Convenience Stores – The Next Level in the Indian Retail Industry

The retail industry has taken a new turn in the form of Convenience Stores or the C – stores. Many a times, we feel like grabbing a sandwich or buying an ice cream while travelling, but don't find a joint for miles, particularly on a highway. C-stores, or convenience stores, are the answer to this need. On a grass-root stage, a convenience store or a C – store can be defined as a small shop consisting of consumer durables or an eat out, which caters to certain basic essentials which are required by an individual while he is travelling. The purpose of these shops is to provide for instantaneous services. With the passage of time, it can be said that a demand has been created in the market for these stores.

Even though it was seen as a rather trivial concept at first, with the passage of time, it has been accepted with utmost enthusiasm, primarily due to its utility. The retail outlet 'In & Out' can be seen in almost every petrol pump in the city. Similarly, in bus terminals and railway stations, small cafes and restaurants are a common sight where in people either go and eat or pack some food for their journey. With such retail stores, customers do not have to search for food on the verge of missing their buses or trains. Further, it has also generated a higher number of employment opportunities and given a chance to retail brands to reach out to the people. Also, the revenue generated through these stores could be shared with the petrol pumps or the railway authorities etc. which are providing them with the space.

Basically, these stores have increased the number of options for the buyers. With people being loyal to certain retail brands, it also gives a chance to extend the brand loyalty through the word of mouth. A satisfied customer would spread positive vibes about a product which would lead to more customers who would want to shop from that particular store. Therefore, it can be said that these convenience stores provide an opportunity to all the established brands to extend their services to the community.