My problem with Wawa

Let me say this upfront first: I love Wawa.

I love their coffee, in fact prefer it to either Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks.

I love their Shortis and other items.

I even love the goose, which is their corporate logo. Yes, I know that Wawa is the native American word for the goose that was indigenous to these parts.

And, of course, it does not hurt that the company is a Delaware County icon, with its roots firmly planted in what was once pretty much farmland out there on Baltimore Pike in Chester Heights.

But I do have a couple of bones to pick with my favorite convenience store.

First, I will continue to say that Wawa parking lots just may be the most dangerous places in the region. Still have not quite figured out how we can hold the door for each other one second, then climb into our cars and turn into maniacs the other. But that's not my beef this morning.

For some time I have been perplexed at the variety of prices featured at the gas pumps at these new so-called "super" Wawas. But this morning took the cake.

Realizing snow was in the forecast for late tonight and into tomorrow, and seeing my gas gauge veer toward a quarter tank, I decided to fill up on the way into work this morning.

No problem, although I was a little taken aback when I looked at the pump at the Wawa on West Chester Pike in West Goshen, near Route 202, and noticed I was paying $2.59 a gallon.

That was nothing compared to the "gas" pains I experienced a few minutes later.

I traveled exactly 2.8 miles down West Chester Pike when I passed the Wawa out in Westtown. And what did I see there. I saw gas being advertised for $2.51 a gallon.

Can someone explain to me how that can be.

How I paid 8 cents a gallon more just a couple of miles away.

Do Wawa stores set their own prices, or do corporate managers handle that. Was I just unlucky enough to hit this Wawa before they hiked the price at the other store.

I'd like an answer, if you have one, let me know.

Lori Bruce, are you listening?

Comments

Tony Ieradi said…
I used to work for Wawa. It's actually a pretty decent algorithm that sets the pricing. It's all about location and competition. But I'm visiting Chicago at the moment and paying $1.97