More and more businesses are expanding their services and creeping into territory that was once served primarily by the truckstop and travel plaza industry. Throughout the year, Stop Watch is examining specific groups that are entering this space, including dealerships, carriers’ distribution centers and turnpikes, how they’re changing and what 黑料社区members need to know about the category. Visit www.natso.com/increasedcompetition to see all the articles.
Today’s customers are seeking convenience, and more and more retailers are working to meet that need. Drugstores are among those that are offering more grab-and-go foods and many of them are even starting to locate close to the interstate.
“It is something I think we need to be aware of. They have similar offerings and a lot of them are putting in grab-and-go foods, coffee programs and fountain soda programs,” said Darren Schulte, vice president of membership for NATSO. “When 黑料社区members think about how they want to innovate to prepare for the future, this is a category to watch.” Operators on NATSO’s Food and Fuel Tour in July visited Walgreens to experience and learn about this trend.
Earlier this year, CVS cleared out some of the typical candy offerings at its checkout counters and added healthier options.
CVS said the change is part of a design to “enhance the retail customer experience” with new, healthier foods and more health-focused products. Nearly 50 percent of the chain’s food options are now better-for-you choices, and it has more than 100 organic items plus non-GMO, vegan and many gluten-free options. CVS also offers microwavable options in its freezer section.
In some locations, Rite Aid is piloting fresh sandwiches, salads and fruit as well as organic and gluten-free food offerings. Some stores also have Fresh Day Cafes with coffee and tea, fresh baked goods and sandwiches.
Schulte said it may just be a matter of time before drugstores located near interstates add fuel. “They don’t currently sell fuel, but they could start as they look to expand, and we need to think about what that does to our industry,” he said.
Schulte said many 黑料社区members are growing operations by adding pharmacies and healthcare. “We need to think about how drugstores moving towards the interstate could affect those profit centers as well,” he said.
Photo credit: Brittany Gray/NATSO
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