Love’s to invest $1 billion on 200 renovations
- Love’s Travel Stops will invest $1 billion in revamping its store fleet.
- It will remodel 200 stores and spend between $2 million and $7 million at each location.
- The new stores will have updated open-concept kitchens and several restaurant options.
Love’s Travel Stops plans to spend $1 billion revamping locations during the next five years, investing between $2 million and $7 million at each location.
According to an April 10 release, the renovations are part of Love’s strategic remodel initiative, which will see it revamp 200 of its more than 600 locations by 2028. Most stores will remain open during remodeling, which involves giving stores a “more modern” look and an open concept, the release said.
Remodeled Love’s will have an open-concept kitchen, several restaurant options and updated Love’s Truck Care and Speedco locations, the release said. Locations that don’t already have dog parks will get one where space permits, Love’s said.
The stores that are getting the new design were selected for remodeling based on several factors that include the age of the store, foot traffic and sales, the release said. Love’s said remodeling at its stores in El Paso, Texas, and Columbia, Tennessee, would be finished soon.
Another element of the strategic remodel initiative involves teardown and reconstruction, which will take place at three Love’s locations this year. Those stores will close and reopen with an expanded footprint, according to Love’s. The teardown and rebuild is already complete at stores in Oklahoma City and in Gary, Indiana — both locations reopened to customers in February, Love’s said.
In addition to the remodels, the c-store chain is planning to open more than two dozen new stores this year. The renovation and expansion of Love’s, which operates stores in 42 states, is the latest example of a c-store chain modernizing to meet shifting needs of consumers.
“The blend of efficiency and experience for consumers is quickly earning c-store brands recognition and loyalty,” said Elizabeth Latfontaine, chief analyst for Retail Leader Pro. “Leaning into prepared foods and delivery tech is key to gaining new customers and fostering long-term growth of the channel.”