Monthly Tech Updates in the Convenience Store Industry
This month has seen several exciting developments in the world of technology within the convenience store sector. Key players have announced partnerships, fresh capabilities, and shifts in leadership. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening with companies like EG America, Gas Express, PAR Retail, Lula Commerce, Relex Solutions, and Shep Digital Solutions.
EG America Teams Up with PAR Retail
EG America, based in Westborough, Massachusetts, is joining forces with PAR Retail from Philadelphia to enhance its SmartRewards program. This revamped loyalty initiative aims to improve how they connect with customers.
The new version of SmartRewards is more than just a typical rewards program; it’s designed to engage customers in real-time based on their preferences, offering benefits beyond simple discounts. Members can look forward to a tiered membership system, special sweepstakes, early access to product launches, and more. EG America expects that with these improvements, customer engagement will rise by 275% this year.
John Carey, president and CEO of EG America, highlighted the importance of this relaunch, saying, “SmartRewards is our way of saying, ‘We see you. We value you.’ Thanks to PAR, we’re excited to create deeper connections and unforgettable experiences for every guest.” The program is set to grow alongside EG America and change with customer expectations.
Gas Express Partners with Lula Commerce
Gas Express, a franchisee of Circle K with over 180 locations, has partnered with Lula Commerce to enhance its online presence. This partnership allows Gas Express to connect with eCommerce platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Currently, about 100 locations are ready and operational under this new initiative.
Stacy Winne, vice president of operations at Gas Express, shared her excitement about the partnership: “Lula has significantly enhanced our operations, sales, and customer experience. Their platform integrated effortlessly with our existing systems, making the rollout quick and easy for our team.” Gas Express operates across several states, including Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Lula Commerce offers various services that help convenience stores grow, including digital menus, inventory management, and tools for engaging customers.
Relex Solutions Introduces New Tool for Category Management
Relex Solutions, based in Atlanta, has introduced an innovative tool aimed at category management. This new technology helps retailers optimize their product placements, ensuring that the right items are available at the right time and place.
The Relex Space for Category Management focuses on maximizing shelf space and ensuring popular products have adequate visibility. By utilizing AI and machine learning, retailers can automate their planogram updates, which helps them stay on top of current sales trends and customer demands.
Retailers can also benefit from improved collaboration between their supply chain and merchandising teams, allowing for a more strategic approach to category management. Some new features include a cloud-native platform for easy updates, user-friendly interfaces, and automated processes for publishing planograms.
Shep Digital Solutions Welcomes New CTO
Shep Digital Solutions, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, has appointed Dr. Didier Leonard-Jean Charles as its new chief technology officer. Dr. Charles will oversee the company’s software development and innovations, especially in automating digital media distribution and enhancing in-store technology.
Excited about his new role, Dr. Charles expressed his goal of using cutting-edge technologies like AI to improve retail capabilities. “I aim to expand our abilities for retailers, enabling us to provide even better experiences for our partners and their customers,” he stated.
These updates reflect the ongoing evolution in the convenience store industry as companies continue to embrace new technologies to improve customer engagement and operational efficiency.
