When looking ahead to 2021 and beyond, what do you think will be the most successful methods of advertising for convenience stores? In the near future, what types of convenience pricing strategies do you anticipate being implemented by the Australian convenience retail sector? It's safe to say that all retailers will need to take a significantly more creative approach to engaging in a price war and developing their teams as a result of the digital disruption.
Marketing Strategies Used By Convenience Stores
Instant Delivery
Convenience marketing is one of the most effective forms of advertising employed in recent times. Customers in the modern era have set up a system where they expect instantaneous payment and delivery of goods. One of the simplest and quickest ways to achieve this goal is through the use of retail outlets. Customers' habits are changing as a result of digitalisation, the rise of the "mobile-first" consumer, social media, the emergence of new digital channels and new convenience strategies, and easy access to the web, which has led to a change in how people shop for groceries.
As a result of the economy, consumers have adopted a mentality that encourages them to cut back on their spending. But consumers are spending more overall, and not just on necessities like food and rent, as new products and services enter the market and traditional ones become less appealing. Millennials are a new generation of consumers who place a higher value on low prices than previous generations did on brand loyalty, personal recommendations, and product quality. They only engage with brands online in the hope of securing coupon codes for future purchases. Sixty-six percent of millennials say they would consider a brand if it offered a discount of at least 30 percent, while only a third of millennials look to a brand to consider new trends or product updates.
Reducing Food Waste
From an ecological and financial perspective, food waste has always been a major issue. It takes time and money to manage inventory, which includes ordering, receiving, and replenishing items. Therefore, rather than discarding it, think about selling it. These days, grocery stores are making a concerted effort to reduce food waste. Efforts like these include food donations to charities, circular economy practises like Woolworths' "bread" beer, and programmes to divert edible food from landfills. In the near future, "ugly" fruits and vegetables will be given more prominent placement on supermarket shelves. The circular economy is also inspiring more creative approaches to fast food, such as using spoiled produce to make soups and juices.
A Bigger Social Media Presence
In order to attract customers, stores are diversifying their marketing strategies to offer more than just the standard bulk purchase of necessities. From the looks of things, this is a big improvement over the past few years. To increase sales and brand loyalty, they aim to stand out from the competition by differentiating themselves, their brands, and their private label products.
When compared to the superstores that used to rule the retail industry, convenience stores are desperately trying to establish their own identity. As a company, they want to be recognised for more than just providing a large inventory storage space. They wanted to make a big splash in the social media world with their ideal customers and fans. This has prompted them to launch a plan to strategically shift their attention from the community to the environment, with a concentration on drought, sustainability, and the community's resilience in the face of future adversity.
Common Problems In Foodservice And How To Overcome Them
Your Menu
Creating a great menu is a real balancing act - you want to offer many choices, but you also don't want to confuse or overwhelm your customers.
- You might think that having a large menu is more beneficial, but it can mean:
- It takes longer for customers to order.
- It creates longer ticket times in the kitchen.
- You'll need to buy more ingredients.
- Slower overall table turnaround since each table takes longer to serve.
- cafe customer looking at the menu board
Here are some ways you can improve your menu:
- Make sure it is easily readable.
- Avoid using dollar signs.
- Take your customers on a culinary journey. A great copywriter can produce a compelling and mouth-watering menu.
- Make sure your menus are always clean – no food or grease marks. Replace damaged menus and don't white-out or mark mistakes or changes – it's unprofessional.
- Ensure staff know the menu and can answer questions and make recommendations.
- Include the menu on your website and make sure it's easy to navigate using a mobile phone.
You might also consider:
- Adopting a QR code digital menu to make ordering more efficient.
- Embracing a simple menu design makes it easier for customers to pick what they want.
- Include exciting and novel drink options to help you increase your beverage sales.
Customer Service
If you want people to remember your company, you need to make a good impression on them right away. Poor service can ruin an otherwise perfect dining experience. On the other hand, if your customers are happy, they will return and likely tell others about their experience. Make sure your staff has been trained to deal with the most common types of customer feedback received in the food service industry. If a customer is upset because of a problem with their order, for example, does your team know how to handle the situation? Does your staff understand how to properly serve customers who may have physical or mental limitations? You will know that the time and money spent on giving your front-line workers some extra training in customer service was well worth it when happy customers begin posting glowing testimonials about their experience with your business online. Focusing on the quality of the food and drinks your customers order is essential, but so is the quality of the service you provide to them.
Your Unique Selling Point (Usp)
What sets your restaurant apart from the one across the hall, and why should customers choose to dine there instead? The answer to this question is crucial in determining your unique selling proposition (USP). Having a fantastic menu and providing exceptional service are crucial to the growth of your business. In contrast, they are not USPs (unique selling propositions) because they could be made by any catering business. Customers are more likely to return to your restaurant if you come up with a unique idea and offer them a compelling reason to do so.
In order to keep customers coming back, you need to go above and beyond what they expect and give them something new. Possible examples include offering novel and enticing drinks, desserts, or buffets; hiring a renowned chef; or coming up with creative and appetising ways to prepare meat substitutes. Always emphasise your USP (unique selling proposition) to customers.
Operations
Successful restaurant and café management requires attentiveness to both the details of daily operations and the big picture. Taking a step back and taking a more holistic view of your processes will help you spot new problems, respond to new consumer trends, and get rid of wasteful inefficiencies.
How many unique clients do you usually handle in a day?
Do you know which of your menu items generate the most revenue? Do they sell better than the least profitable ones?
For a typical week of operation, how much do you make and lose?
How effective is your company's supply chain? You may be able to reduce food waste by enhancing the effectiveness of your ordering and inventory management procedures.
If you want to reduce your operating expenses and keep more of your hard-earned profits, answering these questions is crucial. Making a profit allows your business to reinvest the money into growing its operations.
Retaining Staff
By investing in and retaining skilled workers, you can save both time and money in the long run and avoid having to find replacements for departing employees who possess expertise that is difficult to find. The five most effective methods of retaining hospitality workers are as follows:
Keep your integrity while also showing flexibility and fairness. On day one, employees need to know at least the bare minimum of what is expected of them. Be adaptable. Employees in this field need a reliable weekend schedule to compensate for the irregular work weeks.
Display the proper procedure for the benefit of all. Leadership, honesty, and maturity should characterise your every action.
Examine and commend. Make sure there are bonus and reward programmes in place, and conduct regular reviews of your staff.
Always be sure to keep lines of communication open. A key component of any successful relationship, including those in the workplace, is open lines of communication.
Share your thoughts. If you have the ability to give your employees meaningful, constructive, and honest feedback, you will do wonders for them and boost their productivity.
in a restaurant's bustling kitchen
In the long run, you can save money and provide a better service to customers by investing in the happiness of your staff. One of the most valuable resources in the hospitality and foodservice industries is a well-trained and enthusiastic staff.
Marketing
A company's marketing efforts should focus on doing two things: drawing in new customers and holding on to the ones it already has. A well-executed marketing plan could be one of the most useful instruments for growing your business and bringing in more money. Here are some simple suggestions that might help:
Think of a plan for your advertising. Conceive of an objective that embodies your aspirations and label it SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely) to increase your chances of success. Your plan should be fluid and look out no further than the next six to twelve months.
Document the criteria by which your brand will be judged. Creating a mission statement, logo, visuals, and guidelines are all part of this. Having your messages all read the same is a big help in establishing trust and credibility.
Think about the benefits your business could reap from adopting digital advertising strategies. To be successful, you need a website and a social media presence. Investing in paid search or social media ads is something to consider.
Pay attention to feedback left on rating and review sites, including negative feedback (be professional).
A couple of great methods of spreading the word are networking within the community and asking local businesses for help.
Put some thought into your marketing strategy. No matter the size of your marketing budget, there are a number of low-cost options available to promote your business.
Here are some low-cost advertising options for your eatery:
- They're working on a loyalty programme for customers that will get them raving about your business to all their friends.
- We spend money on low-priced promotional items like flyers and magnets for your cafe or restaurant. Some illustrations are:
- If you want your customers to mention you in social media posts about the food and drinks you offer, you should create a unique hashtag for your business.
- The new seasonal items on your menu or events happening at your establishment can attract customers if you cultivate relationships with the local media and publicise them.
Cash Flow
A steady flow of cash is critical to the growth and prosperity of any enterprise. However, if your business is experiencing difficulties due to insufficient funds, you can take one of the following actions:
Make sure you're making the most of the food choices you've been given. If you think the prices are too low, or if you think certain dishes should cost more, feel free to raise them.
In order to reduce waste, it is important to properly manage inventory and, if at all possible, institute a rotation system.
Effective budgeting and management reporting are crucial. Taking a crash course is an option if you feel you need to sharpen your knowledge in this area.
If your business is experiencing cash flow problems, you may want to apply for a line of credit in order to have ready access to funds.
Take stock of your current understanding of supply chain management and ask yourself if there is room for improvement.
People in the hospitality industry using tablets
Prioritize saving up enough money to keep the business afloat for at least another year. In addition, restaurant owners need to have a healthy financial cushion to absorb sudden costs and price increases.
The most typical cash flow problems must be identified, and solutions implemented.
Tips To Help You Run A Successful Convenience Store
The convenience store stop provides a brief respite for many customers on their way from A to B. It's a small haven of relief where you can get some rest and refreshments for yourself and your car. It's like a breath of fresh air in the middle of a desert of freeways, allowing weary travellers to relax, refuel, and prepare for the next leg of their journey. Customers may only spend a short amount of time in your store, but making the most of that time can lead to increased sales in the long run by making them feel welcome and appreciated. HSO has been managing convenience stores for over 40 years, during which time the company has learned which methods are most effective at bringing in new customers and maximising profits. The ten tips that follow will help you run a more profitable convenience store.
Keep Bathrooms Spotless
Most people think that a company's success is directly correlated with how clean their bathrooms are. But if your customers use filthy restrooms, they might conclude that the quality of your business is on par with the quality of your cleaning abilities. Maintaining clean and well-supplied restrooms is essential to satisfying your clientele and retaining their business. Spot cleaning, a regular cleaning schedule, and a steady supply of cleaning supplies can keep your restroom from becoming a bottleneck for your business.
Illuminate The Forecourt
It may come as a surprise, but gas stations with better-than-average forecourt lighting attract 50% more customers than those with subpar lighting. There is a strong correlation between the amount of outdoor lighting and the number of people walking around at night, according to a study done in 2017. In particular, bright lighting in the morning and evening reassures customers and makes them feel safer. Keep track of your lighting and immediately replace any bulbs that go out. LED lights are better for the environment and can save you money on your electric bill, so you should consider making the switch if you haven't already.
Manage Your Inventory And Offer More Products
People who frequent convenience stores have come to count on finding a wide selection of goods. Check on your stock at least once a day, and restock as needed. If you want your business to succeed, you should never let yourself run out of stock. If this occurs, customers may decide to go elsewhere to satisfy their needs, costing you sales. It's always a good idea to think outside the box and provide a wider selection of products because you never know what will pique a customer's interest.
Keep It Organized
People, being visual creatures that we are, are hard-wired to seek out and enjoy aesthetically pleasing settings. Thus, make sure your aisles are wide enough, your shelves are organised and clearly marked with prices, and your products are displayed so that the front of the box is facing the customer. As a result, your clientele will be able to relax and quickly locate their desired products.
Increase Interior Visibility For Your Cashiers
Positioning your cash registers so that they overlook the store's main thoroughfares is a smart design choice for any retail establishment. Select shelving that will allow your cashiers to see exactly where each customer is at all times. Additionally, put smaller items in a visible location for your staff.
Hire And Reward Attentive Staff
Both positive and negative interactions with customer service representatives are remembered and discussed amongst friends and family. Recruit workers and train them so that they can provide timely, helpful service to all customers in a friendly manner. If your employees go out of their way to make shopping with you easy, your customers are more likely to return for future purchases. Staff morale can be maintained most effectively through public acknowledgement and monetary compensation for exceptional customer service.
Try Testing New Products
Keep up with the newest and coolest items available for purchase. Are there any new flavours of candy bars or sodas out there? Keep track of the items that suddenly skyrocketed in popularity, and buy as much as you can of them for a set period of time. Your regulars may continue to visit the store more frequently in the future because they are curious about the new goods you have added.
Clean The Soda Fountain And Food Areas
Be proud of your company and do what you can to make your store a pleasant and secure environment for your customers and staff. Incorporating electronic door locks and surveillance cameras into a business can increase both customer satisfaction and the likelihood of their return. You should fill in any holes or potholes in your parking lot and repaint any damaged lines. Keep your store neat and tidy at all times if you want customers to want to shop there. Maintaining a well-stocked and clean convenience store is a surefire way to draw in and keep customers.
Invest In Your Store
Take pride in your store by making it a functional, safe place to work and shop. Install security cameras and electronic door systems to increase safety and repeat customers. Fix the pothole in your parking lot and repaint the parking spots when needed. Please pay attention to your store's appearance and keep it clean and inviting. Convenience stores with good upkeep tend to attract customers and keep them coming back!
Streamline The Checkout Experience
Facilitate a Faster Checkout Procedure
Add new products and displays to your checkout counter all you want, but customers will likely become overwhelmed very quickly. The best way to tell if a display is neat and well-organized is to check it out from the other side of the counter. Exists an excessive amount of jumble? Don't crowd around the register; instead, strategically place the remaining items around the store.
Conclusion
Recently, convenience marketing has become one of the most successful types of advertising. Digitization, social media, and the emergence of new digital channels are influencing shifts in consumer behaviour. Customers are increasing their spending on all goods and services, not just the basics. From both a financial and environmental standpoint, food waste has always been a serious problem. Innovative ideas for fast food have been sparked by the circular economy, such as recycling imperfect food into broths and juices.
These stores are expanding their product lines to include more than just the basics in bulk. Keep menus spotless, free of any remnants of previous meals. It is important to have knowledgeable waiters who can answer diners' questions about the food on the menu. Customers who are satisfied are more likely to return and to share their positive experience with others. Is there anything that makes your eatery superior to the one next door?
The ability to think outside the box will increase the likelihood that diners will return to your eatery. Be sure to highlight your USP (unique selling proposition) whenever communicating with clients. If your company is profitable, you can put that money back into expanding your business. Spending money on employees' satisfaction pays off in the long run through cost savings and improved service to customers. One of the most important tools for expanding your business is a well-thought-out marketing strategy.
Numerous low-priced opportunities exist for advertising your company online. It's possible to take these steps if your company is having financial difficulties due to a lack of capital. Management reports and efficient budgeting are essential. Evaluate how well you understand supply chain management at the moment and consider whether you can learn more. Get serious about putting away money so there's enough to run the company for another year.
In a barren landscape of highways, convenience stores provide a welcome oasis. When it comes to customer satisfaction, nothing is more important than a clean and well-stocked restroom. Customers are attracted to businesses that have well-lit forecourts and LED signs by a factor of 50% more than those that do not. Maintaining a constant inventory is crucial to the health of any business. Extending one's product offering by thinking creatively is always a good idea.
If you want to stay current, you can't be afraid to try out new products. If you want to attract and keep customers, make sure your store is always clean and well-stocked. Businesses can improve customer satisfaction by installing electronic door locks and surveillance cameras. It's not going to help if you constantly bombard your customers with new products and displays at the register.
Content Summary
- In what ways do you see the Australian convenience retail sector implementing new pricing strategies in the near future?
- To survive the digital disruption, stores will need to develop their teams and engage in a price war in significantly novel ways.
- Digitization, the proliferation of "mobile-first" consumers, social media, the development of innovative digital channels and convenience strategies, and widespread internet access have all contributed to a shift in shoppers' grocery-shopping habits.
- These days, supermarkets try to minimise wasted food by implementing new procedures.
- Offer customers a sample of each dish on the menu.
- The quality of the service you provide is just as important as the quality of the food and drink your customers order.
- Be sure to highlight your USP (unique selling proposition) whenever communicating with clients.
- Develop a plan for promoting your business.
- We invest in low-cost marketing tools, such as flyers and magnets, to promote your eatery.
- For instance, if you run a restaurant and you want people to talk about the food and drinks you serve on social media, you should come up with your own hashtag.
- If your company is having trouble making ends meet, a line of credit could be a good solution.
- Evaluate how well you understand supply chain management at the moment and consider whether you can learn more.
- If you want to make more money from your convenience store, try implementing the ten suggestions below.
- You should always make sure the restroom is clean.
- Maintaining clean restrooms and avoiding them from becoming a bottleneck for your business can be done with a combination of spot cleaning, a regular cleaning schedule, and a steady supply of cleaning supplies.
- The inventory should be checked at least once a day and replenished as needed.
- Ensure your cashiers can be easily seen by your customers.
- Keep a close eye on this part of your convenience store and clean it up if necessary.
- Shoppers will be more likely to return if your establishment is always clean and well-organized.
Food quality, price, speed, and menu variety are the most important factors for delivery from a c-store. Forty-four per cent of consumers prefer to order directly from the store rather than a third-party service (12 per cent).
Convenience stores have stable revenue streams because of the nature of their business. People stop by these stores because they are convenient, having what they need to get through their day. In addition, many locations offer gasoline for sale, along with propane or kerosene, which generates more local economic activity.
Despite the rising popularity of internet shopping combined with home delivery of grocery and convenience items, starting and operating a 'mini convenience store' is still a good business venture to activate that has the potential to generate decent profits. Once again, business location is the key to success.
Food quality, price, speed and menu variety are the most important factors when it comes to delivery from a c-store.
And so, c-store owners need to put the convenience of shoppers before everything else. Some basic factors such as the ease of parking, cleanliness, helpfulness of the staff, speedy service, and product availability can go a long way in enhancing the c-store experience.