Wesco C-store Chain Revolutionizes Sales with Technology and Delivery: A Look at the Power of Third-Party Delivery

 

Steven Johnson is the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  He has been closely monitoring the trends in the convenience store industry, restaurant industry, grocery service Deli’s and more with a particular interest in Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh prepared food. Food marketing messaging with relevance matters and Wesco is finding success with customer relevance.

Of note is Wesco Inc., the western Michigan-based convenience store chain, which has recently achieved remarkable growth in its delivery service operations. Last year, they hit a significant milestone by surpassing $3 million in annual sales, thanks to their strategic focus on technology and customer convenience. Now let’s take a look:

The Importance of Third-Party Delivery

Wesco's success story highlights the growing importance of third-party delivery services in the convenience store industry. Here's why partnering with a delivery provider like Vroom Delivery has been so beneficial for Wesco:

·         Reaching New Customers: Third-party delivery platforms have a vast network of users, allowing Wesco to reach new customer segments who might not typically visit their stores. This expands their market reach and increases sales potential.

·         Enhanced Convenience: Delivery caters to the busy lifestyles of today's consumers. By offering delivery, Wesco provides customers with the ultimate convenience of getting their favorite products delivered straight to their doorstep.

·         Operational Efficiency: Partnering with a delivery service frees up Wesco's staff to focus on in-store operations, potentially improving efficiency and reducing labor costs.

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Wesco's Delivery Strategy

Wesco's approach to delivery goes beyond simply offering the service. Here's how they've maximized the impact of third-party delivery:

·         Customer-Centric Focus: Extending delivery hours to cover a wider timeframe (11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week) ensures maximum convenience for customers.

·         Catering to Cravings: Recognizing the popularity of prepared meals like pizza and grinders, Wesco offers a delivery menu that caters to customer demand for quick and delicious options.

·         Inclusive Payment Solutions: By enabling online EBT transactions, Wesco caters to a broader customer base and makes it easier for SNAP recipients to utilize their benefits for online grocery purchases. This is a win-win for both Wesco and their customers.

Technology as a Key Driver

Wesco's long-standing partnership with Vroom Delivery since 2018 has been a key factor in their success. Vroom's technology platform provides a comprehensive solution that goes beyond just delivery logistics:

·         Full-Stack E-Commerce: Vroom's platform offers a complete e-commerce solution, including features like automated menu management, loyalty program integration, and automated marketing tools. This streamlines operations for Wesco and personalizes the customer experience.

·         Omnichannel Ordering: By testing Vroom's new omnichannel ordering capabilities, Wesco is staying ahead of the curve. This allows customers to seamlessly transition between online ordering and in-store purchases, creating a more unified shopping experience.

·         Seamless Payment Processing: The integration of Pay360 ensures a smooth and secure checkout process, reducing friction for customers and improving overall satisfaction.

A Bright Future for Wesco

Wesco's commitment to innovation and customer focus positions them as a leader in the convenience store industry. By embracing technology and leveraging third-party delivery services, they are well on their way to achieving even greater success in the years to come. Focusing on adopting messaging on future trends in convenience store delivery and how Wesco might adapt their strategy to continue to drive top line sales and bottom-line profits.

Do your food marketing ideas look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how our Grocerant Guru® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation, and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit: us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter