Pride

For residents of Southwick, Massachusetts, and those traveling through this charming part of Western Mass, finding a reliable and convenient spot for fuel and quick necessities is a common part of daily life. Pride at 198 College Hwy is a familiar name, part of a larger network of Pride Stations & Stores that have been serving communities across Massachusetts for decades. More than just a place to fill up your tank, Pride aims to be a comprehensive convenience stop, offering a range of services designed to make your busy day a little easier. This article will provide a detailed look at what you can expect from this particular Pride location, from its offerings to its unique characteristics, helping local users navigate their choices for fueling and shopping.

Pride at 198 College Hwy in Southwick, MA, is a testament to the long-standing presence of Pride Stations & Stores in Massachusetts. The company's history dates back to 1917, evolving from servicing horses and carriages to becoming a modern chain of gas stations and convenience stores. This particular location in Southwick operates under the broader Pride brand philosophy, which emphasizes prompt, courteous service and value for customers. While the core offering is fuel, Pride stores are designed to be much more than just gas stations; they are convenience hubs where you can grab a quick lunch, coffee, or any of "life's little necessities." The Southwick location embodies this commitment, striving to provide a convenient and efficient experience for local residents and passing motorists alike. It's important to recognize that while the goal is to provide excellent service, individual experiences can vary, as is common with any customer-facing business.

Pride is conveniently located at 198 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077, USA. College Highway (also known as Route 202 & 10) is a significant and well-trafficked road, connecting Southwick to surrounding towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut. This prime location ensures easy accessibility for both local residents going about their daily routines and those traveling through the area.

The station typically features a commercial/retail gas station setup, with at least one fueling island and two fueling stations/pumps, often covered by an overhead lighted canopy for convenience in all weather conditions. The design usually includes two curb cuts for straightforward entry and exit, contributing to a smoother traffic flow. Public water and sewer connections ensure modern and reliable facilities. The strategic placement on a main route makes it a practical choice for a quick stop, whether you're heading to work, visiting Southwick's recreational areas, or embarking on a longer journey through Western Massachusetts.

Pride stations are known for offering a wide array of services designed to meet diverse customer needs, extending beyond just fuel.

• Fueling Services: Provides various grades of gasoline, typically including regular, mid-grade, and premium options. Some Pride locations also offer diesel fuel, though this specific location's diesel availability should be confirmed on-site.
• Convenience Store: A significant part of the Pride experience is its well-stocked convenience store, which often spans around 1,300 square feet. Here, customers can find:
  • Snacks and Beverages: A wide selection of chips, candy, pastries, sodas, juices, bottled water, and energy drinks.
  • Coffee and Hot Drinks: Pride is known for its coffee offerings, including fresh-brewed coffee, latte/espresso, cold brew, and nitro coffee. They also offer a "Coffee Club" as part of their loyalty program.
  • Fresh Food Options: Many Pride locations pride themselves on offering fresh food. This can include breakfast sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, fruit cups, fresh donuts and pastries, subs, wedges, wraps (often chef-prepared), fresh baked pretzels, and popcorn. Some larger Pride locations even feature in-store restaurants like Urban Counter or Taco Urbano, though it's not specified for this Southwick location.
  • Dairy Products: Likely includes milk and other dairy essentials.
  • Automotive Essentials: Basic car care items such as oil, wiper fluid, and air fresheners.
  • Tobacco and Lottery Products: Standard convenience store offerings.
  • Beer, Wine & Spirits: Many Pride locations, where permitted, offer a selection of beer, wine, and spirits, including craft beer options and sometimes exclusive barrel-pick bourbons/whiskeys.
• Restrooms: Accessible and maintained restrooms are typically available for customer use.
• ATM: An ATM is usually available inside the convenience store for cash withdrawals.
• Free Air: While a customer review noted a paid air machine, many Pride locations historically offer free air for tires. It's advisable to check the specific Southwick location for their current policy.
• Car Wash: Select Pride locations offer car wash facilities with options for unlimited wash passes, though this feature should be confirmed for the Southwick location.

Pride stations aim to differentiate themselves through various features designed to enhance the customer experience.

• Comprehensive Convenience Store: Beyond basic snacks, Pride stores are designed to offer a more extensive selection, including fresh food options, a wide range of beverages, and sometimes even in-store dining concepts. This goes beyond a typical gas station mini-mart.
• Pride Points Loyalty Program: Pride offers a robust loyalty program, "The PRIDE Points," where customers can earn points on almost every purchase (fuel and in-store items) to redeem for dollars off convenience store purchases. This program also automatically enrolls members in various "clubs" for freebies (e.g., Coffee Club, Fountain Club – buy 5, get the 6th free).
• Pride Star Debit Program: For even greater savings, the "Pride Star Debit" program allows customers to link their checking accounts and save 10¢ per gallon on every fuel purchase. This program also enables mobile payment through the Pride Stores app.
• Modern Amenities: Features like central A/C, tile floors, modern display racks, and a surveillance system contribute to a comfortable and secure shopping environment.
• Commitment to Customer Service: While one review cited a rude cashier, Pride's stated philosophy is to provide "prompt, courteous service and outstanding value." The company emphasizes being a "neighborhood Pride store" where customers will find "a friendly smile."
• Brand Reputation: Pride has been in operation for over a century, building a reputation as a trusted local business in Massachusetts.

Pride stations, including the Southwick location, are well-known for their loyalty programs and a variety of promotions designed to offer value to their customers.

• The PRIDE Points Program:
  • Earning Points: Earn points on almost every dollar spent in stores and on fuel (though points may not be redeemable directly on fuel, rather on in-store purchases). Typically, 10 points for every $1 spent in-store and 5 points for every gallon of fuel.
  • Redemption: Points can be redeemed for "DOLLARS OFF convenience store purchases." Every 500 points earned typically translates to $5 off.
  • Clubs: Automatic enrollment in clubs like the Coffee Club, Fountain Club, TCBY Frozen Yogurt Club, and Bread Club – where buying 5 items earns the 6th free. There are also specific clubs for Espresso, Cold Brew & Nitro Coffee.
  • Bonus Points: Receive 200 bonus points for the 5th purchase per year.
• Pride Star Debit:
  • Instant Fuel Savings: Save 10¢ per gallon every day when paying with the Pride Star Debit linked to your checking account.
  • Mobile Payment: Pay securely with your phone using the Pride Stores mobile app.
• fas REWARDS App Integration: Pride Stores use the fas REWARDS® app for loyalty transactions. This app allows users to track earned rewards, view exclusive in-app deals (including a "Deal-of-the-Week"), and potentially stack rewards for greater savings. While one review described the app as "useless," the general intent of the app is to enhance the loyalty experience and offer mobile-exclusive deals.
• Car Wash Pass: At locations with car washes (verify for Southwick), customers can sign up for unlimited car wash passes starting from $14.99 per month.
• In-Store Promotions: Look for specific deals on meal bundles, "pick and mix" options, sandwiches, wraps, and other fresh food items advertised within the store.

To maximize savings and take advantage of these offers, it is highly recommended to sign up for The PRIDE Points card, consider the Pride Star Debit program, and download the fas REWARDS® app to stay updated on the latest deals. Inquire with the staff at the Southwick location for any site-specific promotions.

For any inquiries or to contact Pride in Southwick, MA, please use the following details:

• Address: 198 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077, USA
• Phone: (413) 569-6117
• Pride Stores Customer Service (for Loyalty Programs): (800) 260-4910 or (844) 400-1035 (fas REWARDS® customer service).

For the residents of Southwick, Massachusetts, and those who frequently travel along College Highway, Pride at 198 College Hwy serves as a highly suitable and convenient local stop for their daily needs. Despite a few isolated negative customer experiences regarding pump advertisements, cashier demeanor, and a paid air machine, the broader offerings and strategic location make it a valuable resource.

Its central placement on a major thoroughfare ensures easy access for both quick fuel-ups and grabbing essentials on the go. Pride's commitment to a comprehensive convenience store experience, offering a range of fresh food options, various beverages, and more, means locals can accomplish multiple errands in one efficient stop. The robust "The PRIDE Points" loyalty program and the "Pride Star Debit" offer tangible savings on fuel and in-store purchases, making it an economically appealing choice for regular customers looking to save money in the long run. While personal preferences for quiet fueling or free air might lead some to alternatives, the overall blend of accessibility, diverse product offerings, and a strong loyalty program positions Pride as a solid and dependable choice for the Southwick community. It’s a local business striving to provide value and convenience, proving itself to be a suitable and often preferred destination for many in Western Massachusetts.