Interviewing retailers from across the country, the 40-minute video provided insight on design, operations and merchandising techniques retailers could take back and possibly implement at their stores.
Several highlights included:
Human-resource [image-nocss] options. Officials with Las Vegas-based City Stop spoke of its use of a third-party provider to handle-human resources issueseverything from payroll to health care.
Sustainable community. A Berkeley, Calif.-based, single-store operator spoke of creating community by providing customers seminars on environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, such as using biofuels and even raising chickens and bees.
Drive-through concepts. Broomall, Pa.-based Swiss Farms officials spoke of their completely drive-through concept that has customers drive into a tunnel next to the store, give their orders to waiting employees and simply sit in their cars as their purchases come to them.
Made-to-order smoothies. Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz officials spoke of the expansion of its made-to-order concepts to include coffee and smoothies.
Upscale fare. A Lee Vinig, Calif.-based operator evolved her foodservice offer to include gourmet dinner options including fish tacos and filet mignon. The "Ideas to Go" video focused on numerous themes including design, culture change, cost-efficiency, employee motivation, community involvement and merchandising.
Jon Athey of City Stop spoke at length about how his company opted to use a third-party provider to handle employee insurance and payroll functions. As the 10-store company evolved, Athey said they decided that expanding their internal human-resources department was unnecessary. As a result, they opted to "lease" those functions, saving what he describes as a significant investment.
In the category of unusual concepts, Novella Carpenter, who operates a station called Biofuel Oasis, in Berkeley, Calif., offered a vision of complete green. In her store, which was originally built in the 1930s, she opted to refurbish using recycled roofing and canopy materials, as well as offering environmentally friendly products such as biofuels. The concept also promoted community building efforts around the idea of environmentally friendly living, offering the area residents seminars on conservation efforts such as raising chicken and bees.
On the design front, a Freemont, Calif.-based operator showed NACS videographers his vision of the future, showcasing a store designed with curves in mind. The motif incorporated unique columns and canopy configuration, as well as a distinctive c-store tower.Click hereto view CSP Daily News coverage of Ideas 2 Go from previous NACS SHows.ideas2go
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