Consumers spent $569.4 billion dollars in the convenience and petroleum retailing industry in 2006. This is a robust 15 percent increase in overall sales. In-store sales, less fuel, grew by 8.3 percent. The in-store sales were ahead of every other competing channel except for warehouse clubs/superstores. Motor fuel sales accounted for 82 percent of the total market share. One in every twenty-three dollars spent in the US last year was spent at a convenience store. America’s mobile society (ages 5 – 85) numbers 275 million and they shop at convenience stores.

But...

Profits declined in the c-store industry by 23.5% in 2006.

Consumer sensitivity to motor fuel prices forced retailers to cut margins on fuel to attract customers. Fuels gross margin fell from 16.4 cents to 14.7 cents per gallon. The lowest level since 1983. Factor in credit card fees at 4.2 cents per gallon and realized gross margins drop to 10.5 cents per gallon before including any other operating expense. While fuels account for over 71 percent of total convenience store sales, they produce only 33.7 percent of the profits.

AutoCart Captures Sales and Profits

AutoCart Conveyance Centers increases consumer revenue and provides the ultimate connivence to the consumer. AutoCart results in exceptional up-sells for consumers that might not otherwise enter or shop within the store. The kiosk display attracts customers to the convenience of automated delivery.

Top Ten Categories of Sales

Cigarettes, coffee, alcoholic beverages, snacks and other merchandise can be purchased not only in the store but also at the fuel island. AutoCart(R) enables operators and product and service providers the ability to strictly control the sale of any and all age restricted products.

AutoCart's exclusive high-speed Transporters will deliver products within the c-store directly to the fuel island resulting in higher sales and profits.