Stewart’s Shops recently named its first-ever chief operating officer and celebrated the first year of its online shop.
Ballston Spa, New York-based Stewart’s Shops, No. 23 on CSP’s 2024 Top 202 ranking of convenience-store chains by store count, also made some changes to its brick-and-mortar locations, one of which the company closed due to a rise in crime.
The 358-store company was founded in 1945 and operates in upstate New York and southern Vermont.
Puts Development on Hold
Plans to fill the void of a soon-to-be-closed supermarket in Marcellus, New York, are on hold due to the village in February imposing a six-month moratorium on new developments.
The grocery store, Nojaim Brothers, closed this spring after more than four decades in business. Stewart’s Shops has plans to buy and demolish the old property and build a 4,300-square-foot structure, about 300 square feet more than a regular Stewart’s Shops, Robin Cooper, public relations manager for the c-store chain, told CSP.
If approved, this won’t be the first time Stewart’s Shops has added a grocery section in an area losing a supermarket. Cooper said Stewart’s Shops started doing this about five years ago.
The village recently updated its comprehensive plan and zoning guidelines and implemented the moratorium to give itself more time before taking on any new commercial development in the village center, Cooper said.
Closes Too-Small Store
Stewart’s Shops on Feb. 2 closed a location operating since 1981 in Latham, New York, because it was too small.
The “tiny shop,” at 567 Watervliet Shaker Road, was “no longer able to efficiently serve the demands of our loyal customers,” the chain said.
Space was limited for sandwiches, soups and other food-to-go items—and there was nowhere to offer gasoline.
“Unlike many of our growing shops, there is no additional property to be acquired to adequately expand the shop,” said Stewart’s Shops, which employed about 10 at the location. All accepted jobs at other locations.
Names Company’s First COO
Chad Kiesow, a 30-year company veteran, in November became the first chief operating officer in Stewart’s Shops history.
Kiesow is assuming more responsibilities of Gary Dake, the third-generation president. Before the promotion, Kiesow was vice president of facilities. During the past three decades, he has worked in gas marketing, facilities and real estate.
Celebrates Online Shop’s Birthday
Cyber Monday marked the one-year anniversary of the Stewart’s Shops Online Shop in November. The retailer celebrated with the introduction of limited-edition Flannel Pants, Kids’ “Official Stewart’s Ice-Cream Taster” T-shirts, ice cream-themed socks and a Bobblehead of the chain’s mascot, Flavor the Cow.
In addition, Stewart’s Shops launched a new coffee subscription program.
Customers from all 50 states placed more than 10,000 orders in the online shop’s first year, the company said, and the four most popular-selling online Stewart’s products were the classic hooded sweatshirt, S-cup House Blend Coffee, 12-ounce House Blend Bagged Coffee, and 20-ounce Bejeweled Vacuum Drink Tumbler.
Shuts Down Store Due to Crime
After a surge in theft, robberies and threats of violence, Stewart’s Shops in November closed down an Albany, New York, store.
“We pride ourselves on being part of the fabric of the communities we serve, and we worked closely with Albany Police and City of Albany officials in attempt to resolve concerns at our Manning Boulevard shop,” said Gary Dake, company president. “The safety of our partners and loyal customers remains an issue at this location.”
The store was at the corner of Manning Boulevard and Central Avenue. Employees were offered positions at other Stewart’s Shops.
This closure came as other retailers across the country, including Amazon, Sheetz and Wawa, have been struggling with safety and security at their urban locations.
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