While current return-to-work policies vary among employers, the overall number of consumers resuming their commutes to work continues to trend upward—and will continue to do so once the pandemic subsides.
Whether a convenience store is currently seeing increases in foot traffic or is looking forward to increased volumes in the future, preparing c-store amenities to accommodate greater demand is likely a worthwhile investment. Such is especially the case for the car wash: As consumers drive more, they’ll need to stop at the c-store to refuel more frequently and will possibly need to wash their vehicles more frequently.
The industry at large has seen some recovery already; according to a Statista report, U.S. the car wash and auto detailing market size increased from $11,973.1 million in 2020 to $13,102.6 million in 2021. A 2021 report from Grand View Research forecasts growth on a global scale as well, predicting the global car wash services market size to increase from 27.8 billion USD in 2020 to 37.6 billion in 2028.
In short, with likely increases in demand on the horizon, c-stores may benefit by upgrading their car wash offerings to accommodate higher volumes and compete for sales—all while maximizing margins.
Build a better wash
To stand out from competing retailers’ offerings, c-stores can identify consumers’ top priorities when selecting a car wash and seek strategies to deliver on these preferences.
For example, Grand View Research cites growing consumer interest in automobile maintenance as one of the major factors driving the market forward—thus denoting the need for a safe and effective wash. In addition, the report lists convenience and speed of service among top consumer considerations and suggests that offering a range of affordable and premium options can help fuel demand. Conveyor washes, the report notes, can be particularly profitable.
Of course, preferences can vary between consumer bases as needs can vary between retailers. For this reason, c-stores need to find the best-fit option for their specific site.
Mark VII, the world's largest manufacturer of vehicle wash equipment, offers a variety of wash systems and expert advice to help retailers find the best solution for their store. Mark VII’s Softline Tunnel Series, for example, offers efficient designs to maximize throughput—even during the busiest hours.
The Softline1 Tunnel can help reduce costs and accommodate high volumes without sacrificing quality. Thanks to an intuitive “set it and forget it” operating interface, a power-saving electric system and hardware built to last, the Softline1 is an investment in a profitable wash program for years to come. The Softline2 Tunnel, a linear system, is extra customizable thanks to a modular build. And the Softline Drive-Thru Tunnel offers unbeatable space efficiency and ease of maintenance, completing a thorough-yet-gentle wash in just 45 seconds.
With efficient, dependable wash systems, retailers can turn higher volumes into an opportunity rather than a challenge. To learn more, visit www.markvii.net.
This post is sponsored by Mark VII Equipment