November 15, 2019
4 min read

Frictionless Checkout for the Convenience Store

What shoppers are looking for when they step foot in a convenience store is in the name: convenience. They’re looking for an easy, quick experience – whether that’s filling up their tank, grabbing a few items they need, or both. But if shoppers head into a store and see a long line, they will purposely avoid it and go elsewhere. The point of sale serves as the very last hurdle between shoppers getting what they need and continuing on with their day, and retailers must find a way to alleviate it.

The Convenience Store Evolves

The challenge of managing the point of sale has been made even more difficult as the convenience store is evolving into much more than a pitstop. Retailers are finding they need solutions that drive loyalty and the shopper experience, through payments at the pump, prepared foods and quick service restaurant options. In order to drive convenience, these operations can no longer be siloed. Frictionless checkout is now expected by customers, and luckily, with the latest point of sale technology, it can be achieved. 

Mobile Devices to Eliminate Lines

The ubiquity of mobile phones has paved the way for innovation around how consumers shop and pay for items. With mobile devices, a new level of self-service has arisen where shoppers can easily scan and pay for their items – all without having to stand in a line. In addition, associates equipped with devices can process transactions from anywhere in the store.

As convenience stores add additional services areas to their stores, like coffee stations or breakfast taco bars, mobile ordering allows shoppers to order and pay before they even set foot in a store, eliminating hesitations about wait time – and increasing sales. The use of mobile devices also bridges the digital and physical experience as retailers can leverage customer information to drive loyalty through coupons, rewards and personalized offers and messages. 

Frictionless Checkout at the Pump

Another important aspect to the point of sale and checkout process is at the pump. A single POS platform that delivers flexibility, security and speed is essential. This also provides retailers the ability to always deliver on the needs of customers on the bleeding edge of innovation – whether that’s electric charging, hydrogen vehicles, or the next invention we haven’t even imagined yet. Recently, the rise of connected vehicles - cars equipped with Internet access – has paved the way for a greater level of frictionless checkout as shoppers can order and pay from the comfort of their car. This ease of service can also help convert traditionally fuel-only customers, adding to a retailers’ bottom line. Retailers must be prepared to serve these areas, otherwise they’ll lose customers and revenue.

Realize the Power of the Point of Sale with GK

As consumers expect an increasingly quick and painless store visit, implementing frictionless checkout at any part of the store provides you competitive advantage over other retailers. With GK Drive, you can have access to a leading range of professional POS capabilities for end-to-end enterprise integration. Reach out to learn more.