Here's another really interesting article from C-Store Dive in the US, which highlights the problems smaller c-store are dealing with, and offers suggestions on what they can do about it.
From the rise and fall of the COVID-19 pandemic to ballooning inflation and interest rates, difficult economic conditions have forced many small c-store operators to sell to competitors that are seeking more scale. Large c-store companies have pricing power and economies of scale that make it easier to weather turbulent economic times, while their juggernaut marketing programs boost brand awareness even outside their main areas of operation.
These brands are moving into more and more communities, and their strategic initiatives — like expanding foodservice programs or testing retail media networks — dominate the industry conversation. All of which can leave small-scale operators wondering how they can stay competitive.
Part of the challenge, said Mike Lawshe, founder of c-store design and consulting firm Paragon Solutions, is being able to look beyond the big chains’ playbooks to define success and set strategy. “The thing that drives me a little crazy is when we have customers saying, ’I want to build a QuikTrip, a Buc-ee’s,” said Mike Lawshe. “Well, you can’t. You’re in a different game.”
Even if a retailer doesn’t have the scale of a large regional chain, there are a few things they can do to keep their business standing strong even among the industry giants.
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“The Coca Cola they’re buying is the exact same Coca Cola in every single c-store,” said Kevin Farley, chief client officer for c-store consultancy W. Capra. “You have to change what you offer outside of this traditional c-store offering for them to come into your store.”
Many small and mid-size c-store chains are adding proprietary QSRs or building bigger stores that offer prepared foods in a broader effort to compete with restaurants. Before then, there have been significant changes like the reduction of service centers or the move toward food-focused stores that aim to compete with QSRs.
These changes have left a vacuum in the industry, said Lawshe, creating space for “someone with a little creativity, someone wanting to change the industry” to step in and cater to these needs.
Read momre and get the full story at How small c-stores can survive | C-Store Dive
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