For two and a half days, the industry gathers to find knowledge, solutions and connections at The NATSO Show. Just like The NATSO Show, The NATSO Show Magazine is your source for improving your travel plaza business operations. Unlike The NATSO Show it is year-round.
Three Ways to Appeal to Customers Shared at The NATSO Show
The overall feel and look of a location as well as the mix of products on the shelves can help boost sales and reinforce the company’s brand. During The NATSO Show 2016, Ed Leddy a retail, food service and truckstop expert, took part in Snap Learning sessions on the show floor and shared quick tips on ways operators can appeal to customers.
Keep Sight Lines Open: Customers like a location to feel open and want to be able to see across the store, Leddy said. “In an ideal world, you’d make it so every customer can see throughout the store,” he said, adding that he suggests shelves be no higher than 54 inches. “Once you go above line of sight, the person sees the item in front of them, but you’re blocking visibility through the store.”
Stay Current: It is important to stay current on trending merchandise, Leddy explained. “One thing that has dramatically changed in the last 10 years is cell phones and gadgets. They are very big in ring now. I would encourage you to make sure you have a supplier who is doing well there,” he said.
Customize Your Location: Leddy suggests operators look to their geographical area for ideas on ways to customize the location and its offerings. “If you’re in the Smokey Mountains, you want to carry merchandise related to the Smokey Mountains,” he said.
Photo Credit: Chuck Fazio/NATSO
/// The NATSO Show 2017 will be held January 21 - 24 in Savannah, Georgia. Register and learn more about the NATSO Show here.
Subscribe to Updates
NATSO provides a breadth of information created to strengthen travel plazas’ ability to meet the needs of the travelling public in an age of disruption. This includes knowledge filled blog posts, articles and publications. If you would like to receive a digest of blog post and articles directly in your inbox, please provide your name, email and the frequency of the updates you want to receive the email digest.
