C-Stores Become Even More Convenient
During the pandemic, retailers have considered innovative ways to drive traffic.
Sep 21, 2020 | 2 min read
LONDON—While commuting and vacation driving has been down since March, U.S. convenience stores have reinvented themselves to become even more convenient to consumers, Retail Wire/Frozen & Refrigerated Buyer magazine reports.
“They need to lean on other categories and services to help develop new shopper routines and cater to evolving consumer needs,” said Simon Johnstone, director of Kantar’s global discounter/c-store unit.
Other opportunities for retailers include picking up the slack for grocery shortfalls. Convenience stores can offer cleaning and toiletry products, bulk items and ready-to-eat/ready-to-heat foods. In particular, urban locations should see themselves as “corner stores” that provide customers with pantry staples like milk, eggs and fresh produce.
By focusing on foodservice, convenience stores can “be a solution for families facing restaurant restrictions and seeking alternatives to home cooking. Some c-stores are keeping pace with QSRs by offering healthier items,” according to Retail Wire/Frozen & Refrigerated Buyer. For example, Wawa will soon open its first drive-thru only store.
Finally, the magazine urges convenience stores to develop their own apps, online ordering, pickup and delivery options. “Even the chains that are doing a good job today are still playing catch up,” said Gary Stibel, CEO of The New England Consulting Group.
“I’m confident the channel will return to power in time,” added Larry Levin, IRI executive vice president of consumer and shopper marketing. “It’s still the best channel for on-the-go consumption. But if working from home is the new normal, it will have to adapt.”
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