Dépan Express brings together nearly 100 gas stations affiliated with Ultramar. In addition to the gas offering, the network offers a wide range of products and services for the convenience of customers and motorists alike.
The Dépan Express concept is based on a partnership agreement with affiliated Ultramar retailers that translates into additional sales thanks to the tools available to them, while remaining “their own boss”.
Owned and operated by CST (a former division of Valero Energy), the network has just been sold to Parkland Fuel Corporation through a transaction with Alimentation Couche-Tard.
Service offering to a Dépan Express franchisee (by CST)*:
1. Supplies through CST‘s wholesaler with the help of a personalized directory updated by CST marketing service.
2. Monthly marketing activity with promotions in the main categories, all supported by promotional material.
3. Supplied product directory. Store fit-out service provided by our suppliers is available for the majority of categories, at opening.
4. Participation in network promotions: draws, various in-store supplier activities, all supported with supplier promotional material.
5. Expert guidance in setting up a sales room as well as in strategic positioning of products and furnishings, all based on market studies.
6. Expert guidance on the optimal use of the store’s space.
7. Access to the expert advice of CST furniture and equipment suppliers for those dealers wanting to refurbish or build a new site.
8. Coordination between various suppliers and agencies during the sales room refurbishment.
9. Expert category management team that has in-depth knowledge of the convenience store market.
10. Certain equipment and displays available for free thanks to our supplier agreements.
11. Central invoicing service for your direct delivery purchases, all grouped together on the same payment as your warehouse purchases (PPA).
12. Free TELXON service.
13. Ultramar wholesale prices and rebates through our warehouse supplier’s directory. Direct delivery supplier specials through our monthly marketing activity.
14. Competitive volume rebate program on wholesale purchases, direct deliveries as well as for certain principal categories-—the only program in existence for independent convenience stores in the petroleum industry.
15. Various programs that allow our dealers to stand out from the competition such as calling cards, automatic tellers, car wash, coffee service and many other programs to come.
*Source: CST
Banner Profile
| Name: | Dépan Express |
|---|---|
| Ranking (banners): | 9th of 63 |
| Number of stores: | 131 |
| Franchisor: | Parkland Fuel Corporation (formerly CST Brands) |
| Description: | Ultramar affiliated gas station network for independant owners |
| Business Model: | Type B) Company-operated store / dealer-operated Type D) Affiliated independent store (banner): |
| Website: | Stations-Service Ultramar |