While our country has struggled through difficult times this year we have been fortunate in that the convenience store industry did not see any significant impact to its business.  In fact, convenience stores were highly praised for their commitment to stay open and serve the American public which in turn drove the growth of indoor sales.  But once we get past all of this what are the experts saying about the longer term future of our industry and how we must adapt?

Lori Stillman, Vice President of Research for NACS, recently shared her thoughts on this subject.  Convenience stores will need to:

• Deploy quicker check out options. Take a hint from Walmart and the major grocery chains.   Consumers will demand that type of experience even if it is at a convenience store
• Build upon the 24hours/7 days a week format. Put more focus on first responders and medical and healthcare workers who are going to play and even bigger role in our nation AND are more likely to convenience shop.
• Become more agile in your food services considering that this segment has grown stronger during the pandemic
• Connect with your community. This is more important than ever as people are staying close to home.

In 2019 there was evidence of fewer trips but now that is reversing in 2020 due to the pandemic but it is believed to be sustainable even when the pandemic is over.  The increased offerings by c-stores and the fact that consumers became used to convenience will continue for quite some time.  And that’s good news for all of us here at D&H United.