Editor's note: Darren Schulte, NATSO vice president of membership, frequently visits NATSO members to review their locations and offers impactful merchandising and operations improvements. Contact Schulte at dschulte@natso.com or (915) 526-5820 to learn more about the costs and details of this service.
Johnson and Johnson Busy Bee #25 in Live Oak, Florida, does a lot of things well, and the attention to detail is obvious throughout the location. Most notable is the wide array of unique items that fill the store, which features a distinctive layout that is long but not particularly deep. That design gives customers a reason to walk the store and shop.
Once inside, customers find all kind of items that you wouldn’t expect to find at a travel plaza. The location has a large number of female shoppers and offers everything from high-end jewelry and blouses to hand creams and handmade soaps that you wouldn’t expect to see in a travel center.
One Yelp reviewer said, “What in the name of Heaven is this? It is part Cracker Barrel, part truckstop, part fast food stop and entirely entertaining.”
The location has all kinds of displays, featuring everything from camping gear to electronics. The displays and fixtures stand out.
Johnson and Johnson also has fresh foods some places don’t and features different types of jerky, pastries and fudge. There are unique candy displays and a nice variety of local products.
The food prep area is near the entrance, which makes it immediately visible. They also have a Dunkin Donuts and Burger King as well as have hot and cold grab-and-go.
They have made a commitment to be in the drink business and the coffee business, and it shows. They have beautiful cooler displays, a wide selection of bottled and fountain beverages.
They are an AMBEST member, and when I visited they had a motorcycle professional drivers could win on display.
The restrooms are unbelievable. They feature rich wood and beautiful counters. We all know travelers care about the restrooms, and these are a great way to draw in interstate travelers.
As the Yelp reviewer I mentioned above said, “If you need to gas up, use the restroom or simply break up your trip, it is really worth skipping other exits and rest stops to give it a try.”
For those in the industry, I am certain you would walk away from a visit here inspired and full of ideas.
/// Did you know most weeks you can find me visiting a NATSO member truckstop location, spending three to four days, using my merchandising and operations expertise to help them grow their business? I periodically share about those great retailers I visit here on the blog. Read more Truckstop Travels here.
Photo Credit: Darren Schulte/NATSO
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