36 Lyn Refuel Matches $3.99 Gas, Draws 1,500 Daily Customers as Rivals Face Consolidation
Updated
Updated · KARE11.com · May 29
36 Lyn Refuel Matches $3.99 Gas, Draws 1,500 Daily Customers as Rivals Face Consolidation
1 articles · Updated · KARE11.com · May 29
Summary
$3.99-a-gallon fuel has kept Minneapolis independent 36 Lyn Refuel competitive with warehouse clubs, helping the station draw at least 1,500 customers a day despite recent oil-price shocks.
Owner Lonnie McQuirter said the unbranded station survives by acting as a price taker, using pricing flexibility to drive traffic while higher fuel costs pressure convenience-store sales.
Year over year, the business is flat, with inside sales up but transactions down — a sign fewer people are buying even as average spending holds up.
McQuirter said he expects more small retailers to sell and larger chains to consolidate if the pressure continues, even though 36 Lyn is still treading water.
Staff have also increased training for hostile customer encounters tied to rising prices, while personalized help for disabled and elderly drivers has reinforced unusually strong customer loyalty.