Reitan Convenience Denmark Wins 2019 NACS International Convenience Retailer of the Year

Contact:
Erin Pressley
epressley@convenience.org

LONDON – Reitan Convenience Denmark has won the 2019 NACS International Convenience Retailer of the Year Award, which recognizes an innovative and successful international convenience store that breaks new ground and sets new innovative standards for the industry. The award, sponsored by Jack Link’s, was presented during the NACS Convenience Summit Europe in London on 6 June at the European Convenience Retail Awards gala.

The award recognizes the most innovative and successful international convenience and fuel retailing store of the year, as chosen by a Grand Jury of leading international retailers and experts. The winner earns the accolade of “the best convenience store in the world.”

“Jack Link’s is extremely proud to sponsor the International Convenience Retailer of the Year Award. At Jack Link’s we ensure that the customer is at the heart of our plans, and by continually adapting and innovating with new products, we ensure we stay relevant to ever-changing shopper needs. Reiten Convenience Denmark has adopted and innovated its own offering to meet changing customer needs, standing out from its competition. The brand is a well-deserved winner of this prestigious award,” said David Harriman, regional sales director UK/Ireland and Nordics.

Reitan Convenience Denmark has completely transformed its way of doing business to stay relevant in Denmark’s competitive convenience store marketplace. The digitalization movement, from online versions of newspapers and magazines to online purchases of transportation tickets, has had a huge impact on Reitan’s business.

“Categories that used to be very good for us started declining,” said Jesper Ostergaard, CEO of Reitan Convenience Denmark, which operates 7-Eleven stores. “We had to decide whether we wanted to accept that 7-Eleven was becoming less and less relevant for consumers, or whether we wanted to prosper and survive.”

The company underwent a total revamp based on extensive market research to identify areas of growth, which included beverages and foodservice, as well as healthier options. To fulfill the new vision, the store grew from a traditional kiosk into a modern convenience store format with dedicated areas for in-store eating.

7-Eleven Denmark is tapping into the consumer desire for fresh, healthy food options by stocking more organic products like fair-trade coffee served with organic fresh milk in 100% plant-based cups. The stores now carry more than 64 SKUs of vegan and vegetarian ranges, while the packaging of all products utilizes environmentally friendly solutions whenever possible. “Every time a customer came into our store, we wanted to surprise them with products they perhaps didn’t even know they wanted,” said Ostergaard.

More food is prepared fresh on-site, and an extensive grab-and-go section is stocked with private-label fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches, juice, smoothies, fruit and snacks. Today, 35% of in-store sales of food, drinks and bakery come from healthier product lines.

The retailer also relies on its employees to showcase the store format and its offers. Through gamification, staff receive valuable training, and with more fresh food prepared on-site they also receive extensive training in food safety, while a trained chef manages the food category.

Technology plays an important role in helping customers navigate and choose products, with digital platforms providing nutritional information. 7-Eleven Denmark ties deals and loyalty initiatives into its app, which has led to a significant increase in the number of downloads. The stores accept mobile payment, and some high-traffic locations allow self-scan and pay options. In addition, home delivery via a third-party delivery service is available in select markets. “We have become more relevant to more customers than we have ever been in the last 25 years,” said Ostergaard.

"Reitan Convenience Denmark joins a prestigious group of retailers selected to receive this award, which marks the best in convenience retailing," said Henry Armour, NACS president and CEO. “An aggressive growth strategy with a focus on critical areas—healthy foodservice, technology and its employees—has allowed it to prosper. Reitan Convenience Denmark continues to enhance the customer shopping experience through its innovative strategies."

Reitan Convenience Denmark received its award at the NACS European Convenience Retail Awards gala, which recognizes outstanding achievements in the European and international retail community. Now in its 11th year, the program is a high point for retailers, industry experts and suppliers who gather each June at the NACS Convenience Summit Europe to recognize and celebrate industry success and innovation.

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Based in the United States, NACS (convenience.org) advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the global communities they serve. NACS has 1,900 retailer and 1,800 supplier members from more than 50 countries.