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Good morning, everyone! Let’s dive into some interesting happenings from outside our usual convenience store bubble. Yesterday, I was doing my daily scan of the news. A few things popped up that are absolutely crucial for the convenience store industry to pay attention to. You know I’m always looking for that edge, that little something extra that can help us serve our customers better and keep our businesses thriving. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s get into the 5 news items that caught my eye this week, and more importantly, what you should be thinking about and doing because of them.

1. Move Over SEO, GEO is Where It’s At!

We all know how important it is to show up when someone searches for “gas station near me” or “best snacks nearby.” But this piece from Retail Brew, “Move over SEO: Why retailers and brands need to start thinking about geo,” really hit home. It talks about how consumers are increasingly relying on location-based services and real-time information to make their shopping decisions. Think about it – someone driving through town needs a quick stop for a drink and a bathroom break. They’re not going to meticulously compare websites; they’re going to look at what’s close and convenient right now.

Why Should You Be Interested?

For us convenience store operators, this is huge. We are inherently local businesses. Our bread and butter is often those immediate, on-the-go needs. If we’re not easily discoverable in those crucial “near me” moments, we’re missing out on potential customers who are literally just around the corner.

What You Should Be Doing:

• Beef up your Google My Business (now Google Business Profile) listing. Make sure your hours are correct, your contact information is accurate, and you’re actively responding to reviews. Photos of a clean and well-stocked store are a must!
• Ensure your location data is consistent across all online platforms. This includes Yelp, Apple Maps, Waze, and any other relevant directories. Inconsistent information can confuse potential customers.
• Consider local partnerships and promotions. Can you team up with nearby businesses or community events to increase your local visibility?
• Think about geo-targeted advertising. Platforms like Google Ads and social media allow you to target users based on their location. This can be a powerful way to reach people in your immediate area.

More Information: You can find the full article here.

2. Feeling the Pinch: Consumer Spending and the Economy

The Axios article, “Consumers feeling the squeeze,” highlights something we’re likely already seeing at our registers: people are being more careful with their spending. The piece discusses potential impacts of tariffs and broader economic pressures on consumer prices. While we might not be selling big-ticket items, our customers are still making choices about where they spend their limited dollars.

Why Should You Be Interested?

When consumers are feeling squeezed, they might trade down to less expensive options, buy smaller quantities, or even cut back on those impulse purchases that make up a significant part of our business. Understanding these economic undercurrents is vital for adapting our strategies. According to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), while convenience stores offer convenience (obviously!), value remains a key driver for customer visits.

What You Should Be Doing:

• Review your pricing strategy. Are you offering a good perceived value compared to other retail options in your area? Consider offering more value-oriented promotions or bundled deals.
• Pay attention to product mix. Are there opportunities to offer more private label or lower-priced alternatives in key categories?
• Focus on the “need” purchases. While impulse buys are great, ensuring you have the everyday essentials your customers need at competitive prices can drive traffic.
• Emphasize customer loyalty programs. Rewarding repeat customers can help retain their business even when they’re watching their budgets.

More Information: You can find the full article here.

3. Brewing Up Ideas: What Craft Beer Can Teach C-Stores About Coffee

This piece on Perfect Daily Grind, “What craft beer can teach C-stores about coffee,” was a real eye-opener. Think about the evolution of the craft beer market. Not that long ago, beer was pretty standard. Now, there’s a huge demand for variety, unique flavors, and a more premium experience. This article argues that coffee in convenience stores has a similar potential.

Why Should You Be Interested?

Coffee is a huge draw for many of our customers, especially during those morning commutes and afternoon slumps. By applying some of the lessons learned from the craft beer boom, we can elevate our coffee offerings, attract more discerning customers, and potentially increase margins. According to a report by the National Coffee Association, younger consumers are particularly interested in higher-quality and more diverse coffee options.

What You Should Be Doing:

• Evaluate your current coffee program. Are you just offering basic drip coffee, or do you have options for different roasts, brewing methods (like pour-over or cold brew), and specialty drinks?
• Consider partnerships with local coffee roasters. Featuring a local brand can add a unique selling proposition and appeal to customers who value supporting local businesses.
• Invest in your coffee equipment and training for your staff. A good machine and knowledgeable staff can make a big difference in the quality of the final cup.
• Think about creating a more inviting coffee area. Could you improve the ambiance with better lighting, seating, or even just clearer signage?

More Information: You can find the full article here.

4. Lights, Camera, Convenience! Engaging Customers with Episodic Content

The Adweek article, “Why brands like State Farm and Argos are going all-in on social-first episodic videos,” might seem a little outside our wheelhouse at first glance. But hear me out. It talks about how brands are using short, engaging video series on social media to connect with their audience on a more personal and ongoing basis.

Why Should You Be Interested?

In today’s digital world, building relationships with your customers goes beyond just the in-store interaction. Social media provides a powerful platform to connect, build brand loyalty, and even drive traffic to your physical locations. Episodic content, like a weekly “Manager’s Special” video or a fun “Behind the Counter” series, can keep your store top-of-mind. According to a study by Hootsuite, video content receives significantly more engagement on social media than other formats.

What You Should Be Doing:

• Brainstorm ideas for short, recurring video content. This could be anything from highlighting new products and promotions to featuring your staff or even sharing fun facts about your local community.
• Choose one or two social media platforms where your target audience is most active. Focus your efforts where you’ll get the most engagement.
• Keep your videos short, authentic, and engaging. You don’t need a Hollywood production, a smartphone and a friendly face can go a long way.
• Encourage interaction and feedback from your viewers. Ask questions, run polls, and respond to comments to build a community around your brand.

More Information: You can find the full article here.

5. Score Big with Back-to-School: Helping Parents with Lunch

With the back-to-school season in full swing (already mid-August!), this article from Store Brands, “Consumers seeking money-saving school lunch options,” is incredibly timely. It highlights the fact that parents are looking for affordable and convenient options to pack lunches for their kids.

Why Should You Be Interested?

We are perfectly positioned to capture some of this business. Parents are often time-strapped and looking for quick solutions. By offering a curated selection of lunch-friendly items at competitive prices, we can become a go-to destination for busy families in our communities. According to the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), store brands often see a surge in demand during back-to-school season as consumers look for value.

What You Should Be Doing:

• Create a dedicated “School Lunch” section or display. Feature items like single-serving snacks, drinks, fruit cups, crackers, and sandwich-making essentials.
• Offer value-oriented bundles or promotions on lunch-packing staples. Think “buy 5 snacks, get 1 free” or discounts on sandwich bread and fillings.
• Consider offering pre-made lunch kits or meal deals at affordable price points. This can be a huge time-saver for busy parents.
• Promote your school lunch options through in-store signage and local social media. Let parents know you’re a convenient and budget-friendly solution.

More Information: You can find the full article here.

The Bottom Line

So, there you have it, 5 interesting news items from outside the convenience store world that I think hold some really valuable insights for us. From focusing on local search to understanding consumer spending habits, from elevating our coffee game to engaging customers with video, and finally, tapping into the back-to-school market, there are definitely some actionable takeaways here. Remember, staying informed and looking beyond our immediate industry can often give us the best ideas and help us stay ahead of the curve. Now, let’s go out there and put some of these ideas into action!