Wawa has made a “business decision” to close a shelfless, all-digital store at Drexel University, 3300 Market Street in Philadelphia, writes Michael Tanenbaum for PhillyVoice.
The Wawa store in University City was an experiment in virtual shopping. It opened in September 2018 on the ground floor of a parking garage owned by Drexel University.
In 2023, Wawa took out the store’s shelves and switched to an all-digital format in which customers placed orders using in-store screens or the Wawa app.
There had been problems at the store with shoplifting and panhandling.
When the store transitioned in 2023, the company hoped it would lead to faster and more efficient operations. Staff prepared orders and left them at a customer pick-up counter. The store also partnered with a food delivery service.
“Over the years, we have made several attempts to address business and operational challenges at this location,” said Wawa spokesperson Lori Bruce.
Unfortunately, the fully digital format did not adequately improve performance or deliver an enhanced customer experience, Bruce said.
Drexel University has declined to discuss potential plans for the space.
Read more about the closing of Wawa’s all-digital store and issues related to other Wawa stores in the city in PhillyVoice.
