The convenience store sector has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity over the past few years, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. While it may have been easy for convenience stores to find success just a few short years ago, sustaining growth and visibility in the competitive market has become increasingly challenging. As the market changes rapidly, convenience store owners must find ways to stay ahead of the trends and stand out from their competitors. One of the most effective methods of doing so is to implement data.com/en/platform/’ target=’_blank’>menu changes that follow the latest industry trends.
This article aims to provide foodservice franchisors with a comprehensive guide to understanding the current trends in the convenience store sector. With a better understanding of what is trending, franchisors have a better chance of expanding their locations and successfully capturing the attention of their target markets. By exploring the current industry trends, franchisors can make sound data-driven decisions to ensure their success as the convenience store sector continues to evolve.
First and foremost, it is essential to understand that convenience stores have become a much broader term than they were once known for; they are now increasingly seen as true foodservice providers. From classic to contemporary, an expanded menu offers convenience store customers many different choices. Customers search for convenience store locations for a variety of reasons; however, the fastest growing reason is for food and beverages.
The following is a list of the top 10 convenience store menu trends that foodservice franchisors should be aware of and how they can leverage these trends to better position their brand and win new customers.
1. Innovative Snacks and Treats: Convenience store customers are increasingly looking for convenient and healthier alternative snack options. Becoming a go-to destination for healthier snack items such as protein bars, organic teas, yogurt parfaits, and other grab-and-go snacks can serve as a great way to stand out from the competition.
2. Healthy Meal Options: In addition, a growing number of convenience store customers are seeking out healthy meal options. Developing a menu that offers quick and easy meal solutions such as salads, wraps, and smoothies can attract a variety of potential customers.
3. Unique Local Offerings: Local-focused items such as locally-sourced products and seasonal menu items can help franchisees attract customers and differentiate themselves from other convenience stores in the area.
4. Plant-Based Options: Plant-based menu items are becoming increasingly popular across segments, and the convenience store sector is no exception. Offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly options helps diversify the menu to appeal to a larger customer base.
5. Food Service Technology: Embracing food service technology such as online ordering and mobile app ordering is essential to staying competitive. Technology-driven solutions such as automated ordering, contactless payment, and virtual payment can streamline the ordering and payment process.
6. Local Cuisine: A unique and varied selection of flavors that reflect local tastes can attract a more diverse customer base. Local SKUs such as food, bottled and canned beverages, and prepared foods can broaden the range of options for customers.
7. Private Label Offerings: Private label offerings help franchisors demonstrate their commitment to quality while offering customers with greater value and convenience. Offering private label food and beverage items can also reduce costs and decrease a store’s dependence on leading national brands.
8. Healthy Beverage Options: Healthy beverage items such as ready-to-drink teas, flavored waters, and juices can help convenience store owners meet customer’s needs without compromising their health.
9. Fresh-Prepared Foods: Fresh-prepared food offerings such as sandwiches, pizza, salads, and breakfast dishes are increasingly popular among convenience store customers.
10. Self-Service Solutions: Self-service solutions such as touch-screen ordering and grab-and-go kiosks can streamline the ordering process. Installing digital kiosks that are connected to a menu database can also provide customers with access to real-time product information and nutrition information.
At the end of the day, convenience store owners must stay ahead of the trends and anticipate the needs of their customers. Understanding the current convenience store menu trends and utilizing the information in your favor can help franchisees capture the attention of their target markets and succeed in the competitive market.
