Wawa Debuts New Store Design
Pennsylvania-based Wawa has debuted its “next generation” store design at its newest store, which opened on Sept. 21 in Henrico, Virginia, according to a company announcement.
The Store Layout
The updated store is a “first of a kind” for the chain and includes a new exterior design with a “defined centered entry point,” V-shaped column and a cantilever roof canopy, according to the media release.
Inside, the store uses modern materials and a “warm and inviting” color pallet to showcase Wawa’s food and beverage offerings in an “enhanced” interior space. It also features a raised ceiling and large windows to let natural lighting shine in.
“This new design is the next important step in our continued store evolution journey,” Michelle Walsh, director of new store design, said in the release. “It reflects our current ‘best thinking’ for design and efficiency, showcasing our expanding off-premise offers, built-to-order beverages and pizza. We will always continue to evolve and enhance our interior and exterior design to create better experiences for our customers and associates, while providing the welcoming experience we are known for that remains our key to success.”
The store offers a built-to-order, fresh food kitchen featuring its signature hoagies and latest food innovations, such as Wawa pizza, popular Wawa coffee, Sizzlis (the retailer’s hot breakfast sandwiches) and its new line of specialty beverages (hot, cold, iced and frozen).
It also has a Wawa bakery, Wawa’s beverage line of dairy products, juices and teas, as well as packaged goods and fuel services, among other amenities.
In addition to the store-level experience, customers can access their preferred way of grocery fulfillment (i.e., mobile ordering, curbside pickup, delivery options and its recently launched online catering offering).
The Grand Opening Event
On Sept. 21, the convenience store chain held a ceremony to celebrate the location as well as 25 years serving Virginia. The first 100 customers through the door were given limited-edition “Wawa Coffee, Hoagies & Kindness” T-shirts. Wawa also offered customers at the location free coffee through Sept. 24.
“We opened our first Wawa store in Virginia in 1998, and we are thrilled to dedicate this celebration to our 25th anniversary and our continued commitment to fulfilling lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a new design and event to honor everyday heroes,” Kim Dowgielewicz, director of store operations, said in the release. “It’s exciting to not only look back on the great moments and milestones we’ve marked through the years, but with this new store design to look ahead at how we continue to evolve and change to meet customers’ needs and provide the best experience possible.”
Also at the event, Wawa presented a “Local Hero Award” to 25 nonprofit organizations and volunteers nominated over the summer, kicking off the chain’s statewide distribution of $25,000 to “local everyday heroes” serving their communities, per the release. The award provides nonprofits and individuals making a significant impact in their community with special awards and financial grants of $1,000 to their organization.
Wawa also recognized local first responders from the Henrico Division of Fire and Henrico Police Division with its signature “Hoagies for Heroes” hoagie-building competition. The first responders competed to see who can build the most hoagies in three minutes. Wawa concluded the competitions by presenting checks for $1,000 to each department’s charity of choice.