C-stores recognize that change begins with their POS infrastructure, but only 10% of respondents say they have the exact POS infrastructure that will serve the business now and, in the future:

  • Of the 90% of respondents that recognized they would need to invest in their POS infrastructure to meet the demands of new consumer buying habits, over half want to invest in change now, while 29% seek a solution that will keep their legacy POS running with minimal cost while they take time to see how checkout needs evolve

Utilizing technology for a frictionless c-store experience

C-store retailers indicated that offering more checkout options to customers is important for their future via the following technologies:

  • Home delivery (86%)
  • Order online pick up curbside (85%)
  • Self-checkout (81%)
  • Full-service fueling by store associate (81%)
  • Mobile POS tablets for checkout by store associate (80%)
  • Scan & Go (80%)
  • Touchless checkout (77%)

Technology is the catalyst for reducing operational costs
C-store retailers believe their IT can make the biggest difference in reducing cost to serve in the future, and give them the ability to swiftly adapt to changes in the following areas:

  • 24% Remote deployment of IT updates and new technology in stores via centralized cloud management portal instead of field technician visits
  • 20% Increase staff productivity by putting the right technology into store associates’ hands
  • 16% Accelerate automation of store IT processes through new software deployment
  • 15% Remove hardware refresh costs enforced by vendor end of support deadlines
  • 14% Reduce IT support and maintenance costs
  • 10% Reduce store downtime

Solving C-Store Cost Challenges Through a Software Defined Store

The impact of COVID-19 will mean c-stores need to find a way to evolve their cost structure as implementing store technology changes to meet the demands of new customer buying habits is not an easy task when underlying costs continue to rise. According to Nick East, Co-Founder and CEO of Zynstra, an NCR Company, software defined stores using virtualization technology built for the retail edge will enable c-stores to optimize their existing store IT stack, while allowing them to modernize stores at their own pace in a post-COVID world, with less cost and less risk:

“Simplifying store IT management and innovating at scale with less cost is the future. By virtualizing all these store touchpoints, retailers can add new technologies faster and deploy new stores easier than ever before, without going through an expensive rip and replace exercise. Ultimately, it’s about having the flexibility to adapt quickly, and this is where software defined stores will be leapfrogging the competition. Whether it’s automating online order fulfilment, launching curbside pickup and home delivery or re-designing the stores for more self-checkout, speed to market is essential.”

To read the full survey and learn more about the next steps convenience stores will be taking to continue evolving, click here.

*Methodology: Survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Zynstra, an NCR company, which polled 103 senior level U.S. IT managers and business directors from large convenience and convenience fuel retail businesses with store estates ranging from a minimum of 20 to more than 500 stores.