Convenience Stores Ad Nauseum

[NellieBly]

They are really pushing the QT kitchens. There was a big article in the paper today. They are taking free food into larger corporations to introduce it to the masses.

[Conan71]

They definitely put a huge investment in it, remodeling all the stores to install the QTK kiosks.  In some cases, they've even had to move the check out counters.

I've always been amazed at how quick they put up a store, but even more amazed at how they can do a remodel so quickly and keep the store operating.  

Someone told me one time that QT uses a formula of profitability or gross revenue per square foot in determining a store's success.  Anyone know if that is correct?

[mr.jaynes]

I remember UTOTEM and Circle K, and yes, even 7-11.

[bugo]

quote:Originally posted by AMP

I found a few QTs in St Loius and as far north as Cedar Rapids Iowa when we produced a Monster Truck show there.  Believe there is also one in Kansas City by the Suzuki dealer...  

They are all over KC.  They are at least as common in KC as they are in Tulsa.

[ashfromtulsa]

I think some of QT's brand loyalty starts really young. Does anyone else remember being told in elementary school that QT was a "safe place?" I remember the schools telling us that if you get kidnapped or lost, and make it to a QT to call for help, they'll give you a free slushy drink. And since they're on every corner, in highschool that's where you walk to to meet your friends before driving around all night.

[joiei]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

They definitely put a huge investment in it, remodeling all the stores to install the QTK kiosks.  In some cases, they've even had to move the check out counters.

I've always been amazed at how quick they put up a store, but even more amazed at how they can do a remodel so quickly and keep the store operating.  

Someone told me one time that QT uses a formula of profitability or gross revenue per square foot in determining a store's success.  Anyone know if that is correct?

Most profitible retailers with any size do this to keep the bottom line in line.  Walmart definitely does this type of analysis.

[Radio]

In PA, there is a chain of convenience stores
called "sheetz".  Privately owned, these stores are GREAT.  Always clean, good people, and fresh food prepared instore.

You go inside, and order via touch screen menus, and it prints off your order.  By the time you use the restroom and grab that Diet Dr Pepper, your order is ready waiting for you at the register.  Very good quality food.

QT is very good - but Sheetz is GREAT.

Then of course, there is the small store in rural MO that has in its window a big banner that says "HO-MADE PIES".

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by ashfromtulsa

I think some of QT's brand loyalty starts really young. Does anyone else remember being told in elementary school that QT was a "safe place?" I remember the schools telling us that if you get kidnapped or lost, and make it to a QT to call for help, they'll give you a free slushy drink. And since they're on every corner, in highschool that's where you walk to to meet your friends before driving around all night.

QT still participates in the "safeplace" program and like you said, the abundance of locations makes them an easy place to find.

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

They definitely put a huge investment in it, remodeling all the stores to install the QTK kiosks.  In some cases, they've even had to move the check out counters.

I've always been amazed at how quick they put up a store, but even more amazed at how they can do a remodel so quickly and keep the store operating.  

I'm impressed with some QT expansion where really old stores were expanded. They have actually built a new store just a foot or so behind the old store and then moved into the new building. All the while, keeping the store open.

[sauerkraut]

Quik-Trip joints are always busy. if ya wanna get rich buy into a Quik Trip joint... They do not market in the midwest however, up here in Ohio we have places like "SpeedWay" and "B.P." Fuel is getting nearer to that big $4.00 mark every week. At work we have a betting pool of when fuel will hit the $4.00 mark. By next summer most everyone thinks we'll have $4.00 a gallon fuel. Funny thing is oil is only $62.00 a barrel currently, but we don't have the refineries or capacity to process that oil into fuel so the price keeps going up, thanks to the enviromental wackos who fight to keep them from being built. Gasoline is like food we ned it to live it's not a lux. item...

[AngieB]

quote:Originally posted by sauerkraut

Quik-Trip joints are always busy. if ya wanna get rich buy into a Quik Trip joint...

You can't "buy into a Quik Trip joint". QuikTrips are company-owned and operated.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by sauerkraut

Quik-Trip joints are always busy. if ya wanna get rich buy into a Quik Trip joint... They do not market in the midwest however, up here in Ohio we have places like "SpeedWay" and "B.P." Fuel is getting nearer to that big $4.00 mark every week. At work we have a betting pool of when fuel will hit the $4.00 mark. By next summer most everyone thinks we'll have $4.00 a gallon fuel. Funny thing is oil is only $62.00 a barrel currently, but we don't have the refineries or capacity to process that oil into fuel so the price keeps going up, thanks to the enviromental wackos who fight to keep them from being built. Gasoline is like food we ned it to live it's not a lux. item...

It's not so much lack of refining capacity as it is oil companies have sported large cajones and are pretty well charging whatever they want for their finished project.  Even if 15 new refineries went on line tomorrow, I'd bet we'd still be paying the same for gas because: "We have to adjust fuel prices to re-coup our massive capital investment in new refineries."

I cannot see any justification for the fuel prices being as high as they are, other than an absolute fleecing of the public and collusion amongst the large refiners.

[mr.jaynes]

quote:Originally posted by NCTulsan

I loved the U-Totem name, complete with the totem pole sign.

They were even easy to make those "teenaged beer runs" we used to make while in our school days.