Convenience stores are second only to QSRs when it comes to lunchtime foodservice sales, according to Technomic’s Q2 2021 C-Store Consumer Marketbrief—and with more consumers resuming their pre-pandemic routines for commuting to work, c-stores can further compete for lunch sales by offering great food and great experiences.
As retailers prepare to expand sales in the coming months, focusing on customer experiences inside the store may be a particularly lucrative strategy. While quick transactions are a hallmark of the c-store, on-premise occasions play a crucial role in many retailers’ daily profits, too. In fact, 25% of shoppers who purchase lunch from the c-store at least monthly say they typically enjoy their meal while at the store.
Consumers spending more time in the store is great news for c-stores, as guests who linger longer in the dining area may purchase more food or think of other items to buy from the store before they leave. But regardless of whether a shopper is dining onsite or making a quick stop, enhancing the in-store experience can help draw in sales during this crucial period of market recovery—and help afford a competitive edge amid the sea of options available to consumers looking for a quick bite.
Preparing for the lunchtime rush
Retailers can focus on a number of strategies in preparing the store for an influx of midday sales. For some, current areas of focus involve crafting a variety of quality foodservice offerings while keeping prep work simple behind the scenes. Others may be seeking strategies to give their grab-and-go section a boost or to support services such as order pickup and delivery. And with foot traffic likely to increase, continuing to keep a close eye on safety practices and cleanliness is key to success in a post-pandemic world.
The lunch rush may mean longer wait times, too. For this reason, creating a great experience inside the store is key to retaining loyal shoppers.
In-store entertainment can be a great way to ensure that guests will enjoy their time in the store—whether they’re browsing aisles, waiting to check out or enjoying a meal. Televisions with programs appealing to a wide swath of shoppers can be a great investment for this purpose, paying off both in the coming months as well as in the future.
For best-in-class entertainment solutions shoppers love, retailers need look no further than DIRECTV for Business. DIRECTV offers peak reliability and ease of use for employees, as well as a wide variety of programs suited to any and every consumer base. With sports programming such as DIRECTV’s exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket package, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice and MLS Direct Kick, as well as countless channels for news, entertainment and even commercial-free music, DIRECTV offers a great in-store experience at the click of a button.
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This post is sponsored by DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS℠