In today’s fast-paced world, consumers seek convenience and accessibility. Obviously, there’s no industry better suited to offering that than…well, convenience stores! So, whenever a new trend or opportunity in the market reveals itself, businesses need to make sure they’re prepared to take advantage.
There’s perhaps no trend in convenience more pressing these days than delivery.
A Growing Trend
What was once considered a pandemic induced flash in the pan, the delivery order boom is becoming a mainstay in consumers’ lives. According to a 2024 report from , 66% of American adults responded that they are more likely to order delivery in 2024 than they were before the pandemic. Even more relevant, 56% of consumers now consider convenience stores a to-go option for food.
With demand for delivery solidifying and convenience’s role in it growing, this is a rising wave that c-stores need to ensure they’re ready to surf.
A New Normal
Many convenience stores have already begun to stake their claim in this once untamed frontier. Big chains are consistently available on delivery services such as DoorDash and GrubHub. Some chains have even developed their own delivery service and app. These chains have gone on record saying that they’ve increased sales and customer loyalty through their delivery services. In fact, one chain specifically reported a 25% increase in loyalty member transactions as well as a 10% growth in their check size.
It’s clear that if other convenience stores wish to stay competitive, they need to embrace delivery as a permanent fixture of their store offerings.
How To Take Advantage
If your store is not currently offering delivery, it’s something to strongly consider. Even if you don’t offer fresh food or MTO items, opening your doors to delivery options like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates will instantly expand your customer base.
Pairing this with digital customer loyalty options can help these things work together. Offering special digital deals and loyalty bonuses will entice customers to keep coming back.
And of course, the training part in implementing delivery options has to be mentioned. When involving a third party like a delivery service, that means you need to make extra sure your employees are on top of their game, particularly with things like foodservice and food safety. Prep them for the dynamic world of delivery by providing a strong foundation to work from.
Put It All Together!
This may seem like a lot to keep track of… because it is! Employees operate best when well-versed in all aspects of their job, and convenience store employees do a lot. Fortunately, a learning management system can help you organize your training. trainingGrid® LMS can help you track your team’s training completion, build out learning paths, and make sure everyone gets the same great training experience!
