeking to open 100 stores per year in select existing markets to “fill in” the area between Virginia and Florida.
