Enmarket Now Operating 35 Clyde’s Markets

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Enmarket Stations Inc. took over the operation of the Clyde’s Markets convenience-store chain, located throughout southeastern Georgia, on Dec. 1, the Savannah, Ga.-based company has officially announced. Colonial Group Inc., the parent company of Colonial Oil Industries Inc. and Enmarket Inc., signed a letter of intent to acquire Clyde’s Market Inc., Glennville, Ga., in September, as previously reported in CSP Daily News.

The deal included the purchase of Woodland Oil, Vidalia, Ga.

• Enmarket ranked No. 103 in CSP’s 2017 Top 202 list of the largest convenience-store chains in the United States. Clyde's Market ranked No. 140.

Here are more details about the deal ...

Enmarket has expanded its reach with the 35-store acquisition that brings its total to 90 c-stores operating in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The acquisition of 35 Clyde’s Market stores increases Enmarket’s store count by 60%.

“These new locations will be going through a lot of positive changes in the next few months as we give them a new name out front. When you stop by one of these new locations say ‘hey’ to the familiar faces and welcome the Clyde's employees to our team,” Enmarket said on Facebook.

Clyde Woolard founded Clyde’s Market in 1969 when he built his first c-store in Glennville, Ga. A few years later, he added a second location in Reidsville, which had the only self-service gasoline island in the area.

“My dad, Clyde Woolard, started this company,” said Greg Woolard. “Through his vision, hard work and tutelage, it has grown into what it is today. We are very excited about Enmarket’s investment into our company, and we are also very appreciative of our customers for 48 years of patronage.

"At Clyde’s, we feel that Enmarket will be a great fit for our customers and our community. God has been good to us over these many years, and we are excited to see what he has in store for us in the future. Thanks to all who had a hand in making Clyde’s Market a great company.”

"This is a very exciting time to be part of the Enmarket team," said Brett Giesick, executive vice president and general manager for Enmarket. "We have a strategic growth plan for both acquisitions and new-to-industry locations and are actively pursuing both growth vehicles."

“The addition of Clyde’s team members and locations will greatly enhance our presence in Georgia and will create more density for us in central Georgia,” he said. “The Clyde’s organization and the Woolard family share many of our core values and ethics, as well as a shared passion for taking care of our customers and team members. Strategically, we believe this is a wonderful addition to our portfolio and are grateful the Woolard family entrusted us with the business they have worked hard to grow over the years.”

Enmarket offers freshly prepared food and healthy snacks, double-filtered gasoline, beverages, lottery services and more. Enmarket customers can save up to 10 cents per gallon by using the chain’s Cash Card, a reloadable stored-value card that can be swiped directly at the pump. Coupons, promotions and a location finder are available on the free Enmarket mobile app.

Robert Demere founded Enmarket in 1963 as Interstate Stations. The company is part of Savannah-based Colonial Group Inc. The retailer operates c-stores in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Previously known as Enmark, it launched a rebranding initiative in 2015 to better align with its commitment to fresh food and health.

Both Enmarket and Clyde’s Markets are involved with charitable organizations that give back to their local communities. This year, Clyde’s Market raised money for, among others, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and St. Jude’s Hospital. Enmarket held its annual Blood Cancer Awareness Month fundraiser in September for the local Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Combined, Enmarket and Clyde’s have raised more than $200,000 for charity this year.

Over the years, Enmarket’s fundraising efforts have included America’s Second Harvest Food Bank, the United Way, the Salvation Army, Partnership for a Healthier America, Chatham-Savannah Citizen Advocacy and the YMCA.

In recent years, Enmarket has also sponsored the Savannah River Bridge Run, an annual race in which participants run or walk over the Talmadge Bridge to benefit the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion at St. Joseph’s/Candler hospital. It also founded and is the ongoing title sponsor of the Encourage Health Series, which features four lunchtime presentations from professionals who share insights on nutrition, fitness and healthy living. In 2017, the series contributed money to the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, The Living Vine, Savannah Striders and the Savannah Urban Garden Alliance.

For the past nine years, Clyde’s annual golf tournament has supported the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia. Additional charities supported by Clyde’s include Joseph's Home for Boys, Paul Anderson Youth Home, the Pledger House, the Sunshine House, New Beginnings in Christ, The Glennville Recreation Department, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Southern Christian Sports Devotional.