FL: Retailer Wawa to Expand in Current Markets, Enter Florida Panhandle Region for First Time

Convenience store retailer Wawa plans to expand into the Florida Panhandle region over the next few years, along with moving into adjacent markets in South Alabama. In Florida, the retailer said it is looking into potential sites for new stores in the Pensacola, Panama City and Tallahassee markets, along with the Mobile, Ala., market. Wawa plans to open up to 40 stores in these markets, with the first locations expected to open in 2024, reports Chain Store Age.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring Wawa’s one-of-a-kind brand and offering to these new markets in the near future,” said John Poplawski, VP of real estate for Wawa. “We look forward to expanding beyond our current reach and serving these new markets with our quality fresh food and beverages and, as always, our deep commitment to the communities in which we operate.”

In 2022, Wawa will mark the 10th anniversary of the opening of its first Florida store, in Orlando. Since then, the chain has expanded rapidly throughout the state and will open its 250th store in Florida later this year, CSA reports.

In addition to its Southeast expansion, Wawa is set to open 54 new stores in its current markets in 2022, and has plans to enter new markets in the next few years, including new locations in North Carolina.

Wawa is looking to operate approximately 1,800 locations by 2030, eventually ramping up to opening 100 stores annually, reports CSA. Wawa operates approximately 935 stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C.