Yes, Convenience Stores Do Need Electric Vehicles Too Survive

 

There is one constant in life that is the consumer is dynamic not static.  Convenience stores must be as dynamic as the consumer or they risk not only losing market share; there brand may quite simply become irrelevant according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Recenlty CJ Pakeltis is an account manager at RizePoint, specializing in the grocery and convenience store markets wrote an article focusing on the importance of EV’s within the C-store sector.  The team at Foodservice Solutions® liked it so much we want to share it with you.  If you like it feel free to let CJ know he can be reached at CJ.Pakeltis@rizepoint.com.

He begins with the premise: The migration to electric vehicles means convenience stores must reinvent themselves.

“Historically high gas prices, new electric vehicle (EV) models, government sales incentives and the desire to become more sustainable are pushing more consumers toward EVs.

Some states, including California, are moving toward EVs to meet environmental goals, and plan to stop selling gas-powered vehicles altogether by 2035. Experts predict that the EV market will more than double by 2027, and that 45 percent of new car sales will be electric by 2035.

Since fuel revenue has historically been so significant for c-stores, the migration to EVs means convenience stores must reinvent themselves. This means transitioning from a grab-and-go model that's a 10-minute stop — where customers gas up their cars, then grab cigarettes, beer and a prepackaged snack for the road — to a destination, where they hang out for an hour or more to shop, eat, work and charge their cars. 

The threat is that casual dining, shopping malls, etc., may replace c-stores as the travelers' destinations. So, if your convenience store hasn't yet started thinking about your strategy for reinventing yourself, it's time.

C-stores need to make foodservice a meaningful part of their organizations and give their customers a reason to come and stay. Unfortunately, there are often negative perceptions around c-stores' food and grab-and-go model, so brands should work diligently to change these perceptions, emphasize safety and quality, and build consumer trust. I recommend that c-stores:

Change their mindset around food. Some c-store employees view food preparation as a burden, and may dread cooking, replenishing and monitoring prepared food. Also, some stores don't consider where their food comes from, how it's sourced, and whether their suppliers follow strict food safety procedures. That must change. C-stores must implement food safety and quality protocols, ensure integrity in food sourcing, track their suppliers' safety certifications and make food safety part of their company cultures.

Correct misconceptions. There are still misconceptions about c-store food, with consumers envisioning old, shriveled hot dogs being held under heat lamps for days. C-stores need to change the narrative and become famous for serving fresh, safe, delicious food. And since customers will need something to do while they charge their cars, add welcoming areas to sit, eat and wait.

Migrate or get left behind. Consumers are becoming healthier, with a decline in cigarette smoking and a shift away from buying soda and processed snacks. C-stores should transform accordingly, working to replace these revenue drivers. Offer delicious meals and snacks, and be sure to have healthier options (e.g., vegetarian meals, healthy juices, fruit and smoothies) for the notoriously health-conscious EV owners.

Embrace the EV trend. There are nearly 150,000 convenience stores nationwide, and approximately 80 percent of them currently sell gas. As more people adopt EVs, consider how consumers' needs will change and transform your business accordingly. Since EVs have a finite battery life, people will need to periodically charge their cars, so offering charging stations onsite is a great way to attract customers and differentiate yourself from other c-stores that don't do this.

Do you want to Thrive

If So you must Evolve

To Grow a Larger Share of Stomach

Understand the changing competition. EVs have changed the landscape. Fast-casual restaurants, shopping centers, grocery stores, pharmacies and even car washes are adding charging centers and giving customers something to do — eat, shop, vacuum their car — while they wait. This means increased competition for c-stores. To attract the growing number of EV owners, create an environment where your customers would enjoy hanging out; a seating area with Wi-Fi where they can catch up on work, sip coffee and enjoy a leisurely meal.

Emulate European models. Quick-service restaurants don't have market presence in Europe, so for on-the-go meals and snacks, consumers rely on c-stores. European c-stores make fresh food the centerpiece. Meals are made to order, and they don't hold hot sandwiches under heat lamps. Consumers across the pond trust and enjoy c-store food in a way that's quite different from the United States.

Elevate inspections and audits. Use technology tools to conduct daily inspections, ensure foods are held at proper temps, check store cleanliness, etc. Ditch paper systems, which can't validate whether checks occurred, and rely on software for easily accessible inspection records. Hire third-party inspectors for external validation. These assessments will identify areas of noncompliance so that you can take immediate corrective actions.

Ensure all suppliers follow strict safety and quality protocols. In addition to implementing strict QA programs in your store, monitor your suppliers to be certain they have proper food safety protocols and structured QA programs in place. Use tech tools to organize and manage supplier certifications. Audit suppliers to ensure they're compliant before you work with them (and throughout your collaboration).

Play the long game. Consumer perception won't shift quickly. Your store must build trust over time. Have patience.

All signs indicate that EV sales will spike significantly in the coming months and years, changing what convenience stores will look and feel like. Instead of wanting grab-and-go experiences, more c-store customers will want to sit and wait as they charge their cars. This is an ideal opportunity to give your customers and prospects what they want — a reason to come and stay awhile.”

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869

Food Industry Struggling with Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

 

What is brand relevance when it comes to Electric Vehicles (EV’s)? Has your brand extended an invitation to drives of EV’s? If you have not yet, you had better start planning for your customers next steps.  EV’s are going to be relevant to over 26 million consumers by 2030. 

Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes if your brand is not evolving with relevance it is dying. It’s important that you at least begin the process of looking a customer ahead.

In a report from The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Electric Vehicle Sales and the Charging Infrastructure Required Through 2030 report was updated creating a consensus forecast now which is based on four independent forecasts done by Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, Guidehouse, and Wood Mackenzie, as well as analysis from the National Renewable Energy Lab. The report concludes that:

·         The number of EVs on U.S. roads is projected to reach 26.4 million in 2030, up from the projected 18.7 million as projected in the 2018 report.

·         The projected 26.4 million EVs will make up nearly 10 percent of the 259 million light-duty vehicles (cars and light trucks) expected to be on U.S. roads in 2030.

·         Annual sales of EVs will be nearly 5.6 million in 2030, reaching more than 32 percent of annual light-duty vehicle sales in 2030. Compared to the 2018 forecast, this is an increase of more than 1.8 million in annual sales in 2030.

·         Nearly 12.9 million charge ports will be needed to support the projected 26.4 million EVs that will be on U.S. roads in 2030.

·         Approximately 140,000 Direct Current (DC) fast charging ports will be needed to support the level of EVs expected to be on U.S. roads in 2030.

Drivers of these cars are you customers. Now then; Trileaf Corporation, a leading Architectural and Engineering firm, announced that it is exploring the possibility of combining electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with pizza restaurants in a new marketing push that it believes could be a win for both industries.

So, Trileaf is offering free EV Charging Station Branding and Design Studies to pizza franchises to help them evaluate the benefits of electric vehicles for their business and local community. Trileaf's innovative design solutions and extensive expertise in property development make it well-equipped to support pizza franchises looking to add EV charging stations to their locations.

Roger Zimmer, Trileaf's Senior Structural Engineering Manager, stated, "We see this as a winning formula that benefits everyone," …. "EV drivers need more charging options, and pizza restaurants are always looking for new ways to attract customers, and often manage a fleet of delivery vehicles. By bringing these two industries together, we can create a unique and innovative offering that meets the needs of both."

In case you did not know, Trileaf has extensive expertise in creating comprehensive plans and providing exceptional project management for property development. The company offers site assessment and documentation services, helping clients identify existing property conditions and deficiencies for proposed renovations. Trileaf's team of experts conducts thorough due diligence on potential properties, examining factors such as permitting and zoning regulations, environmental concerns, and customer goals. With these capabilities, Trileaf is well-equipped to support the typical EV charging/pizza restaurant combination project and help bring it to fruition.

Don’t get left behind. Trileaf is currently engaging several major pizza chains about the possibility of adding EV charging stations to their locations. Trileaf believes that this could help pizza restaurants differentiate themselves from their competitors and attract a new, environmentally conscious customer base.

Zimmer continued, "We're excited about the potential of combining the convenience of EV charging with the popularity of pizza to create a new market that benefits both industries".

Success does leave clues, as Trileaf has a history of success in developing unique and profitable properties and has recently provided EV Charging Station solutions for multiple airport locations. With a solid reputation for providing exceptional design solutions for hundreds of property locations with nationwide coverage, the company believes that the EV charging/pizza restaurant combination could be its most exciting project yet.

"We're always looking for new opportunities to create value for our customers and our communities," adds Zimmer. "We believe that this new venture has the potential to do just that."

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869

Food Retailers Evolving with and Accommodating EV’s is a Must

 

What is brand relevance when it comes to Electric Vehicles (EV’s)? Has your brand extended an invitation to drives of EV’s? If you have not yet, you had better start planning for your customers next steps.  EV’s are going to be relevant to over 26 million consumers by 2030. 

Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes if your brand is not evolving with relevance it is dying. It’s important that you at least begin the process of looking a customer ahead.

In a report from The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Electric Vehicle Sales and the Charging Infrastructure Required Through 2030 report was updated creating a consensus forecast now which is based on four independent forecasts done by Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, Guidehouse, and Wood Mackenzie, as well as analysis from the National Renewable Energy Lab. The report concludes that:

·         The number of EVs on U.S. roads is projected to reach 26.4 million in 2030, up from the projected 18.7 million as projected in the 2018 report.

·         The projected 26.4 million EVs will make up nearly 10 percent of the 259 million light-duty vehicles (cars and light trucks) expected to be on U.S. roads in 2030.

·         Annual sales of EVs will be nearly 5.6 million in 2030, reaching more than 32 percent of annual light-duty vehicle sales in 2030. Compared to the 2018 forecast, this is an increase of more than 1.8 million in annual sales in 2030.

·         Nearly 12.9 million charge ports will be needed to support the projected 26.4 million EVs that will be on U.S. roads in 2030.

·         Approximately 140,000 Direct Current (DC) fast charging ports will be needed to support the level of EVs expected to be on U.S. roads in 2030.

Drivers of these cars are you customers. Now then; Trileaf Corporation, a leading Architectural and Engineering firm, announced that it is exploring the possibility of combining electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with pizza restaurants in a new marketing push that it believes could be a win for both industries.

So, Trileaf is offering free EV Charging Station Branding and Design Studies to pizza franchises to help them evaluate the benefits of electric vehicles for their business and local community. Trileaf's innovative design solutions and extensive expertise in property development make it well-equipped to support pizza franchises looking to add EV charging stations to their locations.

Roger Zimmer, Trileaf's Senior Structural Engineering Manager, stated, "We see this as a winning formula that benefits everyone," …. "EV drivers need more charging options, and pizza restaurants are always looking for new ways to attract customers, and often manage a fleet of delivery vehicles. By bringing these two industries together, we can create a unique and innovative offering that meets the needs of both."

In case you did not know, Trileaf has extensive expertise in creating comprehensive plans and providing exceptional project management for property development. The company offers site assessment and documentation services, helping clients identify existing property conditions and deficiencies for proposed renovations. Trileaf's team of experts conducts thorough due diligence on potential properties, examining factors such as permitting and zoning regulations, environmental concerns, and customer goals. With these capabilities, Trileaf is well-equipped to support the typical EV charging/pizza restaurant combination project and help bring it to fruition.

Don’t get left behind. Trileaf is currently engaging several major pizza chains about the possibility of adding EV charging stations to their locations. Trileaf believes that this could help pizza restaurants differentiate themselves from their competitors and attract a new, environmentally conscious customer base.

Zimmer continued, "We're excited about the potential of combining the convenience of EV charging with the popularity of pizza to create a new market that benefits both industries".

Success does leave clues, as Trileaf has a history of success in developing unique and profitable properties and has recently provided EV Charging Station solutions for multiple airport locations. With a solid reputation for providing exceptional design solutions for hundreds of property locations with nationwide coverage, the company believes that the EV charging/pizza restaurant combination could be its most exciting project yet.

"We're always looking for new opportunities to create value for our customers and our communities," adds Zimmer. "We believe that this new venture has the potential to do just that."

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869

In a Battle for Share of Stomach

EV's Matter

Convenience Stores Need Electric Vehicles Too Survive

 

The consumer is dynamic not static.  Convenience stores must be as dynamic as the consumer or they risk not only losing market share; there brand may quite simply become irrelevant according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Recenlty CJ Pakeltis is an account manager at RizePoint, specializing in the grocery and convenience store markets wrote an article focusing on the importance of EV’s within the C-store sector.  The team at Foodservice Solutions® liked it so much we want to share it with you.  If you like it feel free to let CJ know he can be reached at CJ.Pakeltis@rizepoint.com.

He begins with the premise: The migration to electric vehicles means convenience stores must reinvent themselves.

“Historically high gas prices, new electric vehicle (EV) models, government sales incentives and the desire to become more sustainable are pushing more consumers toward EVs.

Some states, including California, are moving toward EVs to meet environmental goals, and plan to stop selling gas-powered vehicles altogether by 2035. Experts predict that the EV market will more than double by 2027, and that 45 percent of new car sales will be electric by 2035.

Since fuel revenue has historically been so significant for c-stores, the migration to EVs means convenience stores must reinvent themselves. This means transitioning from a grab-and-go model that's a 10-minute stop — where customers gas up their cars, then grab cigarettes, beer and a prepackaged snack for the road — to a destination, where they hang out for an hour or more to shop, eat, work and charge their cars. 

The threat is that casual dining, shopping malls, etc., may replace c-stores as the travelers' destinations. So, if your convenience store hasn't yet started thinking about your strategy for reinventing yourself, it's time.

C-stores need to make foodservice a meaningful part of their organizations and give their customers a reason to come and stay. Unfortunately, there are often negative perceptions around c-stores' food and grab-and-go model, so brands should work diligently to change these perceptions, emphasize safety and quality, and build consumer trust. I recommend that c-stores:

Change their mindset around food. Some c-store employees view food preparation as a burden, and may dread cooking, replenishing and monitoring prepared food. Also, some stores don't consider where their food comes from, how it's sourced, and whether their suppliers follow strict food safety procedures. That must change. C-stores must implement food safety and quality protocols, ensure integrity in food sourcing, track their suppliers' safety certifications and make food safety part of their company cultures.

Correct misconceptions. There are still misconceptions about c-store food, with consumers envisioning old, shriveled hot dogs being held under heat lamps for days. C-stores need to change the narrative and become famous for serving fresh, safe, delicious food. And since customers will need something to do while they charge their cars, add welcoming areas to sit, eat and wait.

Migrate or get left behind. Consumers are becoming healthier, with a decline in cigarette smoking and a shift away from buying soda and processed snacks. C-stores should transform accordingly, working to replace these revenue drivers. Offer delicious meals and snacks, and be sure to have healthier options (e.g., vegetarian meals, healthy juices, fruit and smoothies) for the notoriously health-conscious EV owners.

Embrace the EV trend. There are nearly 150,000 convenience stores nationwide, and approximately 80 percent of them currently sell gas. As more people adopt EVs, consider how consumers' needs will change and transform your business accordingly. Since EVs have a finite battery life, people will need to periodically charge their cars, so offering charging stations onsite is a great way to attract customers and differentiate yourself from other c-stores that don't do this.

Understand the changing competition. EVs have changed the landscape. Fast-casual restaurants, shopping centers, grocery stores, pharmacies and even car washes are adding charging centers and giving customers something to do — eat, shop, vacuum their car — while they wait. This means increased competition for c-stores. To attract the growing number of EV owners, create an environment where your customers would enjoy hanging out; a seating area with Wi-Fi where they can catch up on work, sip coffee and enjoy a leisurely meal.

Emulate European models. Quick-service restaurants don't have market presence in Europe, so for on-the-go meals and snacks, consumers rely on c-stores. European c-stores make fresh food the centerpiece. Meals are made to order, and they don't hold hot sandwiches under heat lamps. Consumers across the pond trust and enjoy c-store food in a way that's quite different from the United States.

Elevate inspections and audits. Use technology tools to conduct daily inspections, ensure foods are held at proper temps, check store cleanliness, etc. Ditch paper systems, which can't validate whether checks occurred, and rely on software for easily accessible inspection records. Hire third-party inspectors for external validation. These assessments will identify areas of noncompliance so that you can take immediate corrective actions.

Ensure all suppliers follow strict safety and quality protocols. In addition to implementing strict QA programs in your store, monitor your suppliers to be certain they have proper food safety protocols and structured QA programs in place. Use tech tools to organize and manage supplier certifications. Audit suppliers to ensure they're compliant before you work with them (and throughout your collaboration).

Play the long game. Consumer perception won't shift quickly. Your store must build trust over time. Have patience.

All signs indicate that EV sales will spike significantly in the coming months and years, changing what convenience stores will look and feel like. Instead of wanting grab-and-go experiences, more c-store customers will want to sit and wait as they charge their cars. This is an ideal opportunity to give your customers and prospects what they want — a reason to come and stay awhile.”

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869