Stewart’s Shops has announced plans to purchase the Blueox Neighborhood Market convenience store chain in Central New York. The purchase will give Stewart’s a larger footprint in Central New York and will include the purchase of 8 convenience stores, 7 of which are currently operating. The deal will close in September 2021.
At its peak, Blueox Corporation built a chain of eleven local convenience stores that serviced and provided support to communities for over 35 years. The most recognizable brand name was their Nice-N-Easy franchise locations. Stewart’s Shops has plans to rebrand many of the locations in late September.
“We look forward to the opportunity to further serve the Blueox market that they have served so well for the past three plus decades and we look forward to welcoming Blueox employees to the Stewart’s family,” says Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake.
Blueox Corp. President Jared Bartle said, “The decision to sell did not come easily. Our stores, and especially the people in our stores, are deeply embedded into our corporate culture and it’s for that reason we sought a buyer whose priorities most closely aligned with ours. We believe most of our employees will not only continue employment with Stewart’s Shops but they will also be provided additional growth opportunities and ownership.”
Blueox will continue to operate their growing energy business, delivering fuel oil, kerosene and propane and will continue to service and replace energy equipment including furnaces, boilers, and hot water heaters.
Stewart’s Shops is based in Malta, New York and currently has 348 shops in New York and southern Vermont. Named a 2021 Top Workplace, Stewart’s Shops has over 5,000 employees and currently has over many positions available.