What FriendShip Food Stores Gains From Its Mobile App

FREMONT, Ohio — FriendShip Food Stores is continuing to expand customer reach and communication since launching its mobile app with OpenStore by GasBuddy last fall.

The convenience store chain, owned and operated by Bell Suppliers Inc., launched the solution with exciting contests and deals, including the chance for new users to win $5,000 in cash. This resulted in historically high download levels for chains of a similar size, according to the solution provider. 

Along with exciting contests, FriendShip Food Stores excels in creating two-way communication with its customers through the OpenStore solution, which creates essential channels for customers to express concerns and interact with the brand via its website and mobile app, according to the company.

"We've had a lot of good feedback, we've had some negative," stated Kevin Campbell, marketing director for FriendShip Food Stores, "but we're able to react to the feedback rather quickly. I feel we have a lot better line of communication with our customers."

The two-way communication has also allowed FriendShip Food Stores to learn about its customers. The c-store chain's shoppers now receive targeted deals and coupons based on their personal interest directly through their mobile phones, resulting in higher coupon redemption rates and increased sales.

"OpenStore has helped us have better awareness of our customers in regards to our promotions," Campbell added.

To share its full experience, FriendShip Food Stores and OpenStore created the above video discussing how to develop inspired and cohesive branding with the solution.

Fremont, Ohio-based FriendShip Food Stores operates 22 stores in northern Ohio.