Local Is as Local Does

C-stores that partner with regional merchandisers and vendors can create distinctive, memorable retail experiences.

The variety found throughout the c-store industry is one of its liveliest characteristics. Take, for example, how c-stores adapt to their localities, reflecting the area, region, neighborhood, or block in which they do business. Playing a large role in creating a local identity is the partnering of the c-store with vendors and suppliers to carry regional merchandise.

Partnering locally promotes a strong sense of support for the community, and can contribute to the distinctiveness of the store, especially in places that are especially colorful or popular with travelers. The approach can also stimulate consumer loyalty, and exert a pull on first timers passing through on their travels.

SSCS customer Pine Canyon Store, in a semi-rural area of Central California, serves as a good example of a c-store that is a vital retail outlet for regional suppliers and craftsmen. It carries a large selection of varieties from the nearby Paso Robles wine country, most prominently California Street Winery. Hog Wild Olive Oil is another featured local product. In addition, there is a boutique that carries jewelry, candles, and lotions from local craftspeople. In the words of owner Larry Hayes, “It builds customer loyalty—people walk through the door and see we’re supporting someone who could be their neighbor.”

In a remote area of the Ozarks, Kinfolk Market adds more than a little local flavor to its Cedar County location—one wall of the store is dedicated to handcrafted items from regional vendors and includes merchandise like jewelry, coffee beans, cosmetic products, herbal teas and elderberry syrup kits. Kinfolk takes it one step further, though, regularly sponsoring craft fairs where locals can display their products, many of which are found inside the store.

The San Francisco Bay Area may be a bit more spread out than Stockton, Missouri, but larger geographic areas are perfectly capable of exhibiting their own specific cultural characteristics. Case in point: the Bay Area’s proven affinity for plant-based cuisine. That’s the connection that San Bruno-based c-store Hangry Planet, a 100% plant-based convenience store, wants to make with local consumers.

The accessibility of West Coast vendors that offer high quality plant-based snacks and meals help make Hangry Planet a sustainable business, in more ways than one. The c-store offers certified organic vegan pastries from Black China Bakery, and artisan vegan cookies from Kerri Kreations, both based down the coast in Santa Cruz. There are also vegan doughnuts made out of regionally-sourced ingredients from Oakland’s Donut Farm.

Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger continuously curates Ohio-based vendors to feature in its stores. Currently, the company is working with Black-owned and founded brands, ranging from food to health and beauty products. Brands include Andy’s Hot ‘N’ Spicy Chicken Breading, A Dozen Cousins Medium Mexican Cowboy Pinto Beans, Goode Foods All Natural Mixed Vegetables, The Honey Pot® 100% Organic Cotton Cover Everyday Liners, Michele’s Butter Pecan Syrup, and Partake Chocolate Chip Soft Cookies.

Stinker’s Stores, of Boise, Idaho, has featured Idaho-based products for years, including a local entrepreneur’s Ideas on Wood. Over in Nebraska, you may not know it, but Morel Mushroom season is kind of a big deal. As proof, we submit Omaha-based chain Cubby’s promotion for fresh, local fungi—for a limited time only!

As you can see from this very short list, there is an amazing amount of retail ingenuity on display in c-stores across the U.S., and to keep it all manageable requires software of unmatched power and flexibility, along with an experienced and dedicated team to stand behind it. You want to make sure your store’s profit potential is matched by the reality of what you’re making from carrying mushrooms, wooden frames, or batch crafted Kombucha. SSCS software is up to the job.

We’ve been to a lot of interesting corners of the U.S., and we’ve seen a lot of unique merchandise along the way. Give us a call at (800) 972-7277 and we can fill you in how to make it all work for you.