Today’s convenience store shoppers are far more driven by convenience than they ever have been. As a result, what was once primarily a grab-and-go one-time purchase is now a multi-dimensional shopping experience with a demand for a much broader selection of products. One area in particular, drinks, has become an increasingly popular and profitable category among convenience stores. From drinks to coffees and teas, this trend of customers stocking up on their beverage of choice has created the ability for convenience stores to seize a growing portion of this market.
At a glance, it may seem like a simple opportunity for cash in. But beneath the surface, there are a variety of pros and cons that c store operators must consider when evaluating the viability of a drink trend. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at c-store beverage trends, looking at the key points to consider when evaluating the pros & cons.
Demand For Varied Beverage Types
The demand for c store beverage trends lies in the variety available. Gone are the days of just simple cold drinks or coffee. Customers now have access to more options that make convenience stores more than just a one-time stop. This demand for beverage diversification has created opportunity for convenience stores to expand their menu to include options like bubble teas, smoothies, juices, and wine.
With such a broad selection, operators can benefit from increased sales in terms of both frequency and value. Allowing customers to stock up on items they need serves to meet the demand for variety and can significantly build profits.
Healthy Drink Options
Healthy beverage trends have been on the rise in recent years, as consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of what they consume. With the emergence of healthy drinks, c store operators have a great opportunity to tap into this consumer trend. Offering healthier options when it comes to beverages can not only help meet customer expectations, it can also drive sales.
When evaluating the viability of healthy drink options, it’s important to consider such things as cost, storage, and the potential for cross-promotion. To maximize the success of promoting healthy drinks, it’s important to understand the pertinent factors and to create enticing promotions that customers will respond to.
Foodservice-Grade Beverages
Foodservice-grade beverages are quickly becoming a popular option amongst convenience stores. These drinks are designed specifically for the foodservice industry, offering convenience stores the opportunity to tap into a variety of the more high-end beverage trends.
When considering the pros & cons of foodservice-grade beverage trends, it’s important to understand the implications of the switch. For instance, foodservice-grade drinks may be more expensive to store, serve, and clean than other options. It’s also worth mentioning that foodservice-grade beverages may require special licensing and insurance to sell.
Data Driven Research & Prospecting
When evaluating any drink trends, it’s important to make sure that the right data is collected and used to make decisions. This data should include points such as sales trends, customer feedback and preferences, and the potential for cross-promotions.
By utilizing data-driven research & prospecting, c store operators can make more informed decisions about their beverage offerings. This data can provide valuable insights into understanding what customers want, as well as potential opportunities to capitalize on. In addition, data-driven research & prospecting can also provide information about the best ways to promote their offerings.
Wrapping up
When it comes to c store drink trends, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. As c store operators evaluate the pros & cons of various drink trends, it’s important to collect and review data to understand customer preferences, and to use research & prospecting techniques to identify opportunities to capitalize on. In addition, operators should be sure to understand all aspects of the drink trend, including cost, storage, insurance, and any other pertinent facts. Doing so will ensure that c store operators make the most informed decisions when it comes to their beverage offering.
