When it comes to new businesses’ popping up in Northeast Florida, three types are leading the pack: gas stations, car washes and self-storage facilities.
Jacksonville Daily Record Editor Karen Mathis breaks down what’s behind those trends in this week’s Business Brief.
1. Gas Station/Convenience Stores
Despite cars’ becoming more efficient or electric, we’re a long way from not needing gas.
“In the mean time, people are driving cars, and the gas stations and convenience stores, they want to serve that,” Mathis said.
With most of the money to be made inside stores rather than at the pump, chains like Wawa, as well as locally owned Gate and Daily’s, are cashing in on convenience store experiences that are more like restaurants. Hoagies for the kids after soccer, anyone?
2. Car Washes
As long as people still drive cars, those cars will get dirty. And today’s growing ranks of standalone car washes offer entertainment while you scoot through the tunnel, Mathis said.
“They have lights, they have colors. They try to make it a real experience while you’re sitting in your car. And I’ve gone through these, and my dog even likes it,” she said.
3. Self-Storage
The boom in self-storage facilities is being driven largely by an explosion in apartment construction.
“When you have an apartment, you need storage space, so a lot of these are going up near major apartment areas,” Mathis said.
And what do they have in common? All three of these trends are being driven by the Jacksonville area’s growing population and strong economy.
Contact Jessica Palombo at 904-358-6315, jpalombo@wjct.org or on Twitter at @JessicaPubRadio.
