A new generation of c-stores is taking a page from the supermarket playbook and offering more fresh meals and produce. Walk into any dozen different convenience stores these days, and you're likely to notice more sandwiches, salads and produce than you would in years past.
“Everyone sees a store like Wegmans and what they offer, and that creates enormous expectations in consumers' minds,” said Jeff Lenard, spokesman for the National Association of Convenience Stores.
Indeed, consumers expect more fresh, healthful offerings from everywhere they shop. And convenience stores have the added opportunity of serving on-the-go customers. According to a study by the Integer Group, 27% of shoppers consider healthy food and fresh produce a reason to seek out convenience stores.
Doing fresh, and doing it well, however, is an uphill battle. Convenience stores have to overcome years of negative consumer perceptions, as well as technical issues.
“Convenience stores may only get deliveries once a week, so they have to have products that accommodate the distribution channel,” said Sherry Frey, vice president with the Perishables Group, a retail consulting firm.
It turns out manufacturers are already working on several initiatives. Chiquita recently developed packaging technology that allows its bananas to last longer. Packaging companies Ready Pac and Crunch Pac have also come out with containers for fresh-cut fruit, meals and snacks.
