In the next five years Kum & Go aims to construct 20-25 c-stores in Colorado Springs, eight of which are expected to open in 2012.
Kum & Go is set to debut its first Colorado Springs convenience store on June 1 at Academy Boulevard and Vickers Drive on the city’s northeast side.
Based in West Des Moines, Iowa, Kum & Go plans to open seven more stores in the Springs area by year’s end, and an aggressive 20-25 locations over five years. Kum & Go’s investment is expected to total more than $100 million in its Springs stores, which will employ a total of about 400 full- and part-time employees — roughly 18 per store, the Colorado Springs Gazette reported.
Kum & Go is no stranger to Colorado, having operated stores in the state since 1988 and has about 40 locations, mostly in rural areas, but the Colorado Springs stores will mark the first foray into a large Colorado metro area. By constructing 20-25 stores, Kum & Go aims to be among the top three convenience store chains in the Springs, based on number of locations.
President and CEO Kyle Krause told the Colorado Springs Gazette when the store opens its doors on June 1, customers won’t feel like they’re walking into a typical convenience store. That’s because the 5,000-square-foot stores is being constructed on a 1.5-acre site—much larger than local competitors—and will feature high ceilings, green energy technologies, and a broad food selection, including products made in on-site kitchens.
What’s more, the forecourt is set to feature 10 pumping stations, offering ample space for motorists to maneuver vehicles. In addition to the standard grades of gasoline, the store is set to offer E85 ethanol fuel and diesel fuel.
Employees, attired in white shirts, ties, khaki pants and nametags, will be prepared to greet customers upon arrival, and go the extra mile with friendly customer service.