Two variety stores were robbed at gunpoint in Kitchener just hours apart.

A variety store on Highland Road in Kitchener was held up Wednesday evening.

Police say two men walked into JJ’s Convenience store on Highland Road around 10:45 p.m. Wednesday.  One of the suspects pointed a rifle at the clerk and demanded cash and cigarettes. 

According to police, the clerk was not injured.

Police are searching for the two suspects.  Both men were described as having thin builds, wearing all dark clothing and wearing ski masks.

Around six hours later, at 4:45 a.m. Thursday, the Macs Convenience Store on Westforest Trail was also robbed.

Two men entered the store, walked directly to the counter and demanded the clerk open the safe and till.  One man was holding a rifle.

The two suspects got away with cash and a small quantity of cigarettes.  The clerk was uninjured.

In the Macs robbery, one suspect is described as having a skinny build, wearing a brown hoodie and black pants, gloves, skimask and shoes.  The second suspect was stockier built, wearing a blue hoodie, a white ski mask, and black pants, gloves and shoes.