LACROSSE, Wis. – The Kwik Ttrip convenience store chain weathered the Covid pandemic just fine, thank you, the company reported. The company largely credited its vertical integration business model. “We were able to ramp up production of the basic staples, like 2% milk or loaves of white bread, so that all of our stores stay fully stocked,” said spokesperson John McHugh. “Most retailers had to have a third-party supplier provide their eggs or their milk or their butter, and that became problematic. So you saw a lot of out-of-stocks in some stores.” True to the name “kwik,” customers also liked being in and out quickly with minimal exposure to the Covid virus, McHugh said. He noted that customer average less than three minutes in its 700-plus stores. As a family-owned business, Kwik Trip doesn’t issue formal financial reports. However, a report to a Wisconsin state agency to qualify for tax credits, Kwik Trip said it spent $230 million expanding its LaCrosse headquarters plants and warehouses over four years. Higher demand for its products during the pandemic helped accelerate the expansion, McHugh said.
McHugh. Kwik Trip public relations director.