Walmart will be opening or remodeling 45-plus fuel stations across the United States this year in an effort to revamp its c-store services. The first of the new locations opened earlier this year, with more planned throughout 2025.
And it’s not the only big-box or grocery chain to prioritize a convenience store arm of the company in the last few years.
H-E-B, for instance, operates a c-store concept that it rebranded to H-E-B Fresh Bites in 2023. Many of these include True Texas Tacos. H-E-B Fresh Bites features fresh produce, salads, sandwiches and sushi made daily; meat and cheese snacks; juices; kombucha; and Meal Simple options. Customers can also opt for H-E-B Select Ingredients items in addition to normal convenience offerings such as fountain, beer and wine, and other snacks.
“At H-E-B, we’re always looking to provide Texans convenient ways to get their hands on quality, fresh foods that are good for them,” said Scott Campbell, H-E-B convenience store operations manager, in a press release. “With the introduction of H-E-B Fresh Bites, we’re bringing the freshest products to our customers who are on the go but want a better alternative to traditional convenience store snacks.”
Presently, to better serve its loyal customers, Walmart is investing in its expansive physical store presence. Currently, Walmart operates 400-plus Fuel and Convenience stations nationwide. With the openings this year, the retailer will have more than 450 locations across 34 states.
The first Walmart Fuel and Convenience station opened in 2002.
These one-stop shops not only offer low prices at their pumps, but Walmart Fuel and Convenience stations offer the same low prices on snacks and beverages as what’s offered inside the Walmart store. Customers and Walmart+ members can shop the Fuel and Convenience stations, and Walmart+ members save up to 10 cents per gallon with their membership.
A few of the locations offer self-checkout inside the station. Tobacco and lottery are available at locations where it is in keeping with local regulations.
This expansion allows Walmart to continue to provide a convenient shopping experience with a focus on accessibility and ease.
“We’re continuing to invest in our nationwide, physical store footprint. By adding dozens of fuel and convenience stations this year, we are bringing even more value to our customers,” said Dave DeSerio, VP of Fuel and Convenience, Walmart U.S. “Customers shop Walmart for our everyday low prices and convenience offerings, and fuel stations are another example of us responding to our customer and member needs.”
Although many convenience store chains operate brands aside from their primary c-store offering, the convenience operations from these larger retailers have and will likely continue to play a large role in future mergers and acquisitions (M&A) moves.
Hy-Vee, for instance, operates Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, an expansive 180-store convenience chain located in eight Midwestern states. Fast & Fresh includes Market Grille Express, a foodservice concept that offers freshly made breakfast sandwiches, burgers, sides and appetizers. It also offers fresh baked goods, fountain, ICEE, freshly brewed tea and more. Customers can save with a Hy-Vee PERKS card.
Not every retailer chooses to enter the c-store business, however. Back in 2013, Publix decided to sell its c-stores, known as PIX. Kroger, too, sold its c-store business, which comprised hundreds of sites, to EG Group for over $2 billion in 2018. It had begun new c-store format Fresh Eats MKT in 2017, which it discontinued in 2020.
As the M&A market continues to shift and make headlines, the industry will soon see how the convenience store businesses of these larger retailers further make waves.
