QuikTrip opens new concept store

Leading US convenience retailer QuikTrip has opened a new concept forecourt store in Tulsa, Oklahoma, according to Convenience Store News.

The report says the store offers new features for the 500+ store chain, which is staring in the NACS Show International Tour.

The store features 16 fuel pumps, but no parking in front of the store. Instead, this area is reserved for picnic tables. All of the store parking is located at the side of the store, according to a report by the local television station, NewsOn6.com.

“It feels like one of those restaurants that they have on the turnpike where you're coming and going from different directions,” Jeanne Trainer, a QuikTrip customer, told NewsOn6.com.

QuikTrip spokesman Mike Thornbrugh said this feature was its customers’ idea.

“We spent the last two years interviewing and talking to customers on what they'd like to see,” he said.

The store occupies 5,700sq ft with a focus on food service including smoothies, freezonis (carbonated frozen drinks), hot dogs and hot food and take-and-bake lines including lasagna and pizza.

Interviewed on television, shopper Larry Young said: “I think it’s great, kind of one-stop shopping.”

The new concept store includes touchscreen ordering for coffee, which is made to order.

“We made the commitment years ago that we were going to get into the fresh food business and this store really gives us the opportunity to keep expanding on that offer,” said Thornbrugh.

QuikTrip is planning to open two more new concept stores shortly.