It’s that time of year again when we all take a look at our lives and decide what we want to improve...and then give up a few weeks later.
Here are some New Year’s resolutions you can’t afford to give up on in 2021.
Resolution #1 – Cleaning is Key
It’s the #1 resolution because it’s the #1 rule of convenience retail. Everyone knows a clean store is critically important, but staffing and other challenges can sometimes cause businesses to lose their commitment.
Now is the time to take a step back and look at your operations from top to bottom. Make your spring-cleaning plan, tomorrow’s plan.
Take it from Mark at Breeze Thru Markets and Sami, owner of Emanuel Inc., who make cleanliness and sanitation their top priority and reap the rewards.
Resolution #2 – Upgrade to EMV Already!
We won’t dwell on it, but if you haven’t upgraded your forecourt with outdoor EMV, start now.
Even relatively small gas station operators can now expect heavy fraud losses once the EMV liability shift goes into effect in April 2021.
One of the first questions you’ll need to decide is whether to replace or retrofit your fuel island. Find more info on your options here.
Resolution #3 – Contactless Forecourt
Contactless payment is no longer a nice-to-have option on the forecourt. The customers on your forecourt, right now, as you read this, expect it. 50% of consumers had used contactless payments by July 2020 and more than 30% decide which store to visit based on contactless options.
Of course, with dispensers upgraded with Gilbarco’s EMV solution, contactless payment modules are included.
Learn more about this future-proofing strategy with this blog from Vice President of Sales and Marketing NA, Chris Whitley.
Resolution #4 – Work Smarter with Self-Checkout
This one should help a lot with resolution #1. Consider self-service strategies to help your current c-store staff get the job done. Often times, a store’s cleanliness declines when team members are stuck behind the front counter, checking out customers their entire shift.
Passport Express Lane Self-checkout system frees up employees to clean, stock shelves, and improve customer service.
Express Lane also helps stores with busy lottery business by giving non-playing customers another checkout option.
On top of that, you can import your menu into Express Lane for seamless, made-to-order foodservice.
Resolution #5 – Keep Looking Forward to EV Charging
Depending on where your business is located, electric vehicle charging may still be in the future. For others, it’s a necessity right now. Regardless, it’s time to start thinking about your e-Mobility plans.
If you’re in an EV hot spot, it makes sense to put in your own EV charging infrastructure, especially with government-backed funding currently available, according to a recent CSP article.
Interested in funding? Check out our EV incentives locator tool or contact our e-Mobility team for more info.
Happy New Year!
From everyone at Gilbarco Veeder-Root, we wish you a year of great success.