Refreshing Reasons You Should Consider Changing Your C-Store Layout

C-stores must fit a lot of merchandise into a limited space, and when you’re trying to offer the products that your customers want, this can be a recipe for clutter and disorganization. However, a clean, easy-to-navigate layout where high-margin items are displayed prominently can be one of the best ways to boost sales.

Let Customers Decompress in the Decompression Zone

The entryway to your store is known as the decompression zone but many stores don’t utilize the space for that function. Customers need to be able to survey your store quickly to get a feel for the layout, without stumbling over displays or getting distracted.

Try placing a display of high-margin products at least 10 feet back from the front entrance. Make sure that the display is well-organized, clean, easy to read, and reflects the other types of items they can expect to find as they shop.  Choose something that makes them want to walk in and learn more about what you have throughout the store. Unique, premium products can set expectations that your store is different from every other C-store in town.

Revamp Your Checkout

At the other end of the shopping journey is the checkout. Too much clutter in the checkout can actually decrease sales, because it leaves a lasting impression of clutter, deterring repeat shopping. It’s easy to shove items haphazardly in and around your cash registers, but this area should be strategically planned.  The checkout area should be clear of obstructions and clutter, so that customers can quickly browse your impulse items as they pay or wait in line.

Characteristics of Profit-Generating Displays

Utilizing displays strategically throughout the store, especially at the start of a shopping trip and at the end, can have a positive impact on your bottom line. Here’s what to look for as you select displays for your C-Store:

• Quality: Flimsy displays look cheap and will give a bad impression of the products. Choose sturdy displays that reflect the quality of the items.
• Custom: Customers are used to seeing certain displays everywhere (soda case stacks, for example). However, a display they’ve never seen before and can only find in your store will attract attention and create a feeling of exclusivity.
• Ease of installation and use: A beautiful display can’t boost sales if it’s impossible to install or if customers find it difficult to remove products. Displays should be easy for both you and your customers to use, and should allow them to pick up products and read the labels easily as they contemplate a purchase.

Partner With Businesses Who Can Boost Your C-Store Sales

Mister Snacks works closely with stores to provide top-quality snack food displays that showcase the right mix of single-serve snack items for your customers.  If you want to learn more about the ways Mister Snacks helps convenience stores increase snack sales, contact our team today.