Two well-known convenience store brands that are frequently contrasted with one another are On the Run (OTR) and Circle K. Despite certain similarities, they are truly two separate brands that run their own businesses. In this post, we’ll examine On the Run and Circle K in greater detail and address some pertinent concerns regarding these two networks of convenience stores.
Convenience store business On the Run was established in South Africa in 1998. With more than 225 locations nationally, it has subsequently developed into one of the biggest convenience store brands in the nation. Groceries, snacks, hot food, and vehicle washes are just a few of the goods and services that OTR stores, which are often found at gas stations, offer.
The South African On the Run trademark is unrelated to On the Run Australia, a distinct business. Instead, it is owned by the privately held Australian corporation Peregrine Corporation, which runs a number of convenience store brands across the nation. With more than 120 locations across South Australia and Western Australia, On the Run Australia is renowned for its fresh food selection and welcoming staff.
It was revealed in June 2021 that Circle K has purchased several Shell convenience outlets in the US. Circle K’s network now includes more than 200 locations, substantially boosting the company’s foothold in the US market. It’s crucial to remember that Shell and Circle K are still independent businesses, and that only a fraction of Shell’s convenience store operations was acquired.
The Canadian business Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (Couche-Tard) owns Circle K. With more than 14,000 outlets spread over North America, Europe, and Asia, Couche-Tard is one of the largest operators of convenience stores worldwide. After acquiring Circle K in 2003, the business has since increased the brand’s exposure in the US, Europe, and other continents.
In conclusion, despite possible similarities between the two brands, Circle K and On the Run are separate entities with different management and ownership. While Circle K is a worldwide brand with more than 14,000 locations, On the Run is a South African company with around 225 locations there. When contrasting these two convenience store businesses, it’s critical to keep these distinctions in mind.