Summer is made for spontaneity: road trips with friends, lazy days at the lake, or a last-minute dash to the beach. At every turn, convenience stores are the quiet heroes of summer adventures, fueling both cars and people while keeping life’s little surprises in check.
Filling the Tank, Setting the Tone
No trip begins without a fuel stop, and convenience stores provide more than just gasoline. They set the stage for the journey with a quick cup of coffee, an ice-cold soda, or even a breakfast sandwich ordered ahead through a mobile app. For families, these stops are a tradition; a chance to stretch, let the kids choose their favorite candy, and start the day on a high note. With loyalty programs rewarding every visit, even a simple fuel-up becomes part of a larger summer story.
“Convenience stores fuel summer fun! Whether it is fueling our car for road trips or day trips to the lake or beach, or fueling our body with fun snacks, treats, and drinks, they are always there when we need them.”
Erin Sunderman, chief customer success officer for Liquid Barcodes
Snacks, Treats, and Local Favorites
Once the car is ready, it’s time to fuel the travelers. Shelves of salty snacks, refreshing drinks, and sweet indulgences make the convenience store a summer essential. Some chains go further, building reputations around specialties: Sheetz has made-to-order food and drinks that rival restaurants, while United Dairy Farmers delights with legendary shakes and malts. Digital loyalty platforms make these stops even more engaging, offering personalized deals or surprise-and-delight rewards that turn an ordinary snack run into a highlight of the trip.
Car Care Made Easy
Summer roads can be tough on vehicles, but many convenience stores have you covered, too. Automated car washes not only clear away bugs, dirt, and dust but also provide travelers with a quick reset before the next leg of the journey. With subscription-based car wash programs increasingly popular, drivers can keep their vehicles spotless all summer long, no matter how many road trips are on the calendar.
Late-Night Lifesavers
Summer days often stretch into summer nights, with concerts, fireworks, and bonfires that go well past bedtime. Convenience stores, open late if not 24/7, are the safety net when something is forgotten: a phone charger, a pack of medicine, or even windshield washer fluid for a safe drive home. For retailers, loyalty apps can make those late-night visits even easier by streamlining payment and highlighting items customers may need before they realize it themselves.
Always There, Always Connected
Perhaps the greatest strength of convenience stores is their ubiquity; there’s always one nearby, stocked and ready. As Erin Sundermann, chief customer success officer for Liquid Barcodes, puts it: “Convenience stores fuel summer fun! Whether it is fueling our car for road trips or day trips to the lake or beach, or fueling our body with fun snacks, treats, and drinks, they are always there when we need them.”
In today’s digital world, the role of convenience goes beyond physical shelves and pumps. Loyalty programs, gamified rewards, and mobile ordering are redefining how travelers interact with stores, making every stop both rewarding and memorable. This summer, every pit stop isn’t just a necessity; it’s a chance for retailers to connect, delight, and become part of the adventure.
About the Author
Erin Sunderman is Liquid Barcodes’ Chief Customer Success Officer and is responsible for the everyday care of retail customers. Erin previously oversaw United Dairy Farmers’ loyalty program and marketing.
