Although technology has changed shopping to a mostly seamless digital experience for most of us, life is still not as convenient for all consumers. Especially consumers who are primarily low income, unbanked, or underbanked and left without access to online shopping or to debit cards. These also happen to be the consumers that visit c-stores the most.

Many c-store owners think that signage is something they don’t really have to focus their attention on. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Signage is how you communicate with your customers when you can’t speak with them directly. The signage outside your store is how you communicate with them before they even get into your store. If you aren’t looking for ways you can give the outside of your store a new look and increase your traffic, you should really be evaluating your...

Customers stop at convenience stores to get a variety of things: gas, food, coffee, soda, tobacco products, but have you ever thought about what products make your c-store so valuable? People don’t go to convenience stores to shop around like they would at a grocery store. They go in looking for a specific product. Often it’s an unplanned trip to buy something they’ve forgotten or needed suddenly.

We’ve written posts before about the importance of making sure that your store is ready to serve the specific customers in your area. To do this, you should not only understand the interests of your customers, but also the challenges to seeing success at your store’s location. While you can look at the trends in your city or even state, you should probably start by just looking at what’s happening in the region of the United States where you’re located. In every region in the United States,...

Technology is constantly evolving and consumers' shopping behaviors are changing with it. The advances in technology have made people want things even quicker, appreciate environmentally friendly options more, and above all demand more convenience. For businesses, that means evolving retail models in an attempt to keep up with the quickly changing demands of customers. Especially for convenience stores, where technology could make or break a consumer's perception of the business.

Large c-store chains are expanding and with big box stores like Walmart have recently expanded into the convenience store industry , the competition is getting even more intense. To keep attracting customers and driving profits for your store, you will have to do things differently to compete. As a small c-store owner, you may be wondering how you can compete with the c-store giants. We have a few tips that will ensure your customers will continue to pick your business over a large c-store...

Competition is heating up and not just among convenience stores, but with all retailers. Customers' demands have changed and providing access to quality products as quickly as possible is top priority. People are strapped for time and they appreciate the convenience of getting things they actually want and need easily, especially meals. Amazon's revenue may have increased by 38% in the last year, but what they are still unable to provide is fresh food ready to eat the moment a customer pays for...

The shelves in your c-store are more important than you might think. Yes, they’re what hold your products, but many retailers are finding a competitive advantage by following and implementing the latest shelving innovations. Their shelves attract customers to products; they make shopping more natural, and they're boosting sales. Don't get left behind! Get a jump start with these latest shelving innovations.

When it comes to maximizing space within your convenience store, sometimes, it can be hard to come up with creative layouts that really market to your customers without them knowing it. Working within a small budget can make the organization even harder, cutting back on your options for the final store layout.

With companies like Amazon taking over convenience in the retail industry, it’s hard for retailers to imagine new ways to compete and stay relevant with customers. Online shopping and mobile devices have changed the way new generations of customers shop and do business. So the question remains, how can convenience stores keep their title in offering convenient and reliable customer service?