News Summary
Wawa has opened its first location in Garner, NC, marking the twelfth store in North Carolina as part of its expansion plans. The new store aims to provide fresh food options and create job opportunities for the community. Wawa plans to open a total of at least 80 stores in the state, with the Garner location being a strategic step to cater to local demand and establish a robust presence in the region.
Garner, North Carolina – Wawa has officially opened its new location at NC 42 and Old Drugstore Road in the Cleveland community of Johnston County, marking its first store in this region. The new establishment opened its doors at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2024, and celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m. This opening is part of Wawa’s expansive plan to increase its footprint in North Carolina, targeting a total of at least 80 stores over the next decade.
Located in one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing counties, the Garner store is the twelfth Wawa in the state, following the company’s first location which opened in May 2024 on the Outer Banks. With an increasing demand for convenient food and beverage options, Wawa aims to cater to local communities while providing jobs—each store is expected to employ around 35 associates once operational.
The expansion of Wawa into North Carolina is strategic, with six to eight new stores planned to open each year. Approximately 15 of these upcoming locations will be situated in the Fayetteville area, offering local consumers easy access to Wawa’s renowned fresh food and beverage selections. The company is meticulously planning its growth, making sure to avoid direct competition with another popular convenience store chain, Sheetz, that predominantly serves areas in central Pennsylvania and understands consumer behavior in that region.
As Wawa continues to establish its presence in North Carolina, additional growth is on the horizon. The company has confirmed plans for five more stores expected to open by the end of the year, including its first Travel Center in Hope Mills. Additionally, plans have been submitted for further locations in Selma and near the intersections of Highway 70 and Interstate 95, which will strategically position Wawa to capture an expanding market.
Founded in Pennsylvania, Wawa has become synonymous with quality convenience options, and its move into North Carolina could set the stage for heightened competition within the convenience store sector, particularly with other brands like Texas-based Buc-ee’s, which is also expanding in the state. While Buc-ee’s has faced some controversy over a new site in Mebane, Wawa appears committed to building a robust network of stores in the Tar Heel State.
The increasing number of Wawa locations and the emphasis on fresh selections align with the expectations of modern consumers who prioritize both convenience and quality. As Wawa settles into its role in North Carolina, more communities can anticipate access to its menu that features a variety of food and beverage options, catering to a diverse customer base seeking quick yet satisfying dining experiences.
Ultimately, Wawa’s expansion efforts are not merely about new store openings but are part of a larger vision to integrate into local economies and adapt to customer preferences in North Carolina. The new Garner location is just the latest step in the company’s ambitious growth plans, ensuring that residents have greater access to the convenience and quality that have made Wawa a staple in the Northeast. As the brand continues to grow and evolve in a new market, it remains focused on providing employment opportunities and building community relationships, all while striving to maintain their core mission of bringing fresh and innovative products to their customers.
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- ABC11 News
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- WRAL News
- Axios
- Wikipedia: Wawa
- Google Search: Wawa expansion North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Wawa convenience store growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wawa
- Google News: Wawa news
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
