SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stewart’s Shops has purchased the Blueox Neighborhood Market convenience store chain.
“This acquisition will increase Stewart’s Shops’ footprint further into the Central New York market. 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,” Stewart’s Shops president Gary Dake said, in a statement.
At its peak Blueox Corporation built a chain of eleven local convenience stores that serviced and provided support to communities for more than 35 years. While built acquiring one store at a time, the most recognizable brand name was the Nice-N-Easy franchise locations.
“Our stores have been a valuable part of our organization and complemented our retail fuel distribution and HVAC operations,” said Blueox Corporation President Jared Bartle. “As the industry shifts away from the mid-sized chains, we wanted to find a company with dedication to its employees and the communities they serve. The decision to sell did not come easily.“
It is anticipated most of the company’s employees will continue employment with Stewart’s Shops, Bartle added. “This was very important to Blueox. As we realign our long-term goals and continue to reinvest in the delivery and service divisions of our company, I’m excited at the opportunities to come.“
The sale of the Neighborhood Market convenience store chain is expected to close in September 2021. 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.
Renamed in 1986, Blueox Corporation once grew to 11 stores made up of both Nice N Easy franchise sites and Big Blue Convenience Stores, serving rural markets in the heart of upstate New York. Their residential and commercial delivery and service operations will continue to grow and operate in Oxford, NY under the name Blueox Energy Products & Services.
Stewart’s Shops was founded in 1945. Today there are over 345 Stewart’s Shops located across 31 counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont.
