How to Sell More C-Store Snacks

Ideas for Generating More Snack Food Purchases

You know your customers are often in a hurry when they enter your business. They need to find what they’re looking for quickly and efficiently, and if you don’t offer it, they’ll go elsewhere next time. So how do you make sure they find what they need and increase your own profits at the same time? Start by thinking about how your snack food offerings and displays can work for you. 

• Provide a variety of choices. Salty snacks like chips and popcorn continue to increase in popularity, so these should be a big priority. But you shouldn’t stop there. It isn’t difficult to stock some healthier snack items like fresh fruit, cubed cheeses, or yogurt cups for those who prefer them. Just pay close attention to how well perishable foods sell and adjust inventory accordingly if they aren’t popular.
• Change things up for your regulars. A little variety is always nice, and your repeat customers will appreciate seeing –and trying – something new. Feature items of the week or month, and rotate flavors of favorite products such as slush drinks.
• Use strategic product placement. Running a convenience store involves a lot of in-depth knowledge of the types of foods consumers pair together. One simple way to take advantage of this practice is to consider beverages. Stock baked goods like donuts and pastries near the coffee, salty snacks close to bottled water and soft drinks, and place a cookie display near your milk cooler.
• Create an inviting atmosphere. Convenience store products don’t have to look like your typical packaged snacks. Select one area of your store, if not your whole space, and redesign it to be welcoming and fun. Merchandise with attention to detail. You could invest in a ReadyPop Self Dispensing Popcorn Machine for freshly popped popcorn, or display gourmet popcorn in baskets or brightly colored boxes using bulk gourmet popcorn.
• Offer promotions. Whether it’s a loyalty program for regulars or simply offering a free sample of fudge with a popcorn purchase, people love deals and promotions. Specials can also often increase the sale by enticing customers to purchase additional items for the discount.

In addition to these ideas, you’ll want to be sure you’re still placing popular impulse purchase items near the checkout counter and training your employees to ask about other products each customer might be interested in. And stress the importance of customer service – your guests will be much more likely to want to buy more from you if they’re met with a smile and a friendly greeting.