SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- After investing $30 million dollars in growing and improving its business during 2015, Stewart's Shops convenience stores is planning "an even bigger wow number" for 2016, citing the changing needs of c-store consumers.
"We recognize people's eating habits are changing. They're busy and eating smaller meals more often," spokesperson Maria D'Amelia said in a video (see below) on Stewart's Shops' website. "So we're adding a variety of easy food options like prepared foods, entrees, sandwiches, snacks and beverages, even a beer cave."
During 2015, Stewart's built two new-to-industry stores and razed and rebuilt 10 shops, according to the video. The chain also complete 40 store additions and remodels, and added kerosene, diesel and ethanol-free premium gasoline to many of its shops. The chain also updated its logo and signage in all of its more than 330 convenience stores in New York and Vermont.
But the main focus of the upgrades is in-store improvement.
"We now have over 150 shops with fresh pizza handmade right at the shop and offered by the slice or whole pie, and with that comes more seating and services," D'Amelia said. "And it's also about flow, inside and out, making it easier for our partners to serve you and easier for our customers to get what they need and get out on their way."
In 2016, Stewart's aims "to build as many as 20 new shops" across New York State, about half new-to-industry and half total rebuilds of existing shops.
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based Stewart's Shops operates more than 330 convenience stores in New York and Vermont and has annual sales of approximately $1.6 billion.
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