The digital transformation of convenience stores is eminent, as it revolutionizes guest engagement, helps develop brand loyalty, and expands their market reach through online avenues. Read on to learn how technology is helping convenience stores drive unprecedented growth in the arena of convenience retail.
Optimize Guest Volume at Truck Stops
Imagine a truck driver on a tight schedule. As he approaches your truck stop, your app identifies he’s nearby and helps him streamline fuel operations with real-time pump availability updates, along with mobile payment options. In addition, through location technology, your app instantly recognizes the moment he pulls up to a pump, prompting him with a location-based notification:
“Welcome! While you’re filling up, save time and let us bring the store to you. Tap to grab a snack or drink right from your phone.”
He quickly browses available products, and selects a fresh pre-packaged sandwich, bag of chips, and a cup of hot coffee. As he finishes fueling up, he’s delighted as a store employee arrives at his truck, order in hand.
By seamlessly integrating app-based shopping with the fueling process, you conveniently cater to the needs of both busy truckers fueling up and customers inside.
Introduce Location to Customer Loyalty Programs
In the competitive landscape of convenience stores, fostering app loyalty can be a game changer. An app that offers hyper-proximity and micro-location engagement capabilities becomes a type of virtual concierge, delivering tailored promotions and personalized recommendations when customers are in close range to your business. You can even prompt them to redeem loyalty points before they check out. This type of customized approach serves as a catalyst for myriad benefits. It helps elevate app engagement and directly translates into increased app retention rates.
Leveraging customer behaviors and analyzing traffic patterns enable convenience stores to capture their customers’ attention at the right time. If a significant portion of their customers are early morning commuters who often purchase coffee on weekdays, the store can send push notifications for morning breakfast bundles at the exact time most customers are going to take action. Relevant offers such as this transform routine visits into delightful experiences – customers feel understood and catered to. This boosts loyalty and has a positive impact on your bottom line.
E-commerce for Convenience Stores is on the Rise
Although it’s been three years since the pandemic, some consumer behaviors have been permanently altered, including the way people shop. According to recent research, many Americans are choosing to do their regular grocery shopping at convenience stores, and expect options for pickup and delivery.
Convenience stores investing in off-premise technology will find themselves uniquely positioned to capitalize on these e-commerce trends, boosting overall profitability. Amid this surge of e-commerce grocery shopping, convenience stores must evolve to offer convenience and pricing akin to larger grocery stores. In addition, streamlined technology platforms and diverse product selections are imperative for capturing and retaining customers seeking those seamless digital shopping experiences.
Harness the Power of Location Tech
Convenience stores incorporating location technology are reshaping the very essence of convenience store business, and redefining the customer experience. They help business owners optimize guest volume, foster unswerving loyalty, and ignite unparalleled success in the e-commerce arena.
Want to implement the power of location-based technology at your convenience stores? Request a demo to learn more.
