LAS VEGAS—The final general session of the NACS Show focused on experience, with NACS Vice President of Research and Education Lori Stillman and the partial debut of the iconic NACS Ideas 2 Go video series.
Stillman talked about the glue that keeps shoppers coming back—customer experience—and shared more about THRIVR, a new NACS tool built with SOCi to help convenience retailers build and manage a localized marketing strategy that maximizes their stores’ online presence and meets customers when and wherever they are searching.
“Today, online is how customers define convenience,” Stillman said. “They use their smart phones and digital devices to discover what’s out there. What they want. And who has it.”
In this digital retail world, convenience stores need to show up when and where consumers are looking—including via social media channels—plus respond to the conversations consumers are having about their brands.
“THRIVR allows you to build and manage a localized marketing strategy that maximizes your online presence,” Stillman said. “It gives you more control of your brand—and it tells everyone who you are and what you have. When and wherever people are searching,” she said.
For small operators, managing the process can be daunting.
“If you have only one or two stores, you tell yourself you don’t have the resources to do this. If you have hundreds of stores, you know coordinating all of this is an immense challenge. But without it, you are missing the opportunity to grow trips. To grow baskets. To thrive,” Stillman said.
“NACS can help you thrive. That’s why we’ve launched THRIVR.”
The initiative allows convenience retailers to build and manage a localized marketing strategy to maximize their online presence. It’s available to all c-stores, regardless of size, via NACS.
“It gives you more control of your brand—and it tells everyone who you are and what you have. When and wherever people are searching. With accurate data, compelling content and an ability to keep a pulse on customer feedback and reviews, you can thrive in the digital retail landscape,” she said.
Stillman also highlighted NACS Research tools, including the NACS State of the Industry Report and NACS Convenience Voices shopper insights program. And she recognized the 24 rising stars of the industry who graduated from the 2022 NACS Leadership for Success program.
The general session wrapped up with the debut of the 2022 Ideas 2 Go series, showcasing six innovative retailers who are hyperfocused on evolving their brands and offers to differentiate, delight and engage their customers. They include TXB Stores; The Walk-Off Market , powered by Amazon; Lou Perrine’s Gas & Groceries; Coen Markets; Kwik Trip and Wakepoint LBJ.
Watch the Ideas 2 Go videos here.