Convenience stores (c-stores) are adopting mobile technology to enhance customer experiences and encourage loyalty, with a significant portion of shoppers willing to use mobile coupons and engage with loyalty programs. Mobile searches are critical, with 85% of gas and convenience store searches happening on smartphones, leading to immediate purchases. To stay competitive, c-stores need to personalize promotions and connect digital engagement with in-store experiences.

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https://excentus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-C-Store-Shopper-Profile.pdf
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www.plexure.com
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A MORE CONVENIENT FUTURE
34%
85%
90%
72% of c-store customers
would use mobile cou-
pons while shopping
C-Stores account for
of all retail outlets
in the USA
To stay competitive, C-Stores will need to make mobile an integral part of
the marketing strategy, reaching people while they’re nearby and making it
easier to create valuable repeat customers who may otherwise only have
stopped in to fill their gas tank or pick up a pint of milk.
almost 84%
of them sell fuel
THE C-STORE SHOPPER
The average convenience
store shopper spends only
3-4 minutes in-store
RUSHED
MOBILE
PRICE-CONSCIOUS
ON THE GO
YOUNGERYOUNGER
HUNGRY
Food makes up 19% of
in-store sales; $41bn in 2014
LOYAL
43% go to a c-store because
it offers a loyalty program
Customers don’t browse,
taking just over 1 minute to
choose items
Millennials shop for
groceries at c-stores 2x
more than others
ENCOURAGE REPEAT VISITS >
< INCENTIVIZE NEW BEHAVIORS
Let customers lock in promoted gas prices now and
redeem at their convenience; connect gas pumps,
mobile and online payment to make filling up easy.
Offer utility: WiFi, delivery lockers, online bill
payment and loyalty rewards.
Target promotions depending on customer preferences.
Use up- and cross-sell offers to increase the value of
individual customers.
Use connected signage to attract motorists. Collect data on which
promotions result in what customer visits by tracking mobile devices.
of digital searches for gas or c-store retail
happen on smartphones
of c-store mobile searches result in purchase;
35% immediately, 66% within an hour
10% of c-store shoppers visit based on app or
email notifications
73% of consumers prefer to do business with retailers
who personalize their shopping experiences.
CONNECTING? PERSONALIZATION IS KEY
Encouraging repeat visits and customer loyalty
through personalized C-Store experiences
62%
have a loyalty
program
39%
have an app10%24%
offer mobile
payment
16% 4%
Fuel-discount
loyalty program
memberships have
increased by 10% in
the past two years.
Contextual information is critical
for reaching customers who
have little time to engage.
24/7
It’s cold out; stop
in on your way
home and get two
hot drinks for the
price of one!
Purchase history
IoT
devices &
wearablesPersonal
profile
Weather
Location
Social
activity
In-app
activity