Three new stores are set to be built this fall and 20-25 new Arkansas locations are anticipated over the next five years.
Kum & Go has announced aggressive expansion plans into Arkansas, where the chain plans to invest $70-80 million in the next five years and aims to create approximately 150 new jobs by the end of 2012.
Currently, Kum & Go operates more than 400 convenience stores in 11 states, including Arkansas.
Kum & Go President and CEO Kyle Krause noted central Arkansas was selected from among a highly competitive group of 85 metropolitan statistical areas in 16 states.
“Two things stood out to our senior management about central Arkansas. First, there is a strong sense of family and core values that clearly resonates throughout the area. This is extremely important to us, since Kum & Go is a family-owned business and we are actively involved in the communities that we do business. Second, central Arkansas is committed to future growth. Whenever we visited central Arkansas, it was clear that local residents, business leaders and elected officials were dedicated to attracting quality companies and creating new jobs,” said Krause.
Kum & Go plans to break ground in August and September 2011 on three new central Arkansas stores. The locations include: 5306 JFK in North Little Rock; Chicot and Baseline in Little Rock; and Pine & Campground in Cabot. Kum & Go anticipates having its first grand-opening event in the fourth quarter of 2011. Within the next five years, Kum & Go aims to open 20-25 stores in central Arkansas.
Kum & Go is no stranger to the state. The company first came to Arkansas after acquiring a handful of stores in 1998. Now, Kum & Go has 25 locations in Arkansas that employ more than 260 associates in eight counties.
A Leader in Energy Efficiency
It’s no doubt the new stores will feature a commitment to energy efficiency.
Earlier this year, Kum & Go received the prestigious “2011 Hussmann-Trane Energy Efficiency Award.” It was the first-ever convenience store chain to be honored with this national award. Previous retail winners include Whole Foods and Kroger’s.
Kum & Go also places strong emphasis on “going green” by incorporating sustainable features into its store designs. Other Kum & Go stores utilizing this design scheme have received Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certification.
The focus on sustainability begins at construction and continues through the store’s daily operations. Materials used for the construction will be sustainable, coming from local companies whenever possible.
Environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts are important drivers at Kum & Go, “We have a duty to be environmentally responsible. It is a serious responsibility that continually benefits our customers and the communities in which we do business,” said Krause.
Kum & Go stores also feature another green element: Solatube skylights. Solatube skylights provide natural light that decrease the energy used in overhead lighting. In addition, advanced refrigeration systems are installed, increasing energy efficiency through improved technology and LED lighting in the coolers. Kum & Go stores are on an automated system that will regulate energy use and lighting systems in order to create a more energy efficient store.