The Conexxus Vision Group (CxVG) released its first Vision Report ”Envisioning Technology Innovation in the Convenience Store Future.” The report features an executive summary of the November 14 virtual meeting, which included a collaborative discussion on members’ current technology pain points and solutions, the full meeting transcript, and additional resources for further exploration.

CxVG’s November 14, 2024 inaugural quarterly virtual meeting was facilitated by industry technology veteran James Maxey, and featured a Conexxus Digital Roadmap presentation by Gray Taylor, executive director of Conexxus. CxVG members engaged in a lively discussion on pressing technology innovation that CxVG and the industry should tackle.

Key takeaways from the report include:

Conexxus, IRC and CxVG: Building Bridges for the Convenience Industry’s Future—Conexxus Executive Director Gray Taylor provided an overview of the organization’s evolving strategy and forums, including the Conexxus Innovation Research Committee (IRC) and CxVG, all intended to drive industry collaboration and innovation to address key challenges. Highlighting its forward-looking approach, he shared the Conexxus Roadmap, focusing on emerging technologies like AI, digital media, and mobility commerce, and more.

Roy Strasburger, CEO of StrasGlobal, President of Compliance Safe, and Vision Group Network Co-Founder further articulated the purpose for CxVG: “The technology world continues to change, innovations continue to happen, and that’s the reason we’re putting this group of convenience leaders together—to talk about practical technology applications in convenience.”

Practical Use and Management of Data—Among issues that CxVG members shared for potential future topics to explore, practical data management was highlighted. The importance of simplifying data for store-level employees, making technology more relatable, fostering smarter work practices, creative approaches to monetizing data, and compliance management were mentioned.

Favtrip President Babir Sultan shared how he uses technology tools to make data more relatable for his employees. “We encourage employees to work smarter, not harder and we’re going to do that through data,” he summarized, stressing breaking down data responsibilities for specific reasons in order to enable better employee understanding.

AI: Faster Horses or Practical Applications?—AI is a frequent topic for discussion for multiple Vision Groups, especially as it relates to streamlining operational matters. Several CxVG members expressed desire for practical AI applications tailored to convenience stores with plain language, easy to execute, and industry-specific solutions. They noted AI’s transformative potential for operations, HR, and customer service. James Hervey, head of petro at Verifone, an Ally Supporter for CxVG, poignantly said: “I equate [AI] to…when the automobile first debuted it was said each vehicle took the job of 36 men. When we talk about horsepower and just the amount of pull that a tractor can have versus an oxen or a horse, [with] AI, it’s like a semi-truck versus a Pinto in computing…and with great power comes great responsibility. But again, this is a space where we really need to look at it deeper, in my opinion.”

Technology and Employee Processes—Members discussed the challenges of hiring and retaining quality employees, emphasizing the role of technology in simplifying processes and improving retention. Suggested solutions included using digitized training, shift-scheduling tools, and accessible communication methods to engage employees and adapt to the needs of a fast-paced workforce.

CxVG Member Don Rhoads, president of The Convenience Group, LLC shared “We need to digitize training in a way where we have a three-month capture rate with our people, our new hires, and we need to make sure they’re engaged and you’re working on a culture. It needs to be fun so people want to get up and go to work in the morning.”

Electric Vehicle Charging: Not So Much Plug-and-Play—The challenges of integrating electric vehicle charging with store technology were mentioned, highlighting concerns about non-connectivity and its long-term sustainability. Frustrations were shared over unreliable and costly charging systems, with some operators considering third-party solutions to meet mandates.

Chris Bambury, president of California’s Bambury, Inc. professed “We still can’t figure out the ROI on the 10% we paid. So that’s where a lot of retailers are. Even when it’s 90% paid for, there’s just no money in it.”

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The Conexxus Vision Group (CxVG) brings together convenience leaders for quarterly virtual meetings. CxVG has been created to expand Conexxus’ retailer and supplier engagement and amplify Conexxus’ goals and achievements and will identify strategic technology innovations regarding convenience/mobility industry issues, technologies, and practices. The group is committed to sharing its views and perspectives to advance the convenience retailing and mobility industry. CxVG operates under the Vision Group Network, which gathers the collective knowledge and ideas of its members to create a legacy of sharing within the retail community. For more information and to sign up for future Vision Reports, visit our website: https://vgnsharing.com/vision-report-library/

The Vision Group Network (VGN) brings together, in virtual groups and face-to-face meetings, great minds and leaders from all parts of the retail, foodservice and mobility industries around the globe to create a knowledge base consisting of experience and innovative ideas. All Vision Groups provide valuable insights and actionable programs that allow its members to maximize their business opportunities.

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