From stocking up on items to avoiding trips to the store, your customers are living through a pandemic and experts say it has changed their behavior. What does that mean for convenience stores in the post-COVID-19 world?
The NRF recently reported that 74% of consumers believe COVID-19 will have some impact on their lifestyle over the next five years as they consider things like dining out, budgeting and more.
Are you prepared to adapt and cater to the new needs your customers may have? Here are some simple post-pandemic c-store strategies to help get you started.
Captivate Customers With Additional Exterior Graphics
Once various mandates are lifted and customers are permitted to help themselves to beverages and hot food, create additional exterior signage, banners and graphics to share the news. If customers are now able to relax in your dining area or use their refillable cups, keep them in the loop with signage that calls this out. Promote offerings and deals by creating exterior graphics featuring original food photography and unique messaging.
Over the last few weeks, your customers have been focused on essential items. With more folks returning to their routines, they may be seeking out breakfast and lunch options. Remind them about your award-winning fresh brewed coffee or baked goods. If known for your subs or grab and go, let your customers know they can still count on you for their favorite fare. Elevating your exterior signage efforts is an easy way to captivate customers and boost foot traffic.
Support Stronger Price Promotions Through Advertising
Now’s the time to promote special discounts and deals to customers looking for lower price points. With more than 26 million Americans out of work, you may have adjusted your pricing. If extending free beverage offers to first responders and health care workers, make sure your customers know. Use social media or signage to create a buzz around discounts and free offers. Your loyal customers are going through difficult times, embrace them by continuing to offer family dinner specials or free kid’s meals. However, what good is creating value-based pricing without promoting it, right?
A little something for the kiddos. Get free 4-pc chicken tenders when you buy two 6-inch subs now through 4/26. Fast, easy pickup with Curbside Pickup. #hereforyou https://t.co/x22i8P7ZUm pic.twitter.com/rNPCtQLdzl
— QuickChek (@QuickChek) April 23, 2020
Create Welcome Back Campaigns
For the last two months, shoppers may have cut back on visits to your stores. Why not roll out the red carpet with a welcome back campaign? Develop fun and celebratory “Welcome Back” merch such as branded hats, pins, and shirts for your team members to get them in the spirit. Create a variety of special offers thanking customers for sticking with you through these difficult times. Use empathetic verbiage letting shoppers know you and your employees are still with them and available to help.
Add Permanent Fixtures to Protect Customers
Many retailers are continuing to put customers’ minds at ease through rigorous cleaning and sanitizing. Rethink fixtures that could minimize contact as well as the spread of germs. If you haven’t installed protective sneeze guards and hand sanitizer dispensers, think about adding these items to your stores.
GSP is here to help with your post-COVID-19 retail strategies such as creative signage, marketing, food photography, social media graphics, retail environments, and more. Let us know what you need.
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