2021 Tech Study: Bridging the Digital Divide

All c-store retailers are increasing their technology budgets but small- and medium-sized chains must pick their spots
Sponsored by Hughes Network Systems

Despite difficult business conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, convenience retailers this year once again increased their spending on technology. C-store operators invested in implementing and enhancing their social media platforms, their websites, adding digital monitors in the stores, digital loyalty programs and mobile apps, among other technology solutions.
The 2021 Convenience Store News Tech Study revealed that small and large operators had significantly different responses to the pandemic. Whereas 21 percent of large chains sped up the expansion of existing technology, just 4 percent of small operators did so. And, 38 percent of large operators accelerated implementations of new technology, compared to just 24 percent of smaller operators.

In this special webcast, CSNews Editorial Director Don Longo will be joined by Tim Tang of Hughes to explore highlights of the 2021 Technology Study and examine how smaller retailers can bridge the digital divide. Among the topics they will cover include:

• EMV compliance
• What opportunities are driving investment in the coming year
• The state of frictionless technology

Sponsored by: