Wawa revealed Wednesday its strategy to expand into Ohio for the first time, with 60 stores slated for construction over the next eight to 10 years. The first store will break ground in mid-2024.
The first locations are projected to open by mid-2025, with plans to open up to 10 locations that year, 10 additional stores in 2026, and five stores each year thereafter.
The retailer has more than 16 sites currently under contract across the following Ohio counties: Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Greene, Hamilton, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren. These projected stores are making their way through the permitting and approval process, according to the company.
Details on Wawa’s growth plans for the Ohio market were announced at two Community Partnership Day events in Cincinnati at the American Red Cross headquarters and in Dayton, Ohio at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Attendees received a glimpse of new store design renderings and had the opportunity to hear about the retailer's story, offerings, and commitment to its new Midwest region communities.
“Our Community Partnership Day events also gave us the opportunity to meet new community members and talk a little bit about our history and what makes Wawa such an ideal fit for communities in this region,” said Joe Collins, director of store operations for Wawa, in a statement. “As we get closer to our grand openings in 2025, we will be sharing even more details on our growth in Ohio and connecting with more customers, communities, partners, and nonprofit organizations that together make this such an incredible region to be a part of.”
To give back to the local community the convenience chain announced contributions to four regional community partners: The American Red Cross, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the USO, and The National Air Force Museum Foundation with contributions totaling more than $20,000.
Wawa operates over 1,000 convenience stores in six states and Washington, D.C.
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