C-Stores Push Ahead With Extra Safety Protocols, Pickup Options
C-Stores Push Ahead With Extra Safety Protocols, Pickup Options
From hand sanitizer to contactless payments, making customers feel safe is a top priority, NACS survey finds.
July 15, 2020
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Convenience retailers continue to enhance store operations to address new consumer preferences related to safety protocols and convenient shopping options that have emerged from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new national survey of U.S. convenience store owners conducted by NACS.
Nine in 10 stores (89%) have installed plexiglass barriers at checkout, and 87% provide hand sanitizer inside the store. Convenience stores sell an estimated 80% of the fuel purchased in the country, and 24% of stores are offering hand sanitizer at the fuel island, the survey found.
Consumers say hand sanitizer access is a top priority, according to a May national consumer survey conducted for NACS by PSB Insights. Consumers rated access to hand sanitizer in-store (68%) and at the fuel pump (67%) as the top two choices when asked which of 11 enhanced safety procedures they thought were appropriate to implement at convenience stores.
“Customers really appreciate observing our associates cleaning, continually wiping down high-touch points in the store and keeping our fueling dispensers clean and in tip-top shape. I think the pandemic has really made it necessary for convenience stores to enhance a ‘culture of cleanliness’ throughout the property, both inside and at the pump,” said Dennis McCartney, director of operations at Landhope Farms (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania). “This will continue to be an important issue and an important continuing aspect of our everyday business.”
When NACS surveyed member retailers in May, 99% said they had enhanced their cleaning protocols for high-touch surfaces, with regular cleaning conducted as often as every 30 minutes.
Retailers anticipate even more changes to be coming soon. Rainbo Oil Co. (dba Kwik Stop) is focusing on safety and protecting employees by ensuring an adequate supply of PPEs and disinfecting/cleaning supplies throughout the pandemic, according to Lori Thielen with the Dubuque, Iowa-based company.
New programs emphasize convenience
Retailers recognize that as essential businesses, they play an important role in serving local communities. Overall, 98% of respondents say their stores have remained open: 64% of stores have kept the same hours, and 34% have stayed open but with reduced hours.
Many retailers also say they are driving forward new convenience offers that respond to customer demands, such as new payment options that have accelerated within the industry: 40% say they have introduced or increased contactless payment options inside stores, and 62% say fewer customers are paying by cash, reflecting a broader retail trend. In terms of product pickup, 33% of stores have introduced or expanded curbside pickup, 29% have increased drive-thru elements to their operations and 21% increased delivery.
Retailers say they are embracing these new conveniences. Marshall Dujka, owner of Timewise Food Stores in Houston, Texas, said that he will continue to explore how to better anticipate new customer buying habits and behaviors.
Meanwhile, High’s is expanding its frictionless payment program, as well as curbside pickup and delivery options, according to Brad Chivington, senior vice president of the Baltimore, Maryland-based company.
Supporting communities
In addition to serving customers, retailers are supporting their communities—an important value for consumers. More than one in three consumers said they would be much more likely to shop at a store that was actively supporting charitable causes, according to the May NACS national consumer survey.
In the latest NACS retailer survey, nearly two in three retailers (63%) say they are supporting medical/healthcare personnel, first responders, or others affected by the crisis. Other companies are recognizing local heroes during the industry-wide 24/7 Day (July 24) that honors first responders, medical personnel, and American Red Cross volunteers.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the community back together,” said Edwin Piper, general manager at Willits General Store in Basalt, Colorado.
The NACS Retailer Member survey was fielded in late June and closed July 2. A total of 77 member companies, representing a cumulative 2,796 stores, participated in the survey.
July 15, 2020
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Convenience retailers continue to enhance store operations to address new consumer preferences related to safety protocols and convenient shopping options that have emerged from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new national survey of U.S. convenience store owners conducted by NACS.
Nine in 10 stores (89%) have installed plexiglass barriers at checkout, and 87% provide hand sanitizer inside the store. Convenience stores sell an estimated 80% of the fuel purchased in the country, and 24% of stores are offering hand sanitizer at the fuel island, the survey found.
Consumers say hand sanitizer access is a top priority, according to a May national consumer survey conducted for NACS by PSB Insights. Consumers rated access to hand sanitizer in-store (68%) and at the fuel pump (67%) as the top two choices when asked which of 11 enhanced safety procedures they thought were appropriate to implement at convenience stores.
“Customers really appreciate observing our associates cleaning, continually wiping down high-touch points in the store and keeping our fueling dispensers clean and in tip-top shape. I think the pandemic has really made it necessary for convenience stores to enhance a ‘culture of cleanliness’ throughout the property, both inside and at the pump,” said Dennis McCartney, director of operations at Landhope Farms (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania). “This will continue to be an important issue and an important continuing aspect of our everyday business.”
When NACS surveyed member retailers in May, 99% said they had enhanced their cleaning protocols for high-touch surfaces, with regular cleaning conducted as often as every 30 minutes.
Retailers anticipate even more changes to be coming soon. Rainbo Oil Co. (dba Kwik Stop) is focusing on safety and protecting employees by ensuring an adequate supply of PPEs and disinfecting/cleaning supplies throughout the pandemic, according to Lori Thielen with the Dubuque, Iowa-based company.
New programs emphasize convenience
Retailers recognize that as essential businesses, they play an important role in serving local communities. Overall, 98% of respondents say their stores have remained open: 64% of stores have kept the same hours, and 34% have stayed open but with reduced hours.
Many retailers also say they are driving forward new convenience offers that respond to customer demands, such as new payment options that have accelerated within the industry: 40% say they have introduced or increased contactless payment options inside stores, and 62% say fewer customers are paying by cash, reflecting a broader retail trend. In terms of product pickup, 33% of stores have introduced or expanded curbside pickup, 29% have increased drive-thru elements to their operations and 21% increased delivery.
Retailers say they are embracing these new conveniences. Marshall Dujka, owner of Timewise Food Stores in Houston, Texas, said that he will continue to explore how to better anticipate new customer buying habits and behaviors.
Meanwhile, High’s is expanding its frictionless payment program, as well as curbside pickup and delivery options, according to Brad Chivington, senior vice president of the Baltimore, Maryland-based company.
Supporting communities
In addition to serving customers, retailers are supporting their communities—an important value for consumers. More than one in three consumers said they would be much more likely to shop at a store that was actively supporting charitable causes, according to the May NACS national consumer survey.
In the latest NACS retailer survey, nearly two in three retailers (63%) say they are supporting medical/healthcare personnel, first responders, or others affected by the crisis. Other companies are recognizing local heroes during the industry-wide 24/7 Day (July 24) that honors first responders, medical personnel, and American Red Cross volunteers.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the community back together,” said Edwin Piper, general manager at Willits General Store in Basalt, Colorado.
The NACS Retailer Member survey was fielded in late June and closed July 2. A total of 77 member companies, representing a cumulative 2,796 stores, participated in the survey.
Powered By GrowthZone