NACS 2009

As tekservePOS attends our very first NACS Trade Show (National Association of Convenience Stores, Chicago October 5-7, 2008), I attend in a very curious mood. I’m interested in learning more about the Convenience Marketplace in general and more importantly, any insights or parallels to the traditional retail marketplace that tekservePOS works with regularly.

Upon entering the show, the first thing you notice is its shear size. The show is more of the “traditional” trade show format that appears to have mostly disappeared from the traditional retail segments with the exception of the NRF. If you go, wear comfortable shoes and don’t eat! The show floor is broken out into six strategic focus areas, Merchandise, Foodservice, Candy & Snacks, Petroleum, Facility Operations and Technology. You’ll be more than full after you essentially “eat” your way through the show.

From a trend perspective, there are several parallels to the traditional retail topics mentioned most recently at tekSESSIONS 2008. PCI Compliance, Customer Loyalty, Alternative Payment Methods, Workforce Management, Governmental Compliance and Green are all hot topics.

Most interesting is the trend that was also mentioned at tekSESSIONS 2008 and pioneered by the UK Based Retailer Tesco, the continued push to adjust to the changing demands of the health conscious consumer while maintaining the need for fast food. Several food retailers are also moving to address this point. Grocery retail chain Supervalu Inc is testing a smaller format in hopes of “luring upscale professionals who don’t want to dine out but don’t want to cook much either”. (http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN1853379820080918) . Even at Wal-Mart, plans are underway for four Marketside small format grocery stores “designed for the quick grocery trip – when you’re looking for an inspiring yet easy meal solution, or need to pick up last-minute ingredients …” (http://www.marketside.com/#home.html) . These units are set to open October 4, 2008 where they will “directly challenge Tesco”.

From a technology standpoint, it is very fragmented. We are here representing IBM through their trade show initiatives but they are not here themselves. NCR along with VeriFone are present however, traditional retail powerhouses such as Fujitsu, Motorola, IBM, & Wincor are noticeably absent. Lastly, best I can tell, there is not representation at all from a service vendor standpoint, hopefully good news for tekservePOS!