What Makes A Store Future-Ready?

Consumers prefer tech-savvy pre-ordering, self-checkout, and kiosk customization, so C-stores have to upgrade technology, improve throughput, manage labor, and enjoy a better customer experience.

Fremont, CA: The Pandemic has accelerated convenience store design, requiring retailers to consider technological advances, product expansions, service improvement, location, competition, consumer preferences, and available capital.

Six significant areas are percolating change at once, including:

1.) Expansion of products

2.) Improved technology

3.) Upgrades to services

4.) Methods of acquiring products

5.) Enhanced Operational Efficiencies

6.) Store design

With a Store of the Future, you can not only survive but also prosper for years to come.

Let's go deeper:

Product Expansion – Foodservice is a massive part of the convenience store industry, and operators have options like franchising, becoming a franchisee, or setting up a proprietary operation. 

Technology Enhancements – Consumers prefer tech-savvy pre-ordering, self-checkout, and kiosk customization, so C-stores have to upgrade technology, improve throughput, manage labor, and enjoy a better customer experience.

Improved Services – Convenience stores should adapt their services so electric cars (EVs) can charge and customers get value. It's a great idea to offer credible food service with 30 minutes of Wi-Fi.

Product Acquisition Option – Store-of-the-Future designs should adapt to changing customer needs like pick-up, carryout, and delivery, which is why we see more drive-through and mobile trucks. 

Improved Operational Efficiencies – In addition to enhancing store flow, considering queuing areas and ensuring efficient item assembly through a drive-through, the new design should also highlight Store of the Future features.

Store Design – It needs to be pleasant to shop in and have lots of amenities to keep customers coming back. With Starbucks, coffee has become more appealing and enjoyable, attracting more people who want a better environmental option. So, where do you start? It's better to approach these projects with a four-part process, remembering that each phase consists of many subsets:

1st Phase – Project planning

• Programming

• Decide what quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and branded partners you want

• Proforma and Business Plan

• Transitional Planning

2nd Phase – Site Attributes development

• Development of a site plan

• Equipment and space planning

• C-store and Foodservice Branding

• Food Menu Development (if proprietary)

3rd Phase – Start Implementing

• Designing for Conventional stores

• Foodservice Design

• Packaging Development

• Uniforms Development

4th Phase – Operationalize the Location

• Determine Suppliers

• Technology integration

• Work on operational procedures

• Develop Marketing Strategies

• Get advice from builders.