The proportion of fuel-only forecourt shoppers continues to rise. According to findings from HIM’s Convenience Tracking Programme (CTP) 2011, 52% of people who visit a forecourt only buy fuel up from 43% in 2009. However, one in five forecourt shoppers are only buying shop items.

 

From those surveyed who did buy something from the store, 31% cited fuel as the main reason they visited that store, followed by food to go (29%) and newsagent (cigarettes, news, lottery) at 22%.

 

Factors that are most important to forecourt shoppers have remained constant year-on-year. The number one influence on purchasing is still product availability, followed by speed of service, staff friendliness, value for money and long opening hours.

 

Frequency of visits is the same as 2010, but those who are shopping in forecourt stores are buying more items. In addition, more women are using forecourt stores.