Plaid Pantry

Plaid Pantries Inc. traces its founding to 1960 by John Piacentini. The store name refers to the plaid decoration originally used on the store buildings and the roadside pole signs. Locations range from Salem, Ore., to Seattle. Stores are open 24 hours.

Plaid still operates as a true neighborhood store. Its locations primarily serve rooftops and not highway traffic. Only 11 of its locations have fuel. Nearby residents allow their children to ride their bikes or walk to stores, and the company says this results in a demographic that skews younger than most chains. Its customer base also has a higher female component than many c-store chains.

Plaid views all retail outlets that sell similar products as competitors. This philosophy is why the company is the value-proposition leader in its market and a heavy promoter of products on a monthly basis.

A unique service at all Plaid Pantries is a bicycle aid station, appealing to customers who arrive by bike. The aid stations consist of a floor pump, tire patch kit and basic tools, and are kept behind the counter, available by request.

The company’s main social-media efforts are directed through its app for iPhones and Android phones. The app communicates specials to its customers, occasional limited availability e-coupons, and also has a store locator.