As 2020 kicks off, the convenience industry is navigating fast-evolving economic, consumer, market and category dynamics that will define growth opportunities in the new decade. Join Technomic’s Donna Hood Crecca to explore what’s now and next for convenience operators.

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Trends & Data: How to boost traffic and enhance your foodservice program in 2020

Premium foodservice has become one of the driving forces of the convenience-store industry. If the past year proved anything, it’s that convenience stores can and will continue to compete with restaurants in the relentless foodservice battle. Last year, we saw chains tackle plant-based meats, tighten their menus and bolster their coffee varieties to draw customers to dine-in. But consumers are seeking newer foods at nontraditional times now more than ever before, which is molding how they shop for food and how c-store retailers will run their foodservice operations. So, the question remains: How can c-store retailers stand out in this competitive foodservice environment?

Trends & Data: Drive Traffic: Understanding more about how the cold vault can boost inside store sales

Packaged beverages remain a key traffic driver for convenience stores, and today’s consumer is looking at a lot more than price and brand when making their choice. In this session, we will dig into the consumer trends—from concerns about sugar to enhanced ingredients (CoQ10, CBD), to the growth of the sparkling category—that are forcing changes in the cold vault. We’ll also look at challenges to the beer category and ways to keep that segment growing.

Trends & Data: Navigate Change: How understanding new product innovation, and the emerging threat of further regulation, can help retailers plan for the future

As the FDA continues its focus on flavors, e-cigarettes and cigars, this presentation will offer more background on new FDA leadership and objectives, and how that tenure with the regulatory body will shape the future of this vital category. This discussion will cover how retailers can grapple with that uncertainty, all while properly merchandising the bevy of new product innovation about to hit the market.

Trends & Data: Treat Yourself: How craveable hot and cold offerings can help grow foodservice sales

Hot and cold dispensed beverages have become challenged in recent years as consumers increasingly look for healthier options to quench their thirst. Meanwhile, frozen dispensed is a bright spot in the foodservice category, suggesting the “treat” mentality can play a significant role in what draws customers in the doors of a c-store. We’ll take a look at recent sales data and what consumers are looking for when considering where to stop for a fast and fresh drink.

Trends & Data: Get There First: How jumping on the CBD bandwagon now can increases sales in the future

IRI, in partnership with BDS Analytics, will debut new data that reveal a great story on CBD sales in the c-store channel. Survey results also include top products, consumer adoption trends, and a comparison of CBD sales in other retail channels. Learn what c-store shoppers also buy when CBD is in the basket.

Trends & Data: Find the Answer: Technology can be the solution to the labor crisis—but how will the new in-store experience change shopping habits

Is technology the answer to retail’s labor woes? How does the in-store experience change now that online and offline shopping is blurring? Is frictionless checkout the future or a fad? Today, convenience-store operators are surrounded by technology that promises more than ever. But separating substance from flash takes time.

Trends & Data: Taste the Trends: Innovate with flavor across the center store

Product innovation has erupted in the center store. Innovation has sprung up in snacks and candies such as ahi tuna jerky, beer-flavored pretzels, 2-in-1-flavored sour gummies, beverage-flavored chocolates and even cricket snacks. Retailers attending CRU will learn what new snacks, candies and general merchandise items consumers are looking for, and the trends behind why certain items are outpacing the rest of the category.

Trends & Data: Earn Loyalty: Use loyalty perks to learn more about customers, while encouraging them to spend

Gone are the days when a loyalty program was as simple as a punch-card for a free sandwich after ten purchases. Today’s rewards schemes are marketing powerhouses meant to both give retailers more intelligence about their customers and encourage those customers to spend more. Meanwhile, the physical location of a store has become less important as more consumers opt to have food and other goods delivered straight to them—even when they’re not at home. Both of these trends offer pitfalls and opportunities for convenience stores.