Today’s consumers are tightening their food and beverage budgets, with plenty of options competing for their dollars. The value they’re looking for goes beyond just price. As more consumers trade down from full-service restaurants, convenience stores that deliver on this redefined value – whether through quality, convenience or experience – are well-positioned to capture new and repeat business.
A return to busy lifestyles, coupled with the rise of digital ordering, has heightened expectations for convenience, continuing a long-term trend. After all, your consumers are already expecting ultimate convenience out of a c-store visit – so it’s crucial you deliver on this promise with investments that infuse ease into every moment – from apps, to short wait times, to practical packaging.
The c-store segment already has a well-earned reputation for value, encouraging operators to lean even more heavily into value messaging and promotions over the next year. Hooking consumers with deals, offering bundles that raise ticket prices, and incentivizing loyalty programs all add up to more traffic and retention. Here’s a look at some of the promotional tactics c-store operators are currently having success with!
Today’s consumers want convenience without sacrificing choice. C-stores that provide easy, customizable options give shoppers the variety they crave while reinforcing a sense of personal touch. Knowing their food was made just for them is a major component of a consumer’s value equation.
All of that customization won’t matter if your staff can’t execute in a way your customers can count on. Build your offerings around components that make it easy to execute consistent results — ideally with a side of versatility.
While sticking to your core is crucial, your menu differentiation and LTO strategy can make you stand out from the competition. Drive interest and trial with profitable co-branded items or LTOs your staff can pull off consistently.
Snacking, often as a meal replacement, remains a mega trend. This is especially evident for consumers aged 13-17, whose average expenditure per capita on snacks has increased 134% since 2021.5 Always have quality, consistent snacks conveniently at hand.
Rich’s is here with solutions you need to make your operation worth it for today’s c-store consumers.
Product information, recipe inspiration, or simply someone to talk things through with — we are here for your c-store.
Let us know how we can help.
Product information, recipe inspiration, or simply someone to talk things through with — we are here for your c-store.
Let us know how we can help.
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1 Kantar, ‘Values & Vibes’ 2023
2 SNAP! Datassential C-Store Report, 2023
3 Cleveland Research Center Convenience Store Industry Foodservice Forum, 2024
4 SNAP! Datassential Snacking Keynote 2023
5 Circana SnackTrack® March 2024
