Casey’s Plans Another 350 Stores

Casey’s General Stores Inc. (Ankeny, Iowa) has unveiled a three-year strategic plan that includes opening an additional 350 stores by its end. The strategy “leverages Casey’s resilient business model, expanding footprint, guest-centered convenience and restaurant-quality food as a road map to further differentiate Casey’s from competitors and position the company as a top retailer,” the company said in a news release.

“Casey’s has delivered exceptional performance over the last three years, growing our inside same-store sales by 6.5 percent this past fiscal year, and expanding our footprint by over 350 stores since 2020,” said President and CEO Darren Rebelez, whose company currently operates about 2500 stores. “Our new strategic plan demonstrates that Casey’s is truly a category of one. From our strong balance sheet and insight-driven decision-making to our delicious, handmade pizza and industry leading loyalty program, Casey’s is undeniably unique in what we offer our guests and communities.”

In addition to adding stores, the chain also plans to place more emphasis on its food business.: “Prepared food is a core capability for Casey’s, and as the fifth-largest pizza chain in the U.S., our fresh, handmade pizza is our crown jewel,” said Chief Merchandising Officer Tom Brennan. “We’re focused on accelerating our food business through increased whole pie sales, unique, limited-time menu items, exclusive brand partnerships and extensions of our fan favorites, like our new thin crust pizza.”

Casey’s will also expand its private label offerings, building on over 300 snack and beverage options. In fiscal year 2023, Casey’s private label products reached over 9 percent penetration in both units and gross profit dollars in its grocery and general merchandise category.

Casey’s moves come at a time that the convenience store business is both consolidating and growing. Click here for more on the major players and factors currently at play in the market.