{"id":28168,"date":"2017-06-22T02:57:00","date_gmt":"2017-06-22T06:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goebt.com\/pleasing-the-traveling-c-store-customer\/"},"modified":"2025-02-04T18:29:48","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T23:29:48","slug":"pleasing-the-traveling-c-store-customer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goebt.com\/pleasing-the-traveling-c-store-customer\/","title":{"rendered":"Pleasing the Traveling C-Store Customer"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2016, it was predicted that\u00a035 percent of Americans are planning to take a family vacation 50 miles or more away from home.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>With so many people traveling you need to make sure your store is appealing so that customers are more likely to stop in and make a purchase.<\/p>\n

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Attracting Travelers<\/strong><\/p>\n

During a road trip, there are three things that travelers\u00a0cannot go without. Food, restrooms, and fuel are all an integral part of any roadtrippers\u00a0journey. As customers search for a pit stop, a few things that factor into their decision to spend money are:<\/p>\n

An Attractive Storefront<\/em><\/p>\n

Many travelers are families with children who are looking for a safe location to stop and stretch their legs. Help bring\u00a0in families by keeping your lot clean and making sure that there is plenty of lighting during evening hours.<\/p>\n

Low Gas Prices<\/em><\/p>\n

In 2015, 71 percent<\/a> of customers listed fuel price as the most important factor when selecting a c-store. Keep your prices competitive so that cost aware consumers will stop at your business when traveling.<\/p>\n

Clean Bathrooms<\/em><\/p>\n

Having a dirty bathroom can push customers out\u00a0of the door costing you a sale. When the restroom is not properly taken care of, customers will wonder what else in your c-store is not getting the right amount of attention. Have an employee check them frequently to\u00a0make sure products are stocked and that everything is clean.<\/p>\n

Sales and Promotions<\/em><\/p>\n

Although bathrooms may not bring in customers, sales and promotions will. Offers like ‘Buy One Get One Free’ or ‘Two for $2.22’ are likely to tempt customers already fueling up at the pump who were not planning on making a trip inside. You can also offer specials on typical road trip purchases such as coffee, bottled drinks, or chips to help please shoppers.<\/p>\n

Good Branding<\/em><\/p>\n

If traveling customers are part of your main business then consider taking steps to market yourself towards those customers. Some c-stores have even renamed themselves to represent this, ‘Fast Trip Convenience Store’ and even ‘QuikTrip’ insinuate a fast and easy experience while traveling.<\/p>\n

Holiday Spirit<\/em><\/p>\n

Another way to market to potential customers is by using holidays to your advantage. These are typically high travel times so following the example of\u00a0Cumberland Farms<\/em> who offered\u00a0customers a free hot or iced coffee on Christmas Day in 2016. You could also make these promotions seasonal, with a free bottle of water on July 4th.<\/p>\n

Rare Services<\/em><\/p>\n

Bring in consistent out-of-town business by offering services that may not be available in other parts of the U.S.\u00a0If you border a state that has high tobacco taxes or does not have a lottery then offering those types of products will\u00a0help boost\u00a0sales.<\/p>\n

The Food Items\u00a0They Want<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the past, customers would have to stop for hot food separately from where the fill up their tanks. Now that c-stores are evolving and able to carry hot and cold ready-to-eat items, families are more inclined to make only one stop. By offering these food items customers will be saving time and potentially money, making you a true one-stop shop. Along with ready-made items travelers also want healthy options.<\/p>\n

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these are some of the easiest items that you can offer travelers who are looking for nutrition and substance:<\/p>\n