40 YEARS OF CONVENIENCE RETAILING: 1989-1993

1989

Mergers and Acquisitions
Krauszer's Dairy Stores, a 188-store chain based in Edison, N.J., was sold to Andy Kerstein, founder of First Delaware Financial Group.

The Numbers
The industry grew by 2,500 units, with all but 500 of the new stores operated by petroleum marketers.

1990

In the News
The Circle K Corp., operator of 4,600 stores, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The Southland Corp. declared bankruptcy in October.

Store Operations
For the first time, the number of c-stores run by traditional operators decreased. Of 83,000 convenience stores, 52,300 were run by traditionals, down 200 from the previous year.

1991

In the News
The Persian Gulf crisis left independent gas marketers scrambling for supply as traditional suppliers limited their purchases through allocations and pricing mechanisms.

Convenient Food Mart Inc. and Plaid Pantries Inc. both emerge from chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Mergers and Acquisitions
The Southland Corp. signs a sale agreement with Yokado Co. Ltd. of Japan.

1992

Retailer Innovation
Shell Oil Co. unveiled its ETD (Experience The Difference) Superstore, which was to be the cornerstone of its new franchising program.

Mergers and Acquisitions
E-Z Serve Corp. purchased TOC Retail Inc.'s 389-unit Majik Market chain.

1993

The Numbers
The five largest c-store chains were: The Southland Corp., The Circle K Corp., Amoco Corp., Texaco Inc. and Shell Oil Co.

Mergers and Acquisitions
Exxon Co. USA withdrew from three southern Florida counties by exchanging 59 retail outlets in those markets for 66 Chevron units in Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.

Retailer Innovations
Total Petroleum Inc. planned to spend $10 million to reimage all of its 2,600 stores.
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