Consumers Prime for C-Store Growth
“The slow death of the independent grocery store in the United States, hastened by the growing market shares being accumulated by major chains and ‘big box’ retailers, actually could prove to be a positive influence on the American convenience store industry.” This opportunity, according to a report on c-storecentral.com, was the basis of a speech given by Kim Feil, division president worldwide innovation for Information Resources, Inc., to the American Wholesale Marketers Association’s Distribution Summit in Chicago.
“Historically, convenience store’s benefits were location, impulse offerings, and an easy-to-shop format,” says Ms. Feil. “We’re now seeing the definition of convenience shifting — consumers no longer feel guilty about taking advantage of time-saving alternatives. They now embrace a convenience lifestyle, supported by products that save them time to enjoy their lives and families.”
Moderator Comment: Do you agree with Kim Feil’s analysis
of the food-retailing marketplace?
We aren’t quite as ready to write-off independent grocers.
Innovation is key regardless of the format and grocery stores have as many,
if not more, opportunities to compete in the marketplace as convenience stores.
[George
Anderson – Moderator]