Our Local Story

The Local convenience store brand was founded & trademarked in 2013 by Howes Oil Company of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Every store joining Local is identified by their hometown zip code (ex: Wall Lake Oil is the Local Zip 57033.) 

Local offers convenience store owners better competitive flexibility and the ability to remain strong supporters of their local communities. Without the costly requirements of a national brand, Local-affiliated stores are well positioned to serve customers now and into the future.

“The backbone of South Dakota is its locally owned and operated businesses, many of which are second and third generation convenience stores,” Howes Oil Company owner Andy Howes said. “The goal of Local is to help these family-run businesses not only remain competitive for future generations, but also continue to be strong supporters of their local communities.”

Several dozen c-stores in five states have joined Local since the spring of 2013. An owner of several Iowa locations, Keith Vanden Bosch sees his stores as a place where community members come together and interact. He praised the freedom Local allows him, saying "Local means you are going to get good value. They provide quality that you can pass on to your customers." 

“We’re excited to be partnering with retailers in communities all throughout our region,” Howes said, “and appreciate the opportunity to give consumers options to keep supporting their local economy. That’s our number one goal: to keep it local.”