Blog Post

Digitising the convenience store business model

Charletta Louis • August 30, 2023

In a world where retail experiences can feel laborious for consumers who are increasingly asked to divulge personal information for every purchase from businesses that lack a human touch, convenience stores offer a comforting presence.


When consumers enter a convenience store, they know their shopping experience will be straightforward and, as the name states, convenient.


The convenience store business model has remained constant since the inception of 7-Eleven in 1927. The stock is limited and the store is often located in an urban area and may be attached to a petrol station, with 24-hour opening times.


But with the increasing pressure of digitalisation across the retail sector, convenience stores cannot solely rely on strategic positioning and inventories of essential items.


Some technological advances are being made by convenience retailers, such as 7-Eleven partnering with Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to introduce a 24-hour uncrewed convenience store in Taiwan. But consumers are demanding innovation at a more rapid rate than ever.


Retail Insight Network speaks to Ajaie Albert, communications director for retail software provider BLAM retail, about how convenience stores can retain their essential roles in consumers' everyday lives.


Claire Jenns August - 10 2023

https://www.retail-insight-network.com/newsletters/digitising-the-convenience-store-business-model/?utm_source=media-website&utm_medium=Menu&utm_content=Other_Daily_News_Articles&utm_campaign=type3_retail-market


Convenience Stores in the Digital Era: Pivoting Amidst Labor Shortages

By Ajaie Albert - July 31, 2023

https://coruzant.com/opinion/convenience-stores-in-the-digital-era-pivoting-amidst-labor-shortages/

Can C-Stores Reinvent Themselves for Success in the Digital World?

By Charletta Louis • October 9, 2023
Convenience stores have seen relatively few technology advancements over the last 100 years. In most cases, they’ve embraced technology only when necessary. For example, many c-stores lagged behind other retail outlets when it came to accepting digital credit card processing. However, this is rapidly changing as the c-store industry faces an intense wave of technological innovation. Some changes are a result of natural advancements in technology or shifts in consumer behavior over time. However, the global pandemic has accelerated the technology adoption rate and created a necessity to keep up with other competitors. C-stores that fail to implement cutting-edge technology could fall behind. 

BLAM Retail Proposes Digitization of Convenience Store Experience Across the US

By Charletta Louis • September 28, 2023
Bringing Your Local Store to Your Living Room - The Future of Convenience Retail. BLAM Retail, an innovative retail service provider, today announces its ambition to revolutionize the convenience store landscape by offering digital transformation services for stores across the United States. SAN JOSE, Calif. and NEW YORK , July 12, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- BLAM Retail, an innovative retail service provider, today announces its ambition to revolutionize the convenience store landscape by offering digital transformation services for stores across the United States . With an increasing shift toward online shopping and on-demand delivery services, BLAM Retail recognizes that individually owned convenience stores are struggling to compete in the digital marketplace. With a vision to increase online footprints and enhance product offerings, BLAM Retail is proposing an effective solution to transform the traditional convenience store experience. The digital solution includes the creation of websites for convenience stores, enabling them to sell their in-store products online. Customers can then choose to have their orders delivered or collected curbside. Additionally, the service allows the purchase of online lottery tickets and a comprehensive marketing plan for local customer engagement. A recent market analysis reveals that Texas has the most convenience stores in the country, followed by California , Florida , New York , Georgia , and Ohio , which all represent significant opportunities for digital transformation. BLAM Retail is prepared to onboard convenience stores with customized, branded websites that come equipped with standard products, customer management tools, and online lottery ticket purchasing capabilities. Marketing services will also be provided to allow engagement with and targeting of customers within a 5-mile radius of the store's location. The benefits of this digitization proposal are manifold. Store owners will have opportunities to send in-store promotions to customers, create rewards programs, advertise community events, and earn additional revenue from online lottery sales. Notably, stores will be able to facilitate group play for lotteries, increasing their customers' chances of winning. A successful case study with Abbott's Travel Center proved the effectiveness of BLAM Retail's digital solution. The travel center, frequented by interstate travelers, young professionals, and truckers, had its website and online product offerings set up within 48 hours, including mobile-friendly lottery options for customers. The BLAM Retail team, led by CEO Charletta Jean-Louis , is ready to connect with convenience store owners interested in expanding their business into the digital realm. For more information, please contact: Charletta Jean-Louis CEO, BLAM Retail charletta@blamretail.com +1 832 549 8581 www.blamretail.com http://www.tacticsmagazine.com/landingpages/cnw-global-retail-news/?rkey=20230712UN51897
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