In the bustling world of convenience stores, space is a premium. C-stores are compact, with every available inch maximised for product displays, aisles, and essential amenities that can generate revenue.

So, while supermarkets have long been reaping the benefits of adding self-checkout (SCO) lanes, many c-stores have been shut out of the game. They simply don’t have floor space for the hefty devices we see in the supermarket.

But customers want the option of self-checkout.

Our own research, conducted through Kantar, revealed that 80% of consumers consider it important for retailers to provide a choice of checkout options.
 

“80% of consumers consider it
important for retailers to provide a
choice of checkout options.”

And the use of self-checkout has only been growing over recent years. In fact, research by Acumen revealed that 45% of customers are more likely to use self-service than before the pandemic.

The nature of c-stores as a quick-stop shopping destination, where customers typically purchase a small basket, makes it a perfect environment for SCO – with all of the benefits it brings around labour costs, reallocation of staff, speed of service, privacy for shoppers, and more.

So, consumers want it. Retailers want it. The question is, how can we make the glove fit?

The next generation of SCO has arrived.

Thankfully, a new generation of small, modular solutions are now paving the way for convenience retailers to embrace SCO.

When it comes to c-stores, size definitely matters. To be a realistic option for these retailers, SCO solutions need to deliver a smaller physical footprint than their forebearers.

But it’s not just about size. It’s about flexibility. And that’s where modular solutions come in. Solutions that are adaptable to each store’s layout and needs.

That means having options that will work free standing, wall-mounted, or desktop. Options that can add or remove different features such as cash automation, scales or packing shelves, depending on requirements.

This kind of customisation means that c-stores are no longer locked out of the game. With the very real impacts of inflation, rising energy costs, and labour shortages putting pressure on retailers, there couldn’t be a better time to focus on driving efficiency in-store. SCO solutions can be a great way to do that, while at the same time giving customers the checkout options they want and cutting wait times.

If you are interested in implementing self-checkout in your convenience stores, have a chat with our team about the S22 Lite from Acrelec, a Glory company.

Occupying less than half a square meter, or 1.5 square feet of floor space, the S22 Lite is ideal for these grab-and-go scenarios, offering breakthrough speed and performance with a surprisingly small footprint. That small footprint allows businesses to leverage as much selling space as possible, keeping real estate high while greatly improving the checkout experience.

Or learn more about our full range of SCO and cash automation solutions for retail here.