In Norway, 80% of new cars sold are EVs. By studying this Scandinavian country, we can catch a fuzzy glimpse of one potential future for convenience retail in the United States. That’s where dog parks come in. They’re a way to lure in travelers who plan to spend 20 or more minutes charging, reports Magnar Møkkelgård, a c-store leader in Norway who is part of the NACS global team.

Møkkelgård’s article is called “EV Observations From Norway.” Let me know what you think of it.

We can catch a fuzzy glimpse of one potential future.”

Here’s another probable future outcome: c-stores that are buzzing with digital messaging. “People are in the digital age now and expect a digital experience,” Mark Meisner of Kwik Trip told Amanda Baltazar for the article “Look Here!” which covers all things digital signage. I like that thought. It cuts to the heart of why this sort of signage is more than a one-for-one replacement for static signs. Instead, digital signage is a way to create a different sort of shopping experience. I’m excited to see how different retailers explore what that means.

Yet another prediction, this one more specific: In the first week of October, more than 20,000 people will gather at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta to explore everything related to convenience retail and fueling. I feel very confident in this prediction because that’s the time and place for the annual NACS Show. This issue has an insightful sneak peek featuring Darin Detwiler, who will keynote the Food Safety Forum.

What are your predictions for the future of convenience retail? Drop me a note at [email protected].