Since the pandemic began, many consumers have become even more focused on health and wellness, and convenience stores are eager to meet this renewed demand. Deemed essential businesses early on, convenience stores quickly adjusted their offerings to meet changing consumer needs. That trend must continue for stores to thrive in and through these challenging times. Consider the following strategies to win over health-conscious consumers:
Cater to Growing Takeout Needs
Convenience stores have been working hard to compete with restaurants for many years, and the current situation has further heightened that competition. Health-conscious consumers are showing a preference for takeout meals rather than dine-in service. A recent restaurant industry survey showed that up to 60 percent of U.S. consumers order a meal for delivery or takeout at least once a week. For convenience stores to tap into this foodservice trend, they need to employ the same strategies restaurants are using, such as apps for easy pre-ordering, curbside pickup, and home delivery. Nutritionally balanced food service options are a must.
Expand CBD Product Offerings
Cannabidiol (CBD) products are moving more mainstream every day, and convenience stores are in a perfect position to capitalize on this growing trend. People look to CBD products to ease everything from anxiety and insomnia to muscle aches and chronic pain. Studies on CBD product opportunities for c-stores point to edibles, ready-to-drink beverages, and topicals. With CBD products legal at the federal level since 2018, they have been widely available in health food stores and alternative markets. As more consumers consider trying these products, strategic placement as an impulse buy at your convenience store may be just what consumers need to give them a shot.
Re-think Health & Beauty Options
In 2020, health-conscious consumers are more concerned than ever about the availability of wellness items such as vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications. Convenience stores can benefit by re-merchandising these items in a way that consumers will begin to think about them as grab-and-go items in the same way they think about your other offerings of ready-made sandwiches, snack bars, and drinks.
The ability to quickly adapt to meet the ever-changing customer needs is a cornerstone of the convenience store industry. Part of doing that is providing both an environment and a product line that promotes health and wellness.
