In recent years, convenience stores, also known as C-stores, have seen a drastic increase in popularity. C-stores offer an extensive array of products, including household items, groceries, and pre-made foods in one convenient location. However, these helpful stores are often viewed negatively as a last resort offering low-quality items. Thankfully, the public perception of C-stores has changed over the past several years, as consumers have become more open to the idea of quick meal options.
Myth: All C-store Food Is Unhealthy
Propelling the unfair perception that C-stores only offer low-quality food is the assumption that shoppers can only purchase processed snacks at these locations. However, this idea could not be further from the truth. Recently, more and more convenience stores have taken note of the growing demand for quick, healthy meal options. This has led to an increasing number of stores adopting items such as pre-cut fruits, vegetables, and granola bars for customers to purchase. In addition, grab-and-go foods such as salads, sushi, and wraps are also gaining prevalence as the need to appeal to health-conscious shoppers has risen. As a result, c-Stores are no longer catered to late-night snackers and unhealthy eaters.
Myth: Everyone Is in A Hurry
Most consumers view convenience stores as an excellent option for those in a hurry but ultimately incapable of providing enough for longer shopping trips. This perception is entirely false, and C-stores are beginning to reinvent their shops to accommodate consumers with time to kill. For instance, electric car drivers have had a huge impact on C-store profits as shoppers are forced to slow down while their car charges.
Convenience stores across the country are installing charging stations for electric vehicles so drivers can stretch their legs and explore their vast inventory while waiting for their car to charge. C-stores offer these customers a large selection of grab-and-go foods, drinks, and anything else they may need to make their wait more comfortable. By providing travelers with fresh and healthy foods as they recharge, convenience stores have increased profits, proving that not all their shoppers are in a rush.
The Future is Fresh & Healthy Foodservice
As foodservice trends for 2022 suggest that fresh and healthy options are in demand, many C-stores are doing their best to meet shoppers’ expectations. After the pandemic, processed, high-sugar foods fell out of favor as 93% of people began trying to eat better. This has made healthy grab-and-go options a necessity for convenience stores trying to draw in consumers hunting for healthy snacks and meals on the road. By changing their operations to suit this demand, c-stores are meeting changing eating habits and proving the future of food service lies in fresh, healthy food.
Grab & Go Dining Engineered Expressly for C-Stores
With all these new, health-conscious foods hitting C-store shelves, exceptional displays are necessary to attract shoppers’ attention, increase sales, and provide convenient placement. Federal Industries can help convenience stores upgrade their grab-and-go displays to meet the shifting market by providing equipment solutions that meet the grab-and-go needs of vendors and buyers.
Federal Industries' Vision Series Merchandiser, End Cap, and Island Merchandiser all provide excellent means of displaying fresh convenient store foods. With refrigeration, shelving, and clear glass, these displays are sure to conveniently showcase stores' food while still being easily accessible to customers. Federal Industries is sure to have the perfect display designs crafted specifically for C-stores.