On a recent trip to the frozen north I stumbled across a retail legend, Sheetz. This family owned convenience store/gas station chain based out of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Is spoken of in the same manner as the beloved WaWa and has inspired legions of fans. Sheetz has with more than 350 locations across six states – Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina.
These are nice stores a cross between a gas station, Starbucks and a Panera Bread. When I stopped in at 8:00 o’clock in the morning there where two lines waiting for both coffee and food. These guys have branded themselves well and the experience is rewarding. You are able to buy an array of National Brand and Private Brand products including, Sheetz brand coffee, Shweetz brand pastries and doughnuts, Sheets brand bottled iced coffee and Renegade Private Brand sports drinks just to name a few. I am told that during the 90s, Sheetz also sold a Private Brand soda that became a cult classic called “It! Cola.
Overall, a pretty cool retailer with a intriguing brand experience and some interesting Private Brands.
Sheetz is one of my favorite fast food/c-stores. Rather than just be another competitor to WaWa they upped the ante and redefined their brand experience.
Of note is the ability to touch screen your food order from the gas pump then pop inside and pick it up. Also one of the first locations I saw of an M&M merchandiser that allows customers to pick their favorite colors, a customer centric solution that drives a larger candy purchase.