Dive Brief:
- RaceTrac opened a new 40,000-square-foot distribution facility last week in Geismar, Louisiana, about 60 miles west of New Orleans, according to a company announcement.
- The $9 million facility will enhance the supply chain for RaceTrac’s dozens of convenience stores in Louisiana and support “the growing demand for its products across the region,” the company said.
- RaceTrac’s latest investment signals that the Atlanta-based convenience retailer may be gearing up to grow its store network and customer base in Louisiana.
Dive Insight:
With over 60 stores, Louisiana is one of RaceTrac’s larger markets, trailing only Florida, Georgia and Texas in store count among the retailer’s 13-state footprint. This makes RaceTrac one of the largest c-store operators in Louisiana, but it's still well behind Circle K’s 230 locations.
A new distribution facility indicates RaceTrac plans to narrow that store gap with Circle K.
The company said the facility is “an ideal logistics hub” positioned in the Mississippi River industrial corridor, offering access to barge docks, rail service and major highways. RaceTrac expects the site to create jobs in warehouse operations, logistics, transportation, management and more throughout Ascension Parish. RaceTrac partnered with the Ascension Parish Development Council on the new facility.
RaceTrac also said the distribution facility uses “advanced technology.”. Since early 2024, RaceTrac added technology partners across a number of areas, including supply chain, temperature monitoring and forecourt equipment. It also updated its mobile app.
