Hess Seeks Customer Input on Kid-Friendly Stores

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. -- The average age of the traditional convenience store customers skews higher than grade school or toddler, but that is exactly the customer Hess is turning an eye toward.

The locally based oil giant has been reaching out to customers for ideas on how to make its Hess Express stores more kid friendly through its Hess Express' Kids Challenge. The Kids Challenge is focused on identifying ideas that can help make Hess Express more kid-friendly, and help make people with kids want to come to our stores.

"Tell us how to make fueling up more fun for the kids (and easier on you)," the company asks its customers on its website.

Hess Express' Kids Challenge is looking for ideas in five main categories: store environment, kid-friendly products, experiences at Hess Express, and contests/events. For example, Hess wants to know what would make kids' trips to Hess Express more fun and inviting, and how Hess Express employees can become known as being great with kids.

According to the company, customers can register on Idea Bank and submit ideas for a chance to win awards valued at up to $2,500. The contest runs through Saturday, Dec. 1. The grand prize is 50 Hess Express gift cards each in the amount of $50, with an aggregate value of $2,500. The second prize is 10 Hess Express gift cards each in the amount of $50, with an aggregate value of $500. The third place prize is two Hess Express gift cards each in the amount of $50, with an aggregate value of $100.

The panel will also award one $100 Hess Express gift card for an idea under review. In addition, one participant will be selected at random to receive a $25 Hess Express gift card.

The judging panel will evaluate each entry based on merit; innovativeness; potential to significant impact; and sustainability.