Privately held convenience retail chain Wawa has revealed details of its expansion plan for Indiana state in the US.

Over the next eight to ten years, the retailer plans to open around 60 stores in Indiana. It is planning to commence its first ground-breakings in mid-2024.

The retailer has secured more than 16 sites under contract in Wayne, Marion, Madison, Johnson, Hancock, Hendricks, Hamilton, Dearborn, Delaware and Clark counties.

The company is seeking permit and approval for these projects and once achieved, it will provide specific locations and estimated timing for the first store openings.

The convenience retailer is planning to open its first Indiana store by mid-2025, with plans to open up to ten locations in the same year.

In 2026, Wawa will open ten more stores, followed by five stores each year after that.

Each store will be developed with a $7m investment and will employ 35 associates on average.

The retailer expects the Indiana expansion to create more than 2,200 new jobs.

Wawa store operations director Joe Collins said: “We were thrilled to share our ‘flight plan’ for Indiana and reveal, for the very first time, our exciting expansion plans, renderings and more with our newest soon-to-be neighbours!

“We can’t wait to begin putting shovels into the ground next year! As we get closer to our grand openings in 2025, we will be sharing even more details on our growth in Indiana and connecting with more customers, communities, partners and non-profit organisations that together make this such an incredible region to be a part of!”

Wawa currently operates a network of more than 1,000 convenience retail stores in six states and Washington, DC.

The retailer also has plans to open nearly 40 stores in the Kentucky market.