The convenience store wars are about to begin, with two new players preparing to enter the San Antonio and Austin to shake up the market starting this fall, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Tulsa-based QuikTrip says it will open at least 100 new convenience stores in the two cities and along I-35 between them, putting up new buildings from scratch in key locations.
"You will start to see construction begin probably, hopefully late fall, early winter this year, and the first location should open up in the summer of '18," said Mike Thornbrugh, the Public Affairs Manager for the QuikTrip Corporation.
He says the region can handle more gasoline and food convenience stores because it has a growing population, and also because convenience stores are positioned to compete in the modern retail world.
"The market has changed so dramatically, that really your competition is no longer just convenience stores," he said.
Thronbrugh says convenience stores like QuikTrip are positioned to compete with new developments like restaurant and grocery delivery.
He says with stores that are open 24/7 safety for employees and customers will be a top priority at the new locations
."Every single QuikTrip location is monitored at a central location 24 hours a day, meaning we can see you , and we can hear you," he said.
At the same time, the Valero Corner Stores will begin the transition this fall to Circle-K. CST Brands, which was spun off from Valero Energy three years ago, is being purchased by Canada Based Couche-Tard, the operator of Circle-K, in a transaction which is expected to be completed this fall.