Wawa is closing a store at Drexel University in Philadelphia.
The Delaware County convenience store chain told CBS News the all-digital store in the 3300 block of Market Street in University City will close on Jan. 21.
Wawa called the closing of the store, which has operated since 2018, a “business decision.”
“While we regret that we will no longer be able to serve customers at this specific location, our commitment to the greater Philadelphia region remains strong, and we hope to continue serving the University City community at our other nearby stores,” the chain said in a statement shared by CBS.
The store on the bottom floor of a parking garage shifted to an all-digital format in 2023, removing all items from shelves.
The chain had encountered issues with increased shoplifting and panhandling, according to the Philly Voice.
Under the new format, staff prepared orders and left them at a designated customer pick-up area.
This is not the first Wawa store in Philadelphia to close.
In 2020 it closed a flagship store at Broad and Walnut streets. It has also closed stores at 12th and Market, 19th and Market, 13th and Chestnut and 16th and Ranstead streets.
Wawa is in the midst of a central Pennsylvania expansion where it plans to open about 40 locations over the next several years.