NATIONAL REPORT — When looking at an older convenience store in need of a refresh, it is often easier to determine what doesn’t work than to set the vision for what it needs to become. Even new builds grapple with the same questions: What aesthetic will best convey the theme of the brand? What will be most attractive to customers? How should the layout be set to facilitate foot traffic and work within the confines of the space? What’s the best equipment to purchase? What’s the budget for all of the above?

The winners of the 2018 Convenience Store News Store Design Contest worked hard to answer these questions, and their results are clear. They conceived a vision and achieved it.

Now in its 13th year, the annual awards program honors new and rebuilt c-stores whose designs excel in areas such as interior layout, use and effectiveness of signage and logos, and exterior property and landscaping.

Store construction or remodeling must have taken place between January 2017 and March 2018. Judging was based on innovation, creativity and the positive impact of the overall design and/or remodel on the business.

Many of the winning stores combine the latest technology with region-specific designs, meeting customers’ needs in atmospheres where they can also enjoy spending time.

This year’s honorees are: