In today’s convenience store market, the challenge of not only attracting casual shoppers but converting them into loyal customers is critical. To achieve this, differentiating your c-store business from the competition is essential, requiring a fresh set of innovative strategies.

The industry’s growth trajectory underscores the potential for success. In 2023, convenience store sales reached $858.8 billion across the U.S. — up from $814 billion in 2022. Not to mention, the average consumer transaction increased by 3.7 percent.

To capitalize on this momentum, consider the following convenience store ideas and convenience store best practices to enhance the customer experience, increase revenue, streamline operations, and establish your business as a go-to destination for food, fuel, and more in the communities you serve.

22 Convenience Store Ideas

The following convenience store best practices can help c-stores increase their sales and the success of their businesses.

Customer Experience

Consumers are the lifeblood of any business — catering to their needs and investing in their satisfaction goes a long way in fostering loyalty and boosting your convenience store’s success.

1.    Prioritize efficient and friendly service

Nearly 50 percent of surveyed consumers will spend more when retailers provide high-quality customer service. Train your staff to deliver prompt, courteous service and make sure they’re well-informed about products and store operations — friendly, helpful staff will keep your customers coming back.

2.    Maintain a clean and organized space

C-stores may be designed for quick stop-ins, but the appearance and functionality of your store still matter. The environment should be inviting to customers — make sure it’s organized, clean, and easy to navigate. Restock the shelves consistently and keep high-traffic areas free of clutter and obstructions.

3.    Offer a wide range of products

Cater to the diverse needs of consumers with a range of products. Some of the most profitable convenience store offerings include hot coffee, personal care items, packaged meals or snacks, and pantry essentials. Get creative and think outside the box with locally sourced and seasonal items as well as other options that set you apart from your competitors.

4.    Start a customer loyalty program

48 percent of U.S. consumers take loyalty programs into account when choosing where to shop — reward your repeat customers with a loyalty program that will incentivize them to continually come back and refer your store to their friends. For example, run exclusive member discounts, special offers, or point systems that customers can redeem for products.

Inventory Management

Seamless inventory management is critical for minimizing costs, maximizing sales, and keeping customers happy.

5.    Implement inventory management software

Utilize a robust inventory management software program to monitor stock levels, sales metrics, reorder points, and other vital transactional data. This data-driven approach provides valuable insights for optimizing inventory strategies. The result is less overstocking and stockouts, which ultimately helps boost sales and customer satisfaction.

6.    Adapt to trends and seasons

Stay informed of emergent retail trends and seasonal consumer needs, and stock your shelves accordingly. For example, during the summer increase your inventory of cold beverages, sunscreen, and grilling supplies, and in the winter, stock up on cold-weather accessories like gloves and mittens as well as holiday-themed items. By stocking relevant products, you can meet customer expectations year-round.

Technology Integration

Leveraging the right technologies can help streamline store operations, enhance the customer experience, and save on costs.

7.    Utilize Point-Of-Sale (POS) Systems

A modern POS system streamlines your transactions, monitors sales and customer analytics, and automates inventory management all in one centralized platform. POS technology also makes it easy to digitize customer incentives like an e-newsletter promotion or a loyalty program invite. Not sure which POS system to choose? Check out these reliable options.

8.    Offer Mobile and Touchless Payment

According to a recent survey of 300 business owners, 93 percent agreed their customers want contactless payment. What’s more, over 55 percent of consumers will not return to a store that doesn’t offer their payment method of choice. This makes it imperative to upgrade your checkout process for Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Square, Venmo, and other touchless or mobile transaction platforms.

Marketing and Promotion

With the right marketing strategies in place, you can attract and retain customers, bolster sales revenue, and maintain a competitive edge.

9.    Get Creative with Strategic Promotions

One of the easiest ways to entice new customers and reconnect with existing ones is to run frequent promotions, discounts, and special in-store events. Utilize data analytics to determine the most profitable times to roll out a promotion or new product launch in order to maximize the impact. Also, be sure to email customers and notify them ahead of the event: In a recent survey, 86 percent of consumers said that they like to hear from businesses they frequent, and 60 percent said email was their preferred method of contact.

10. Strengthen Your Online Presence

An active online presence is just as crucial as a high-traffic physical location. Engage in strategic marketing initiatives such as SEO optimization — in particular, for local search — to attract customers and ensure all locations appear in relevant searches. Utilize email marketing to connect with customers and promote special offers. Finally, maintain a user-friendly website and stay engaged with customers through online review platforms and social media.

11. Increase Your In-Store Advertising

As effective as online marketing is, don’t sleep on in-store advertising. Display shelf talkers, posters, or digital screens throughout the store to communicate special offers, new arrivals, and best-selling products. Not only is this a simple and efficient way to grab your customers’ attention, but it can also drive impulse buys.

12. Engage with the Local Community

Turn your stores into local shopping hubs by increasing visibility in the communities you serve. Participate in neighborhood events and invest in charitable organizations or causes that matter to your consumer base. Active community involvement enhances your stores’ reputation and strengthens customer loyalty.

Facilities Management

Facilities management ensures a safe and functional retail environment while minimizing asset downtime and reducing costs.

13. Bolster Preventative Maintenance (PM)

With a strong preventative maintenance program, convenience stores can proactively address equipment issues before they become a problem or lead to costly downtime. In addition to increasing asset productivity, utilizing regular preventive maintenance checklists minimizes equipment depreciation, increases asset lifespan, reduces emergency service calls, and increases customer satisfaction.

14. Adopt Energy-Efficient Solutions

Other energy-reducing best practices include recommissioning existing equipment to ensure optimal efficiency and implementing real-time continuous energy monitoring. In fact, the impact of monitoring alone is such that customers can easily achieve up to 5 percent reduction in energy use with leading software tools.

For example, City’s SPARK+ solution is a tool designed specifically used to monitor temperature conditions of refrigeration, hot bars, and other food and beverage equipment in order to identify (and alert FM teams to) temperature anomalies, which can lead to not only spikes in energy usage but also food spoilage.

15. Enhance the Reliability of Facility Management Services

Partner with a reliable FM provider to ensure high service quality and drive down long-term costs. According to McKinsey, outsourcing services now dominate the facilities management market in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, with integrated facilities management (IFM) providers capturing nearly 20% of the outsourced category in North America. With this model, the IFM provider takes a holistic approach and builds a team tailored to your business’s needs, allowing you to drive efficiencies and cost reductions..

16. Implement a Solid Capital Program

Work with an experienced FM provider to allocate sufficient funds necessary for maintenance activities and equipment upgrades. It all starts with proper data collection and analysis to identify which assets require immediate versus future investment. Establish a budget that includes reserves for both routine as well as unplanned maintenance, and prioritize investing in assets that will reduce energy consumption and long-term costs.

Security

Whether you’re safeguarding your convenience store business from theft or consumer data breaches, robust security measures help mitigate loss, build a trustworthy reputation, and create a safe environment for both employees and customers.

17. Prioritize Staff and Customer Safety

A commitment to safety and security should be paramount for any convenience store business. Implement robust on-site security measures such as surveillance cameras, fire alarm systems, and bright exterior lighting, and train staff in proper safety measures such as how to operate convenience store equipment.

18. Protect Data

Implement security protocols to ensure data protection and privacy, a growing concern among consumers: According to McKinsey, “The great majority of respondents — 87 percent — said they would not do business with a company if they had concerns about its security practices. Seventy-one percent said they would stop doing business with a company if it gave away sensitive data without permission.”

Services

In a market saturated with convenience stores, unique and high-quality products and services will make your business stand out from the competition.

19. Introduce Electric Vehicle Chargers

About one-third of Americans want to own an electric vehicle, but only 1 percent of U.S. retailers currently provide EV chargers onsite. So if you’re looking to give your stores a serious competitive edge, consider offering this perk to this growing market segment. Offset EV charger installation and maintenance costs by taking advantage of the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit.

20. Expand Food Offerings

To better meet the needs of busy, on-the-go customers, stock up a variety of ready-to-eat meals such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, and hot meals such as paninis. Consider adding made-to-order espresso drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee to capture a wider market share.

By regularly updating meal selections based on emerging trends and customer feedback, you can ensure that your store remains a top destination in the local community for quick yet satisfying meals and beverages.

21. Consider Other Convenient Services

Think outside the typical snack or beverage products with additional services to create a one-stop-shop experience. These may include ATM machines, bill payment kiosks, package drop-off and pick-up, and copy machines.

22. Offer a Selection of Healthy Choices

According to Statista, 50 percent of Americans make an effort to eat healthy. Cater to the growing number of health-conscious consumers by stocking up on wholesome snacks and beverages. Fresh fruits, raw vegetables, protein bars, nuts or seeds, or hummus packs are all excellent choices for convenient yet nutritious options for health shoppers on the go. Clearly designate these products by setting them apart or with in-store signs.

Innovative Strategies for Convenience Store Success

With a projected market share of $1112.69 billion in 2024, there’s never been a more lucrative time to implement new strategies to take your c-store business to the next level. By adopting the convenience store ideas above — from driving positive customer experiences to implementing cutting-edge facilities management and technology innovations — you can ensure your business sticks out from the crowd, fostering long-term growth

At City, we offer industry-disruptive facilities management solutions to help convenience stores maintain seamless operations for an unforgettable customer experience, maximized efficiency, and lower costs. Learn more about our Integrated Facilities Management services.