The Rise of the Unstaffed C-Store: Disruptive Technologies, Increased Efficiencies and the Future of the C-Store Channel

Executive Summary

Automated, unstaffed convenience stores (c-stores) are popping up in many of the most dynamic retail markets around the world, especially in Asia. In this report, we examine the rise of this retail format and provide:

• An overview of the unstaffed c-store ecosystem, which encompasses tech startups, retailers, and food and drink manufacturers. We also look at selected companies that are operating unstaffed c-stores in China and South Korea.
• An analysis of the tech enablers and business drivers that are encouraging companies to open unstaffed c-stores and their impact on the larger c-store channel.
• Our view of the role that unstaffed stores will play in c-store retail and companies’ multichannel strategies in the future.