The following is an excerpt from the July 22 issue of The Wichita Eagle. Dotty Harpool, a marketing professor at Wichita State University, provides expertise for the story.
Dillons confirmed Monday that it is building its first gas station not located in a grocery store parking lot.
The new store, a small convenience kiosk surrounded by Dillons logo gasoline pumps, should open next month on the site of the closed Fleming convenience store at 13th and Maize Road.
It's the first under the Dillons flag, company spokeswoman Sheila Lowrie said.
The new store caused some ripples in the industry and among retail analysts, who said Dillons' move to spread its gas brand is unexpected.
"It's not a conventional retailing move," said Dotty Harpool, a marketing professor at Wichita State University.
"I'd love to see their research, but I'll tell you, they're an innovative company, pretty quick on their feet."