CHICAGO — As interest in and mandates for electric vehicles grow, gasoline retailers are increasingly preparing for a more electric-focused future.
“Think about the implications of a longer time on site,” says Jay Erickson, COO of Parkland Corp.’s U.S. division, Charleston, S.C.-based Parkland USA. “We’re looking to our store designs to add additional seating and food partners and foodservice to accommodate the longer time that the customers will be spending in our locations,” noting stays of 20 to 30 minutes.
“What we want to do is be able to accommodate all their needs and have a place that they can relax and refresh. They can get something to eat and really have these other offers and services that will help them during that extra time that they will be spending with us.”
But most importantly, Erickson says, “Find a way to dip your toe in the market. It’s relatively easy to start with one or two sites. And there’s no substitute for being in the market yourself, talking with drivers and seeing what matters to them.”
Elsewhere, Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go does not anticipate EVs having a significant effect on its business in the next decade. But Chief Marketing Officer Tracy Ging says, “We do expect it to start to be a factor.” Thus, the chain is “looking at a future where we may need to be less fuel dependent.”
In the short term, the company is investing in EV charging stations, and it “will continue to do so as long as we see people utilizing an away-from-home charging option.”
And in the long term, as part of the strategy to be less dependent on fuel, Kum & Go is working to become “more of a food destination” by its customers.
“We are beginning a multiyear transformation to become a more modern, healthy convenience option with really good food. We certainly see ourselves offering value over traditional quick-service restaurants. That you can fuel up or charge up, get a great cup of coffee, order fresh made-to-order sandwiches and bowls, have a huge selection of beverages and stock up on healthy snacks or grab something for dinner—fast food can’t offer that,” says Ging. “We think convenience has a role to play in providing fresh, flavorful, easy-to-grab-and-go food.”
The retailer also has a new store format, which Kum & Go is calling a Bistro, for locations that are too small for the retailer’s other store models. “It is designed for more urban fill-in, but also considers a future where the need for fuel pumps may be reduced,” says Ging.
The company expects to open the first nonfuel, Bistro-format store in Walnut, Iowa, before the end of the year, she says.
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