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Innovation in the Face of Market Disruption
Lee Carpenter, CEO, and Lynn Gonsior, COO at ChangeUp, share their perspective on fostering innovation-driven and ...
A regional convenience chain with a cult-level following, Wawa wondered, how could its brand love take flight in new markets?
Brand Design / Retail Experience / Adaptation
As a company dating back to the 1800s with an intensely passionate following that includes regular fan mail and multiple country songs, Wawa looked to create a city-centered experience that melded into the neighborhood without losing the essence of the brand.
The shift in aesthetic makes an impact in urban areas through the use of reclaimed wood and brighter color palette. Wawa fanatics are encouraged to stay awhile with first-ever seating, free Wi-Fi, and digital menus and ordering kiosks featuring its famously fresh menu expanding across dayparts.
Wawa opened its first urban concept in City Center Philadelphia, which exceeded expectations by over 50% in terms of sales and volume within its first year of operations. Since the launch, the concept has moved into new markets, including Washington D.C., and to date, over ten locations have been retrofitted. The brand was also recognized as Store Design of the Year by design:retail magazine’s 2018 Portfolio Awards.
Award winning, category killer and industry disruptor, Wawa is the number one C-store in all markets it serves.