Blueox Corporation President Jared Bartle.

OXFORD – It is with bittersweet emotions that Blueox Corporation announces the sale of their Blueox Neighborhood Market convenience store chain to Stewart’s Shops based in Saratoga Springs, NY.

At its peak Blueox Corporation built a chain of eleven local convenience stores that serviced and provided support to communities for over 35 years. While built acquiring one store at a time, the most recognizable brand name was the Nice-N-Easy franchise locations.

As the convenience store landscape has evolved, the mid-size convenience store operator can no longer remain competitive and it has become increasingly difficult to find continued success in the industry.

In convenience, the models of success are built by either single store operators who can keep expenses low, or by larger chains with strong buying power and increased support through vertical integration.

“Our stores have been a valuable part of our organization and complemented our retail fuel distribution and HVAC operations.  As the industry shifts away from the mid-sized chains, we wanted to find a company with dedication to its employees and the communities they serve,” said Blueox Corporation President Jared Bartle.

“The decision to sell did not come easily. Our stores, and especially the people in our stores, are deeply embedded into our corporate culture and it’s for that reason we sought a buyer whose priorities most closely aligned with ours. We believe most of our employees will not only continue employment with Stewart’s Shops but they will also be provided additional growth opportunities and ownership. This was very important to Blueox. As we realign our long-term goals and continue to reinvest in the delivery and service divisions of our company, I’m excited at the opportunities to come.”

According to Stewart’s Shops president Gary Dake, “This acquisition will increase Stewart’s Shops footprint further into the Central New York market.  We look forward to this opportunity to further serve the Blueox market that they have served so well for the past three plus decades and we look forward to welcoming Blueox employees to the Stewart’s family.”

The sale of the Neighborhood Market convenience store chain is expected to close in September 2021.

Blueox will continue to operate their growing energy business, delivering fuel oil, kerosene and propane and will continue to service and replace energy equipment including furnaces, boilers, and hot water heaters.


Renamed in 1986, Blueox Corporation once grew to 11 stores made up of both Nice N Easy franchise sites and Big Blue Convenience Stores, serving rural markets in the heart of upstate New York. Their residential and commercial delivery and service operations will continue to grow and operate in Oxford, NY under the name Blueox Energy Products & Services.

– From the Blueox Corporation