A report from Bluedot examines consumer sentiment toward convenience stores. Bluedot’s inaugural “Convenience Experience Report” found c-store consumers are increasingly demanding while mobile ordering, drive-thru and curbside pickup as they equate them increasingly with fast food restaurants, according to customer arrival platform.
The study surveyed over 1,500 consumers about their views of convenience stores, and found c-stores are becoming true competitors to traditional grocery stores and restaurants. The report stated that 59% of respondents consider purchasing a meal from a convenience store when looking for fast food while another 61% say they would visit c-stores more often if they had curbside pickup, drive-thru or mobile ordering options.
When making a stop for gas, 23% said they always enter the store while 77% said they sometimes enter the store. Once inside, various food items are popular. Fifty-one percent purchase snacks, 20% purchase grocery products and 27% purchase refrigerated gab-and-go items.
Emil Davityan, Bluedot’s co-founder and CEO said "The data supports what industry leaders have been saying for some time – c-stores are now competing head-to-head with QSRs. Clearly, the investments c-store brands have been making into foodservice initiatives are paying off."
However, the study also found consumers do not like lines at c-stores. Thirty percent of consumers said they will leave a c-store if there are two people in line at the register while 54% said they would leave if there were three or more waiting in line. Further, one in three will drive away from the pump if there is just one car ahead of them.