The acceleration of digital transformation paired with evolving customer expectations has led retailers to blend their store formats, improving service and fostering loyalty.
Hy-Vee is an example of a retailer that is no stranger to in-store innovation – and GK Software is helping the company achieve its goal of a seamless customer journey.
According to Supermarket News, Hy-Vee once again has "pushed the envelope of what a supermarket can be" with its newly launched prototype store in Grimes, Iowa. The store hosts amenities that include a:
- Dining area,
- Full-service bakery, seafood and meat counter,
- Starbucks,
- Pharmacy,
- And more.
Disruption within convenience stores
Beyond supermarkets and grocery stores, convenience store retailers are also feeling the pressure to add additional services to compete – including prepared foods, frictionless checkout and fuel.
Fuel offerings in particular can be especially challenging, as they are siloed between the forecourt and in-store payments, and must be EMV compliant. Yet unified service here is critical, as convenience stores sell approximately 80% of the motor fuels purchased in the U.S.
Hy-Vee integrates fuel and forecourt POS
Similar to innovating within its supermarkets, Hy-Vee has recognized the need for innovation in its convenience stores. We were recently thrilled to announce the company has completed a full deployment of the GK OmniPOS, TransAction+ Payments and GK Drive forecourt solutions in all its convenience stores.
The deployment enables Hy-Vee to deliver the same flexible and scalable services to its customers at the pump and in the store. Hy-Vee uses the integrated platform to support a variety of customer touchpoints, including traditional point of sale, self-checkout, fuel, payments, curbside pickup and more.
According to Luke Tingley, chief innovation officer and senior vice president at Hy-Vee, "We're always looking for ways to provide convenient, cutting-edge customer service on the forefront of such a competitive and evolving retail landscape. Our goal is to implement a flexible and agile platform in store and at the pump to make our locations the most convenient destination for customers."
Implement convenience at every aspect of the consumer journey
Today's customers expect convenience at every turn, so it's up to retailers to implement technology that creates a cohesive, seamless journey at all touchpoints. For example, any interaction at the pump should also be tied to the in-store experience, and vice versa.
Read more about how Hy-Vee is building loyalty with our flexible and scalable services at the pump and in the store.
