Optimizing C-Store Space with Creative Displays

Optimizing C-Store Space. For decades, convenience stores have been the place to maybe grab a quick drink or snack. Nobody really expected anything substantial from the C store experience. It was what it was. Nothing less, nothing more.

But, time changes everything, and convenience stores are no exception. Customers aren’t just looking for a quick stop and grab. They’re also after an experience. Their expectations in product selection and quality are changing, and retailers are adapting their convenience store displays by using smart merchandising strategies that make more creative use of available space.

There’s incredible opportunity in the front area of most C stores. This is the highest traffic area, and merchandising efforts have long been focused on small impulse items. This is a good strategy, but retailers could make even better use of this space with a little creative merchandising and display fixtures.

Many C stores have expanded their fresh food and drink selections. It’s not uncommon to see a coffee station that looks like it needs a barista, a hot food station or even a juice bar. Here, we have all these conveniences that rival coffee shops and restaurants, but we’re still using prime retail space to sell a pack of gum.

C stores can increase revenue by optimizing high traffic areas to showcase items that customers normally find on the perimeter of the store. For example, a display of fresh food selections or a small refrigerated display of fresh pressed juices.

The key here is that these items are still impulse purchases, but they’re different. You can get a pack of gum anywhere. A new drink or signature brownie is something else entirely. Customers associate the store with a satisfying experience, and the C store makes a larger profit from an improved selection of impulse items.

Whether it’s a frozen drink, fountain soda or hot dog, customers love to make a straight line to food beverage stations. These stations are fast and easy to use, but there’s still an element of personalization because the customer made it themselves, just the way they wanted it.

C stores can take advantage of these profit goldmines by becoming a little more innovative and creative in merchandising these areas.

For example, a C store might feature a small rack of locally crafted chocolates or pastries next to their coffee station. It’s a suggestive selling technique, but it’s also offering selections that are elevated above the typical candy bar or mass-produced donut.

We’re also seeing a trend in how smart C stores are capitalizing on station space by removing attempts at standard impulse buys and replacing them with an extension of offerings. For example, the hotdog station with standard condiments might be upgraded to include toppings for a New York style Coney Dog and a display of flavored bottled seltzers right next to it.

The only thing that’s keeping your convenience store from becoming the favorite neighborhood spot is a little creativity and some innovative display options. We have the variety of display options to help you make more profitable use of your C store space. Contact PFI for more information custom merchandising solutions today.