HEB, Maui Wowi Team Up for In-store Franchises

SAN ANTONIO -- H.E. Butt Grocery Co. here and Denver-based Maui Wowi, a seller of Hawaiian-themed beverages, including smoothies and coffee, in addition to merchandise, have joined forces to enable franchise owners to open Maui Wowi outlets in HEB locations in Texas and Mexico.

Maui Wowi already has a unit within an HEB in Katy, Texas, and plans on rolling out seven more sites in the retailer's locations during the first quarter of 2007, according to a published report. The initial eight stores will be test sites for the initiative, with both companies jointly determining the future schedule of openings, based on financial performance.

HEB Houston spokeswoman Cyndy Garza told the San Antonio Business Journal that the store-within-a-store concept would allow shoppers "to purchase authentic Hawaiian products and healthy, all-natural beverages."

Maui Wowi has a network of almost 500 franchises, while HEB operates 300 stores.
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