Wawa and Sheetz keep running into each other these days, with both convenience store chains opening stores near each other, sometimes even within sight of each other, reports the Tribune News Service for the Daily Times.
Historically, the two competing chains have pretty much kept out of each other’s way, so what’s changed?
“The one thing all of these stores have in common is they aren’t going to do something for ego,” said Jeff Lenard, spokesman for the National Association of Convenience Stores. “They are doing it because they see a business opportunity.”
The science of site selection is less about psyching out a competitor and more about finding markets with growing populations that allow for a thriving business, Lenard said.
“We sell high-frequent occasion goods, so the science would take us generally on high-driven corridors and that’s why we both end up competing,” said Wawa President Brian Schaller.
Currently, there are about 50 or 60 Wawa and Sheetz stores that compete, he said.
Wawa and Sheetz also rely on loyal customers who are passionate about their brands.
Through it all, though, the two rivals maintain a good relationship, respectful of what each offers its customers.
Read more about the decisions surrounding Wawa store locations in the Daily Times.
