With electric vehicle chargers now popping up at gas stations like Wawa, stores are expanding to keep customers engaged while they wait. That shift isn’t just about convenience—it’s strategic.
If drivers are stuck for 20 to 40 minutes, companies want them inside, spending.
But not everyone’s thrilled. Communities are pushing back against these larger stores, citing concerns over traffic, lighting, and 24/7 noise—especially as these stations move off highways and into residential areas.
Wawa’s expansion model? Open clusters of stores in familiar markets.
Known more for hoagies than fuel (it didn’t sell gas until 1996), Wawa has long leaned into food.
And across the board, convenience store food sales have more than doubled over the past two decades.
To see how the EV revolution is reshaping your corner store—and why it’s sparking tension in some communities—read the full story at The New York Times.
