Before we discuss the Strategic Business and Services for the Gas Station forecourt, it is important to emphasize that over the years, gas stations have evolved significantly and have become more than just a fueling location. Nowadays, they have transformed into meeting points and offer a wide range of services to meet customer needs. As mentioned in the article “Gas Station: How to Increase Traffic,” it is important to adopt strategies and consider including businesses on the forecourt of your establishment.
It is worth noting that analyzing the characteristics of the land and the region where the gas station is located is essential, considering whether it is an urban area or a highway, in order to choose the most suitable businesses for the establishment’s forecourt. This will ensure that the installed businesses meet customer needs and contribute to the growth and success of the gas station.
Let’s now go through the options that can help boost traffic at your gas station:
1. Convenience Store
A convenience store is a popular choice, offering a wide variety of products, ranging from food and beverages to personal hygiene items. With competitive prices and a diverse selection, the convenience store attracts customers seeking convenience and practicality. It should be positioned in a way that faces those fueling their vehicles.
2. Snack Bar or Express Café
Having a snack bar or café on the gas station forecourt is another appealing option. Drivers can take a break for a quick meal or enjoy a coffee while refueling. The snack bar or express café can be attached to the convenience store or stand-alone. Make sure to offer fresh food options, sandwiches, salads, juices, and quality coffee.
3. Automotive Services
Considering the inclusion of a mechanic workshop or quick oil change services can also be an effective strategy. Customers in need of fast and reliable vehicle maintenance can be attracted to these services.
4. Parking
If your gas station is located near industrial areas or busy highways, providing parking space for commercial vehicles can attract truck drivers and fleets in need of a safe place to take breaks, park, and refuel.
5. Restaurants and Fast-Food Franchises
Having a fast-food restaurant or franchise at a gas station enhances convenience for customers, attracting them to grab a quick meal while refueling. This increases the length of stay, provides more opportunities for utilizing other station services, and has the potential to attract new customers, generating additional revenue, and strengthening loyalty.
6. Supermarket
Having a supermarket on the gas station forecourt can be a great strategy. A supermarket offers convenience to customers, attracting a steady flow of customers, increasing the length of stay, and creating a complete experience for customers, in addition to generating additional revenue for the station. It is worth noting that for this business, the forecourt needs to have a considerable size with ample parking and strategically positioned to ensure the generated traffic passes through the gas station.
7.Rest Area
Modern gas stations often have comfortable and spacious rest areas for customers to relax during their stops. These areas can include tables and chairs, umbrellas, free Wi-Fi, electronic device charging stations, and even shaded areas for hotter days. The environment is well-maintained and clean, providing a pleasant space for resting and socializing. And why not include play areas for children? This creates a welcoming and inviting environment for customers.
8. Drive-Thru
Having a drive-thru on the gas station forecourt is convenient for customers, providing agility and quick service. Additionally, it expands the range of services offered and attracts a higher flow of customers, catering to consumer preferences. Before implementing a drive-thru, it is important to consider factors such as space, traffic, and operational feasibility.
9. Pharmacy
Having a pharmacy on the gas station forecourt provides convenience to customers, allowing them to purchase medications and pharmaceutical products without having to travel to another location. In short, a pharmacy on the gas station forecourt expands the service options, reinforces the association with health and well-being, increases customer loyalty, and enables partnerships with health plans. Before implementing a pharmacy, it is important to consider local demand, competition, regulations, and available space.
10. Vehicle Rental
Offering vehicle rental services can attract customers in need of temporary transportation. This option can be especially useful for tourists, travelers, or individuals who require a replacement vehicle while theirs is being repaired, generating fleet refueling opportunities and driving traffic to the gas station.
11. Electric Vehicle Charging
With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, offering fast charging services can attract owners of these vehicles who wish to charge their batteries, generating traffic and increased revenue for the convenience store and other businesses on the forecourt.
12. Travel Supplies Stores
Travel supplies stores on the gas station forecourt increase customer traffic as they search for essential items for their journeys. These stores drive impulse sales, differentiate the gas station from competitors, prolong customer stay times, and enable strategic partnerships. Before implementing a travel supplies store, it is important to consider local demand, customer profiles, and operational feasibility.
13. Ticket Sales Kiosks
These kiosks can offer the convenience of purchasing tickets for cultural, sports, and other local attractions. Customers can easily and quickly acquire their tickets at the gas station itself, without the need to travel to other ticket outlets. This provides a more convenient experience for customers and can attract a higher flow of people to the gas station.
14. Telecommunications Services Kiosks
Partnerships with telecommunications service providers allow for the installation of kiosks at the gas station where customers can purchase SIM cards, top up their mobile credits, and avail themselves of other telecommunications services quickly and conveniently. This offers convenience to customers, allowing them to address their telecommunications needs while refueling their vehicles, increasing the appeal of the gas station and attracting a broader audience.
15. Printing and Copying Services Kiosks
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, service kiosks offer practical solutions at the gas station. With fast printing services, such as copying, binding, scanning, and document creation, customers can address their business or personal needs while refueling their vehicles. This convenience allows them to make the most of their time, efficiently completing important tasks in one location, attracting.
16. Pet Shop Services
Offering a range of products and services for pets at the gas station, such as food, toys, accessories, and basic care, attracts a larger customer flow seeking to meet the needs of their pets. This helps increase traffic and customer engagement, offering a comprehensive experience at the gas station beyond vehicle refueling.
17. Recycling and Disposal Services
These kiosks have the potential to promote sustainability and recycling by offering proper disposal options for items such as batteries, lamps, small electronics, and other recyclable materials. By providing these services, the gas station demonstrates concern for the environment and encourages customers to adopt sustainable practices. This can attract a conscious and engaged audience, contributing to the gas station’s positive image and the promotion of eco-friendly habits.
18. Electronics Repair Company
These kiosks provide quick electronic repair services, such as smartphone screen replacement, basic computer repairs, and headphone fixes. With this convenience at the gas station, customers can efficiently address electronic issues while taking care of their automotive needs. This attracts an audience that values convenience and quick problem resolution, increasing customer traffic and engagement at the gas station.
19. Bicycle Rental Services
A bicycle rental kiosk offers an eco-friendly and healthy transportation option for customers. They can easily rent bicycles for short periods, providing a convenient and affordable alternative for getting around. This offering attracts an environmentally conscious audience interested in sustainable mobility options, contributing to increased customer flow and activity at the gas station, generating revenue for the convenience store, and creating a gathering point for cyclists.
20.Sports Equipment Rental
If your target audience consists of active individuals interested in sports, a kiosk offering a variety of sports equipment, sportswear, footwear, and related accessories can be an appealing addition. By providing these products at the gas station, you cater to the needs of customers looking for sports items, increasing traffic and visit frequency to your establishment. This creates synergy with a healthy and active lifestyle, providing a meaningful experience for customers at your gas station.
21. Sale of Regional Products
If your gas station is located in a region known for local products such as cheeses, wines, sweets, and crafts, installing kiosks offering these items can be an excellent opportunity. Customers will have the convenience of purchasing quality local products while refueling their vehicles. This not only attracts local residents in search of authentic products but also tourists who wish to take souvenirs from the area. This diversification of offerings will increase the traffic and appeal of your gas station, strengthening the connection with the local community and fostering customer loyalty.
22. Tool Rental Services
Making a tool rental kiosk available can meet the needs of customers who need to perform small repairs or home projects. They will have access to a variety of tools available for rent, offering convenience and ease. This additional service offering can attract more customers to your gas station, as well as foster partnerships with businesses that are clients of the location, boosting traffic and satisfying the demands of your target audience.
23. PET Space
Having a fenced grassy pet space with a table for pet owners is a valuable addition to a highway gas station. This space provides a safe location for pets to exercise and relax during trips. Additionally, the availability of clean water and a food container demonstrates care and attention to customers with pets, providing a friendlier and more welcoming experience. This can increase customer satisfaction, generate loyalty, and attract more pet owners to your gas station.
Before implementing businesses and services, it is important to consider factors such as available space, traffic flow, market demand, and operational feasibility. Conducting a careful analysis to make strategic choices that maximize the potential for increased activity at your establishment will help determine if these additions are suitable for your gas station and will be well-received by customers.
In some cases, renovations may be necessary, and for that, you can rely on the Petrol ARQ team. If you want to learn more about it, you can read our article: “What to Know When Renovating a Gas Station.”
