Spartan to Open Gas Stations at Supermarkets
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids-based grocer and wholesaler Spartan Stores Inc. is getting into the gas-station business, with plans to put convenience stores and pumps at an unidentified number of its 54 Family Fare Supermarkets and Glen's Markets, reported the Grand Rapids Press.
The gas stations will be called Quick Stop and will carry a Family Fare banner in the West Michigan market and the Glen's name in northern Michigan. Ground will be broken on the first station Aug. 26 in Harrison, Mich.
"We looked at gas stations and whether they would make a difference to consumers and our bottom line," said Jeanne Norcross, Spartan vice president for corporate affairs. "We feel it will be beneficial to both."
The Grand Rapids-Holland area has 20 Family Fare Supermarkets. Company officials did not say which of those have sufficient land and other requirements to accommodate a gas station.
The 1,000-square-feet convenience stores will offer ATM machines, lottery tickets, bread, milk and other food items, including deli sandwiches and doughnuts made in the adjacent grocery store.
"We have several supermarket locations that meet the needed size and zoning requirements, and now we'll start prioritizing them," Norcross said.
She said another gas station site will be selected this year, with more to be determined next spring. The look of the store and the number of pumps could vary for each location. "Each Quick Stop will be tied in with the grocery store to provide promotions and discounts," Norcross added.
The gas stations will be called Quick Stop and will carry a Family Fare banner in the West Michigan market and the Glen's name in northern Michigan. Ground will be broken on the first station Aug. 26 in Harrison, Mich.
"We looked at gas stations and whether they would make a difference to consumers and our bottom line," said Jeanne Norcross, Spartan vice president for corporate affairs. "We feel it will be beneficial to both."
The Grand Rapids-Holland area has 20 Family Fare Supermarkets. Company officials did not say which of those have sufficient land and other requirements to accommodate a gas station.
The 1,000-square-feet convenience stores will offer ATM machines, lottery tickets, bread, milk and other food items, including deli sandwiches and doughnuts made in the adjacent grocery store.
"We have several supermarket locations that meet the needed size and zoning requirements, and now we'll start prioritizing them," Norcross said.
She said another gas station site will be selected this year, with more to be determined next spring. The look of the store and the number of pumps could vary for each location. "Each Quick Stop will be tied in with the grocery store to provide promotions and discounts," Norcross added.