LAS VEGAS — Demand for fresh food and competition for the same customers mean c-stores must develop new ways to keep business, according to CSPnet.com.
Joseph Bona, president of branded environment at CBX, said in a presentation that several different retail categories are now going after the same consumer: c-stores, QSR, fast food chains, pharmacies and grocery stores, shared the article.
To rise above the competition, many c-stores have begun to offer more fresh food, noted the article. A September 2014 report by Nielson projects “fresh foods will account for up to 50 percent of category sales in Europe’s next generation c-stores,” added Dan Munford, managing director of a U.K.-based c-store.
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C-store chains are focusing on better design and higher quality food to surpass the competition, reported the article. Europe’s Euro Garages and Tesco are building hipper buildings and partnering with brands like Starbucks and Harris & Hoole.
According to the article, Bona said in his presentation, “In the old days, people went to c-stores simply because they were easy to shop. Today, they're looking for something more. They want a pleasant environment, high-quality food, convenient locations, and, yes, good deals. The challenge moving forward is to exceed these rising expectations on all fronts.”
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