Speedway SuperAmerica
Marathon's owned and operated retail marketing channel offers logistical, supply and economic benefits. With almost 2.5 million customers daily, Speedway SuperAmerica (SSA) is the third-largest company-owned and -operated convenience store chain in the U.S.
SSA gasoline and merchandise sales combined contributed more than $1.1 billion in gross margin in 2009. SSA same-store light product sales volumes increased by 1 percent in 2009, an estimated 2 percentage points higher than the change in demand in its market area. Total merchandise sales of $3.1 billion set a Company record and represented an annual same-store growth rate of 11.4 percent.
These results occurred despite SSA operating 66 fewer stores than five years ago. SSA strengthened its portfolio through the sale or closure of 155 non-core and underperforming stores and construction and acquisition of 89 new stores during this five-year period.
SSA is growing in a highly competitive industry as a result of its strategy and focus on expanding market share by staying true to its vision of being "the customer's first choice for value and convenience." SSA continues to execute efficiently, manage costs and deliver on its commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.
SSA has built a base of 3.2 million active customers who are members of its Speedy RewardsTM customer loyalty program, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2009. Based on their purchases at SSA locations, Speedy RewardsTM members earn points that can be redeemed for gasoline discounts, gift cards, food items and other merchandise. Active Speedy RewardsTM members make three times more trips to SSA stores than non-members, underscoring the value of strong customer loyalty.
Speedway® was named the best gasoline brand in the U.S. in the 2009 EquiTrend® brand survey conducted nationally by Harris InterActive. SSA also has ranked number one in overall customer satisfaction in the convenience store industry for the past eight consecutive quarters in a national independent consumer perception survey conducted by Corporate Research International®.
