ELMHURST, Ill. - Visit Power Mart, and you??ll be forgiven if you think you??re not in a convenience store. Big-screen TVs blare ESPN while customers peruse a wine section or pick up a package of fresh cherry tomatoes. Proprietor Sam Odeh has turned his store into an upscale shopping experience, Crain??s Chicago Business reports.

A new study released yesterday by the National Association of Convenience Stores and the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council showcased stores like Odeh??s as how the $681.9 billion convenience store industry will find success in the future.

"Price and value are still paramount, but our theme is really how to broaden the appeal of the average convenience store," said Bill Bishop, research director for the association and chairman of Willard Bishop.

Bishop pointed out five ways retailers can broaden their appeal, such as increasing their fresh food offerings and adding seating to emulate coffee shops. Odeh??s Power Mart stores have incorporated many of those recommendations already.

"He actually has a little in-store bakery which addresses the freshness issue," said Bishop. "He has a little corner of the store with an interesting, if not extensive, wine selection. You really get the experience of being entertained while you're there."