MARIETTA, Ohio — Par Mar Stores has purchased four convenience stores in Maryland, the retailer said this week in a Facebook post. “We are proud to announce we are now in Maryland! This week we will open stores at 458 Weber Road in Oakland, 190 Church Street in Westernport and 21413 Chesapeake Avenue Southwest in McCoole. Remember, if there’s not a Par Mar Store near you now, there will be soon!”
- Par Mar Stores is No. 44 on CSP’s 2022 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by company-owned store count.
Marietta, Ohio-based Par Mar recently purchased Best Price Market in McCoole, Fair Price Quick Stop in Westernport and Rite Price Quick Stop in Oakland from local business owner Ken Farley, Par Mar spokesperson Dave Allen told the Cumberland Times-News. The company also purchased the former Route 135 Fuel Stop in Westernport.
The Oakland location started operating as a Par Mar store on Aug. 30, the Westernport and McCoole stores were slated to change over Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, respectively, according to the report. The Fuel Stop in Westernport will open this fall.
Par Mar operates approximately 190 stores in five states: Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and now Maryland.
In selecting properties to purchase, Allen said the company looks for businesses that are doing well and located in good areas. The company was attracted to the area because of its growth potential and the existing tourist opportunities presented by places like Deep Creek Lake and local campgrounds, Allen told the newspaper.
He said Par Mar generally acquires stores from independent businesses rather than building new ones.
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