Trying to figure out Circle K stores, Phoenix, Arizona


When I moved to Phoenix from Minneapolis in 1977 I had never seen a Circle K. The convenience store where I grew up was called Tom Thumb. As I recall, the sign said, "Tom Thumb". But it really doesn't matter what you call a convenience store, they all look pretty much the same, and they're the places that are open late at night.

Of course, the Circle K sign didn't say Circle K, it was just a K with a circle around it, and an arrow. Over the years it just became a K. I remember a friend visiting from back east who suggested that we stop at "K". It just made sense, besides, names don't matter to convenience stores. As long as I remember 7-11s have been open 24 hours, not just from 7 am to 11 pm.



But this morning as I passed by my local Circle K I could see that they were putting up new signs that said "Circle K". I mean, written out. I have to admit to being a bit disappointed, as knowing what to call the store was a proud mark of being someone who lives in Arizona. Now everyone will know!

My understanding was that originally it was supposed to be like a cattle brand, like on a ranch. You know, the Circle K ranch! And the cattle would be branded with a K with a circle around it. I really don't know, logos are funny things that way.

As an old marketing guy, I have to applaud the company for actually putting their name on a sign, so that people can look it up. But it seems as if Phoenix has lost a bit of its mystique!
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