Wawa ready for the Pope in Philadelphia; touts new design

Wawa managed to beat the clock in Philadelphia, opening a flagship location just in time for the Pope’s visit.



The convenience store operator opened the 4,000-sq.-ft. store nearly two months ahead of schedule, and in time for the crowds in town to see Pope Francis.



The new Wawa features an entirely new store design, colors, graphics and other one-of-a-kind features. It was designed in collaboration with Interbrand Design Forum, Dayton, Ohio, and Cuhaci and Peterson, locally based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.



Highlights of the new store include:



• Large corner entrance with bronze canopy;



• In-door bar seating along the windows — the first Wawa store to feature the option;



• Upscale cabinetry, counter tops, and lighting; and



• Design features such as floor-to-ceiling glass, and special digital signs that support Wawa’s offerings and community commitment.



“During this significant occasion when the spotlight is on Philadelphia as the World Meeting of Families convenes and culminates with the visit of Pope Francis, we couldn’t be more excited to open our flagship Philadelphia store. It truly is a fitting symbol of our commitment to serving our friends and neighbors and to continuing to invest in our hometown,” said Chris Gheysens, president and CEO, Wawa, which operates more than 700 stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.