WEST DES MOINES, Iowa -- Kum & Go president and CEO Kyle J. Krause said the convenience retailer has selected Central Arkansas from among a highly competitive group of 85 metropolitan statistical areas in 16 states for a new $70 million to $80 million major economic investment over the next five years. The initiative will see the chain nearly double its presence in the state, with 20 to 25 more stores, creating approximately 150 new jobs by the end of 2012.
Kum & Go plans to break ground in August and September 2011 on three new Central Arkansas stores in North Little [image-nocss] Rock, Little Rock and Cabot. It expects to have its first grand-opening event in the fourth quarter of 2011.
The chain is no stranger to the state. The company first came to the "Land of Opportunity" after acquiring a handful of stores in 1998. Now, its 25 locations in Arkansas employ more than 260 associates in eight counties.
Kum & Go currently has 436 stores in 11 states (Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming).
"Two things stood out to our senior management about Central Arkansas," said Krause. "First, there is a strong sense of family and core values that clearly resonates throughout the area. This is extremely important to us, since Kum & Go is a family-owned business, and we are actively involved in the communities that we do business. Second, Central Arkansas is committed to future growth. Whenever we visited Central Arkansas, it was clear that local residents, business leaders and elected officials were dedicated to attracting quality companies and creating new jobs."
The company's new stores in Arkansas and elsewhere will place a strong emphasis on "going green" by incorporating sustainable features into its store designs. Other Kum & Go stores using this design have received Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
The focus on sustainability begins at construction and continues through the store's daily operations. Materials used for the construction will be sustainable, coming from local companies whenever possible.
Kum & Go stores also feature Solatube skylights, which provide natural light that decrease the energy used in overhead lighting. In addition, it is installing advanced refrigeration systems, increasing energy efficiency through improved technology and LED lighting in the coolers. Kum & Go stores are on an automated system that will regulate energy use and lighting systems in order to create a more energy efficient store.
Earlier this year, Kum & Go received the "2011 Hussmann-Trane Energy Efficiency Award." It was the first-ever convenience store chain to be honored with this national award. Previous retail winners include Whole Foods and Kroger's.
Environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts are important drivers at Kum & Go according to Krause. "We have a duty to be environmentally responsible. It is a serious responsibility that continually benefits our customers and the communities in which we do business," he said.
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