CoGo's Continues Growth

PITTSBURGH -- During a time when many medium-sized c-store chains are shying away from new growth, CoGo's Co. has continued to expand.

The company recently reached an agreement with Woodbury, Pa.-based Barkman Oil Co. to acquire four convenience stores in eastern Pennsylvania. In separate deals, the company has acquired two stores from Luther P. Miller Inc. in Pittsburgh, a store from Accent Fuels Inc. in Homer City, Pa., and a travel center south of Altoona, Pa., from Schneider & Speck Rentals.

CoGo's has also continued franchise expansion in mainland China, a market that economists view as ripe for new growth. The company, through subsidiary CoGo's Enterprise Management Co. LTD, now operates 24 stores.

Describing a difficult retail environment, Ray Kostzycki, director of marketing for the more than 100-store chain, told employees to look forward to more changes. "[We?ll do] whatever it takes. New products, new services, new tools to attract customers and increase store traffic," he said.