Los Angeles could see several more green and gold signs popping up atop new convenience store locations in the next year or two, India West reports.
After a recent string of Quick Mart grand openings at the outer edges of Southern California’s two major metropolitan markets, the new convenience store chain christened its latest franchisee operation in a densely population section of South Los Angeles earlier this month. The new store at the intersection of Florence and Van Ness avenues is a few blocks from Inglewood and in the shadows of Los Angeles’ popular Crenshaw District.
This Quick Mart in Los Angeles is the company’s first franchise in the heart of the nation’s second most populated market, but the store aims to maintain its focus on community, similar to its recent openings in medium sized and non-urban locations such as Murrieta (about two hours east of Los Angeles) and Poway (northeastern suburb of San Diego).
Bob Telson, who served as a marketing consultant for Quick Mart’s expansion, told India West that the company is making every effort to integrate itself within a community and connect with local residents and businesses.
“We focus on food service. We treat our customers right, give them a fair price for fair service, that’s what drives this company,” he said.
L. David Patterson, Quick Mart’s operations director, told the newspaper, “We’re always eager to be somewhere where we are wanted. We always want to be somewhere where there is going to be success. We looked at this community and saw there was a big need. We have a lot of schools in the neighborhood, a lot of families and homeowners. Our neighborhood approach to customer service would be well received here. We wanted to make sure we brought a high-quality convenience store experience to the community (while) expanding our brand.”
The company’s business plan, Patterson added, is to ultimately become a household name in the convenience store industry.
“Quick Mart’s vision is to dominate the marketplace. We’re not focused on any particular neighborhood. We want to make sure we have a strong presence throughout California,” Patterson said. “We offer a better option for franchisees to be in business and build a business.”
Raj Narang, VP of sales for Quick Mart, said the Los Angeles opening is just the beginning and the franchise will be increasing its presence in California’s largest city.
“This is the most exciting day for Quick Mart because this happens to be another flagship store,” Narang said. “People have been waiting for this particular store. Our brand equity is really growing.”
Quick Mart’s first Los Angeles store is located at 2171 Florence Avenue and is surrounded by South L.A., Hyde Park, Windsor Hills and the city of Inglewood.
According to Patterson, Quick Mart could open as many as 25 new locations, including locations in Glendale and Anaheim, by the end of the year.
