We Are Convenience
We Are Convenience
Convenience stores are often the front-line supporters of first responders
There is no question that change is happening at a faster pace than it ever has. For our industry, this pace will get faster. That’s why I am passionate about studying the trends could define our future and seeking out the ideas that will shape it.
If there is one theme that unites much of the innovation that is taking place, it’d be the word “convenience.” That’s great news because our industry invented convenience and continues to refine it. The bad news is that everyone else also is seeking to redefine convenience, and that’s means that our competition has greatly intensified.
I believe that engagement with NACS has never been more important. NACS helps retailers look around corners and spot the opportunities and challenges that we might not see individually.
One example of that is TruAge, the innovative, universally accepted age-verification system developed by NACS and its standard-setting partner Conexxus, that makes it more accurate to verify an adult customer’s age when purchasing age-restricted products. TruAge can accelerate the three biggest demands that consumers are asking of retailers: Give me a fast, frictionless experience, provide more last-mile delivery options beyond the storefront and protect my privacy. It will certainly continue to be a focus of NACS in 2022 and beyond.
Most of all, NACS gives us ideas and a voice, opportunities to connect with other retailers, ideas to redefine how we serve communities and a powerful connection to our elected officials.
We can do amazing things together, and it doesn’t matter how many stores you own—NACS is helping us shape our industry’s future.
Jared Scheeler
2021-22 NACS Chairman
CEO, The Hub Convenience Stores