Commerce Corner
Welcome to "Commerce Corner," the podcast where retail innovation meets practical strategy. Join us, as we explore the dynamic world of digital commerce in the convenience retail industry. Each episode delves into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities facing retailers today, offering insights and actionable advice to help businesses thrive in the fast-paced digital marketplace.
From the rise of delivery services and the importance of unique product offerings to managing profitability and leveraging technology, "Commerce Corner" covers it all. Whether you're a retailer looking to expand your online presence, a tech enthusiast interested in the latest industry developments, or simply curious about the future of retail, this podcast is for you. Tune in for expert interviews, in-depth discussions, and practical tips to navigate the evolving landscape of digital commerce.
Commerce Corner
Commerce Corner S1|E2: Are Convenience Stores still Convenient?
Lula leadership chats about the state of the convenience store today and how customers might evaluate the level of convenience. Thinking about customer "occasions" - the points in time or situations in which consumers behave one way vs another is a provocative way to think about how retailers serve these customers.
The convenience store was "invented" at a time of technological shift - the introduction of the automobile. Quite literally a new vehicle for customers in their search for retail. Retail Ice Docks in Texas began offering chilled watermelons, which was met with great consumer acceptance leading to an expansion of grocery-style offerings at ice docs all around.
As customers clearly valued the "convenience" these stores found other ways to please - from extended hours (7am to 11pm), to more relatively recent developments like pay at the pump, prepared food, and other efforts to delight customers.
Customer demands for new levels of convenience continue today - as delivery options have shaken things up since the pandemic. Seen through the lens of consumer "occasions" - operators today must decide where to lead, where to follow, and where to differentiate completely.