C-stores are leveling up their grab-and-go options to meet the growing demand of on-the-go consumers. These stores have come a long way from only offering coffee, candy bars, and chips. With a focus on convenience and customer satisfaction, convenience stores are now stocking shelves with a wide array of ready-to-eat meals, fresh produce, and healthier snack options.
Customers on the road need fast, easy ways to get their meals. Therefore, convenience store operators have a unique opportunity to increase sales with expanded in-store menus, particularly fresh items that will travel well. With more Americans saying they plan to take road trips more than 50 miles from home, operators need to be prepared with food choices that will inspire more spending in convenience stores rather than in restaurants. Add to that the increase in electric car (EV) sales. EVs take time to charge, which means those consumers could be spending more time inside c-stores than consumers who pump gas. So be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for EV owners to want to stay, including offering tasty food and drink offerings and seating outside.
The 2024 C-Store News Industry Report shows that foodservice sales in convenience stores have risen 13.5% over the previous year. Even more encouraging, foodservice, for the first time, accounts for more than 20% of c-store sales. With prepared foods making up 3/4 of the category's sales, it's important to have a solid grab n' go program to cash in on these trends.
To encourage repeat sales at the register and not just the pump, convenience stores should consider seasonal foods, such as hearty soups and spiced pumpkin bread, and other items that are easy to eat on the go. Healthy options like veggie sandwiches can incorporate squash and other in-season produce and appeal to those with a special diet.
To help keep grab n' go food fresh, c-stores should consider efficient display cases, such as Federal's Vision Series merchandisers, available in curved or straight profiles. These systems feature improved product displays in heated or refrigerated, high-profile cases that make it easy for customers to see what they want, select their food or beverages, and pay quickly.
The latest models have 5 percent more room than previous models, so operators can experiment with new products without losing real estate for best-selling items. Customers can reach in and grab what they want and continue shopping without even breaking stride.
The Vision Series also makes it easy for owners and store managers to optimize temperature settings for optimal food safety. Its easy-to-operate controls allow anyone on the c-store staff to adjust as needed. There is no special training required.
With cost-effective ways to display fresh foods, convenience stores can continue to increase their foodservice sales and make up for some of the losses of the past few years. Investing in infrastructure such as Vision Series refrigerated and heated display cases is an easy management decision and adds quick ROI value.