What equipment do c-stores invest in to support the sale of alcoholic beverages?

Regarding major changes in the stores, he says: “Until the industry receives concrete data on the impact of these changes in their stores, we do not expect any significant changes in the furnishings or design.”

“Keep it simple and stick to the essentials,” advises Soucie. “There is no need to invest in over-designed displays and complicated solutions. Make sure the product is presented on clean, visible and durable shelving units. Durability is extremely important for the heavy bottles and cans in this category.”

Keep everything cool

Refrigeration technology suppliers are also reporting increased sales activity.

“Operators across Ontario have expressed a rapid expansion of demand for the infrastructure to sell beer and wine in convenience stores,” says Rafay MurtazaTechnical Sales Manager, Controlled Environments at NorbecHe says some stores have ordered “emergency walk-in coolers and insulated metal panels to quickly add these new products to their stores.”

While the sector may be struggling with supply chain issues related to refrigerators and other insulated metal panel products, Norbec’s new insulated metal panel manufacturing plant in Strathroy, Ontario, is scheduled to have its grand opening on September 19. “This facility will enable Norbec to quickly supply insulated metal panel, walk-in refrigerators and freezers to the Central and Western Canadian markets,” says Murtaza.

He suggests that c-stores coordinate with suppliers early and order in advance. “I would also urge c-stores to provide sufficient retail space, ideally 200 to 300 square feet, to make a statement with their new alcoholic beverage products.”

The Solution Foodservice Group “has also seen an increase in requests for C-Store cooling,” says Sandra MacInnisSales Manager for Eastern Canada for the Concord, Ontario-based company. “We recommend glass-fronted display cases with a walk-in rear entrance to make it easier to replenish inventory. Smaller operations opt for display cases, usually with double doors.”

MacInnis says that refrigerated shelves or counter displays at the point of sale not only take up less space, but also “provide better visibility (of staff), thus minimizing theft.”

The foodservice connection

But just because some c-stores sell alcohol doesn’t mean they want to build a restaurant-style food and beverage operation—at least not yet.

“We’re seeing an uptick in high-value HMR from pizza to fried chicken, but not yet in sit-down areas,” says MacInnis. “The biggest challenges in delivering hot, made-to-order food are the labor requirements and risks around food safety. While there is demand for this market, many c-store operators are hesitant to expand this segment given the ancillary costs such as workstations, handwashing sinks, prep areas, etc.”

“Alcohol sales, on the other hand, are a segment that can be easily accessed in the short term,” she says. The Solution Foodservice Group offers various leasing options for refrigeration solutions, including a hire purchase concept.

Distex M&Ma Montreal-based distributor of the commercial refrigeration brand New Air, has several models in its warehouse ready for c-stores in Ontario. “Our well-planned warehouse and logistics systems allow us to deliver quickly to various locations,” says Dao Riopel, Chief Visionary Officer at Distex M&M.

She recommends New Air’s open grab-and-go merchandiser and/or full glass door merchandiser, noting, “New Air is already a well-established brand in the commercial refrigeration sector across Canada.”

However, Riopel points out that production and delivery of very large orders can take up to four months.