By examining the latest NACS consumer survey findings, the convenience store industry’s ability to save consumers time is resonating with the nearly two in three consumers (63%) who shop c-stores for their convenient locations and quick queueing. However, there is a growing shift toward redefining convenience: 11% of consumers ages 18-34 consider online ordering to be the most important attribute for a quick service at a retail location.

Online ordering may not be direct competition for convenience stores today, but it’s a trend that retailers are considering, whether through a combination of mobile and online ordering with brick-and-mortar pickup or delivery. Some retailers are also creating an even faster shopper experience by offering frictionless checkout technology, voice-activated ordering through Amazon’s Alexa and the ability to request fuel delivery through a mobile app.

As the definition of convenience evolves and new technologies and payment solutions emerge, consumers will likely continue to rely on their neighborhood c-store to deliver a coveted commodity in today’s retail environment: time.

Source: (NACS consumer survey; September 2018)