10 Tips for Running Successful Convenience Stores

Whether you're operating one or one-hundred stores, there are hard & fast rules that you as a store owner simply can't ignore. Anyone who's inside the business knows there are more than 10 guidelines for maximizing your ownership experience in terms of sales, but too often we all get so busy in our daily duties inside our four walls that we forget the need for continuous improvement. It’s not easy to improve, progress is a slow process, but with a commitment to perfection you can reach excellence.

The tips that we offer are logical and cost effective. Rest assured, you don’t need to be a billionaire to succeed with the business plans we lay out. At Allen Brothers’ we have enjoyed great success thanks to a corporate philosophy set in stone by President Jeff Allen. The mindset at Allen Brothers is even as our business continues to grow in size, we remain true to our roots as a customer-intimate company. With that in mind, in today’s blog we’ll take a small business approach to today’s tips in this week’s discussion.

1.) Always, or as much as possible given your finances, be open to testing new products: Sure, there will be certain products that just won’t work for your consumer base. But how will you know if you never tried? There are those overnight sensations that spring out of nowhere, and the beauty of a convenience store industry is that it’s intimate enough that your customers will recognize new products. Anyone in the industry of convenience retail knows the Big 3 that drive sales: Lottery, Tobacco, and Beverage. If you can hit a homerun outside that holy trio with a hot new candy item, a food service favorite, or an eye-catching floor display, think about how much further your profit margins can go.

2.) Keep it clean: A common theme, just keep it clean. We’ve discussed this topic before, but if you want women shoppers returning to your store, it better be clean! Don’t overlook this, organization and cleanliness are key components to your success.

3.) Control the Checkout Experience: When you overload the checkout space with too much product, you’re inadvertently taxing the sensory system of your customer. Every display in your store does not need to be filtered to the front checkout area. Instead, investigate which areas of your store are most popular beyond the checkout lane and consider display placements that can capitalize on some of that space. The front checkout should be reserved for the items that most conform to the impulse purchase, those small items we call “throw it in the bag” products. Once you figure out what those items are, take in the display from the customer’s perspective and confirm you’re creating a compelling presentation. For more feedback, reach out to your Allen Brothers Merchandising Specialist Jim Norton. To schedule a time to meet with Jim, contact Allen Brothers online at info@abdelivers.com.

4.) Solicit Feedback: OK, you need thick skin for this one everybody! But soliciting some outside feedback into ways to improve your store is a great way to get invaluable information for free. Who better knows how to improve the experience of shopping in your store than the customer themselves? You might be surprised to find out what it is customers are saying. Maybe you’ll get an idea for a new product that will prevent your customer from splitting his business with you and the local grocery store. That’s more business for you at no price thanks to consulting with your client base. It might seem insignificant, but what a great way to show your customer’s that you care.

5.) Avoid being Out-Inventoried: If I go into a store and I need 5 bottles of soda but there’s only 3 available, that automatically leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It’s not my fault that I want to give you more sales, you want those sales! Be sure to plan ahead by looking at inventory daily, bi-daily at the least, to make sure you have what your customer’s need. Sure, the seasons bring in and out different buying patterns, but with a little in-house research you can be ahead of the trends. Work with your sales representative to analyze inventory fluctuations and determine what’s the best way to control supply to amplify your earnings.

6.) Solicit Your Services: In case you live in a box, America has evolved into a service-oriented society. What type of services do you offer your customer for their in-store shopping experience? Have you ever considered implementing a fax or internet service, a copier option, or maybe even an in-store computer that customers can use at a reasonable fee? Or, how about incorporating other businesses into your store front? Perhaps you could run a money-order operation, a great way to bring people into your store. In owning a store, you have the option to create a brand of business entirely your own. Don’t limit yourself and never look past any opportunity to grow.

7.) Invest in your store: Human beings are sensory –oriented creatures, we are attracted to aesthetically pleasing settings. Keep this in mind when it comes to your stores design and upkeep. Work hard daily to make your store a preferable place to shop. Ensure that your aisles are kept organized and are wide enough for each of your customers to fit through comfortably. Spacing is so important, and you’ll need to be consistent in the appearance of your store so that a customer is comfortable knowing what to expect and where to find their preferred products when they walk into your store.

8.) Consider your Community: Sales in any industry are almost entirely tied to the community that the business is located in. No form of business adheres to this rule more prevalently than the convenience store industry. Always keep in mind who you’re selling to and what their preferences and needs are. If you live in an area with low socio-economics, price points are imperative. You’ll need to base a large part of your business on volume of sale, and you’ll also need to be resourceful in what type of products you’re bringing in. Your customers want the same things that people in more high-economic areas are looking for, but they are more conscious of the cost. As a store owner in that environment, you need to have those same thoughts in mind.

9.) Stay ahead of the industry: Reach out to your sales representative and find out what type of industry magazines they are reading to stay up-to-date on industry news. The only way to really succeed in the convenience store industry is to stay ahead of the curve, and magazines and newspapers are a great way to stay informed. There are so many resources available at your fingertips on a daily basis, including this blog!

10.) Customers Love Convenience: Remember you main purpose, and that is to be a convenient source of items such as candy, beverage, tobacco, and the like. Every convenience store has its strength and weaknesses, but every store should have a focus on helping the customer get in and out with ease. Think seriously on how to streamline all processes to help your customers get what they want most: Fast Service. This can seem daunting if it requires increasing your manpower, but I encourage you to consider the return on investment. Another option is to integrate new technology and navigation tools and signage that will increase the efficiency of the process from start to finish. The team at Allen Brothers Wholesale Distribution is renowned for the technological advancements, reach out today to find out how we can help you maximize productivity in your store by calling at 215-739-1083 or via email at info@abdelivers.com.

This is a small sampling of some of the essential elements to running a successful Convenience Store. There are obviously things we missed, so fill us in! Post below some of the ways you’ve succeeded in the convenience store business and some of your core principals that have helped you develop a successful business.