Raley's Plans to Sell Gas Stations in Quest for Grocery Growth
SACRAMENTO, CA - Raley’s is shedding its Aisle 1 fuel stations in the name of fueling its grocery and food business. This week, the Northern California retailer announced Anabi Oil, a Southern California family business and convenience store operator, has acquired the 13 gas stations Raley’s runs and will assume operations beginning in 2019.
“As we continue to move our vision around health and wellness forward, we are focused on our core business of offering healthy food at affordable prices,” said Keith Knopf, Raley’s President and CEO. “This move will allow Raley’s to advance our long-range strategic plan and sets up a series of moves that will position Raley’s for significant growth and expansion.”
Raley’s Chief Financial Officer Ken Mueller, who led the negotiations, added, “With extensive experience in the convenience business and a strong family business in California, Anabi Oil was the perfect partner.”
According to a press release, Anabi Oil owns and operates more than 295 locations and delivers fuel to an additional 160 stations under multiple brands, including its own Rebel brand. The two companies are currently working to provide options for continued employment to the 80 team members working at the fuel stations, as well as continue to provide Raley’s customers with fuel rewards at the Aisle 1 sites.
“Aisle 1 is a great addition to the Rebel Brand, complementing our existing portfolio in both California and Nevada,” said Sam Anabi, CEO and Owner of Anabi Oil. “We are excited about our long-term relationship with Raley’s. With our expertise in running fuel stations and convenience stores, paired with a dominant grocer in the market, we will offer customers a fueling convenience store and grocery rewards experience that others cannot.”
Both companies asserted in the press release that opportunities for growth, including customer discounts at other Anabi-owned locations and consideration of future fuel stations throughout Raley’s footprint, will abound following the acquisition, which is expected to close late December.
How will Raley’s renewed focus on fresh food and grocery come to fruition? AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you in the loop on the latest in grocery.
