Spinx Celebrates 40 Years With Free Gas And Scholarships

More than 200 people waited hours in line for a chance at winning free gas at an Upstate station Thursday.  The line started forming before 9:00 a.m. at the Spinx gas station on Highway 25 in Traveler's Rest.  "I came here from Duncan," said Donna Drennen.  "It costs me about $45 every time I fill up, so I could use it."

The event was part of a celebration for the company's 40th anniversary.  Every 40 days for the rest of the year, Spinx will give away forty $40 gift cards to 40 lucky customers.  "It's just a way of giving back," said owner Stewart Spinks, who opened up his first gas station as a full service station on Laurens Road and Washington in Greenville 40 years ago.

Locations of the free gas giveaways will be revealed through clues via the Spinx Facebook page.

The giveaway comes at a time when even more competition is moving in the market.  Three Quik Trip gas stations have opened in Spartanburg, with several more planned for Greenville and surrounding areas.  "The competition is growing," says Spinks.  "We have to carve a niche."

Unfortunately, economists say more competition doesn't necessarily mean lower gas prices for those on the roads.  "They might do something short term to get people in the door, but it won't reflect a permanent shift," says Furman business professor Tom Smythe.  However, Smythe says new stations moving in the market can spark brief promotions and giveaways the attract customers.  "If someone has an Exxon, Quik Trip and Spinx to choose from, what gets them to choose the Spinx is not necessarily the gas prices, but the products or brands they're selling."

Regardless, customers Thursday were grateful for the help.  Jennifer Cook, who won a gas card, was ecstatic.  "I needed this," she said.

In addition, $1,000 scholarships will be offered to 40 local high school seniors. The online scholarship application will open March 1, 2012 and will be available on the Spinx website. Applications will be accepted through April 27, 2012 with the scholarships being awarded over the summer.

The Spinx Company began in 1972 with the first store on the corner of Washington Street and Laurens Rd in Greenville.  The organization has grown to 65 locations employing over 700 in the Carolinas.