Convenience Stores Expand Food and Beverage Options
Have you noticed your corner convenience store and gas station looks a little different these days? Gone are the days of dingy lighting and limited options. Convenience stores are racing to revamp their offerings to keep up with customer demands in an increasingly competitive market. You want fresh, high-quality coffee, snacks, and meals on the go? You got it. Need to pay bills, send a fax or pick up tickets for tonight’s show? No problem, they’ve got you covered.
Convenience stores have evolved into one-stop shops for busy customers juggling increasingly busy lives. They’re expanding services, improving selections and upgrading amenities to attract new customers and keep existing ones coming back. The brands adapting the fastest to changing shopping habits and finding ways to make customers’ lives more convenient are coming out ahead. Your corner store may be unrecognizable from just a few years ago, but these changes are driven by companies listening to what customers really want and using that to shape the future of convenience.
New Services Cater to on-the-Go Customers at Gas Stations & Convenience Stores
Convenience stores know customers want more than just chips and soda these days. To keep up, many are expanding their fresh food and drink options.
Healthier snack choices
In addition to the usual junk food, you’ll now find granola bars, fresh fruit, hummus and veggie packs, nuts, and trail mix. Some stores even have self-serve nut and candy stations so you can create your own custom snack mix.
Made-to-order coffee drinks
Plain old coffee won’t cut it anymore. Many convenience stores now have fully-loaded coffee bars offering espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty drinks. Some are even on par with popular coffee chains. If you’re in a hurry, look for stores with mobile order ahead so your drink will be ready when you arrive.
Meal options
A developing number of odds and ends shops presently offer newly made sandwiches, burritos, pizza, franks, and the sky is the limit from there. Some have collaborated with cheap food brands to give dinners in a hurry. A few stores have even added seating areas so you can dine-in.
Alcoholic beverages
In states where it’s legal, you may find convenience stores selling beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Some have growler filling stations for craft beer and designated spaces if you want to enjoy a drink on the spot.
Convenience stores continue to adapt to customers wanting more convenience, value, and an experience. The next time you dash in for a quick stop, you might just find yourself staying a while.
How Convenience Stores Are Adapting Layouts and Offerings to Changing Trends
These days, convenience stores are all about catering to customers on the go.
To meet the demands of our busy lifestyles, many convenience stores and gas stations now offer extra services to save you time. You can now do laundry or get your car washed while fueling up or popping in for snacks. Some locations even have electric vehicle charging stations, showers, and Wi-Fi hotspots.
Convenience stores realize that multi-tasking customers appreciate businesses that let them accomplish more than one thing at a time. New services at stores provide additional value so you’re inclined to choose them over competitors. Many now have mobile apps to speed up the checkout process or allow you to pay at the pump. A few are testing delivery and curbside pickup options for household essentials.
The next time you stop by your local convenience store, look for the latest time-savers and amenities. You might be pleasantly surprised by what’s new. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff about any services you have questions on – they’re there to help make your experience as convenient as possible. With all these new options, the only thing you’ll need to do is enjoy the extra time saved on your errands! Convenience stores aim to live up to their name by offering a one-stop solution for life’s little necessities.
