As part of the 2022 C&I Industry Leaders Forum, Jason Raz, National Business Development Manager at JCSM, spoke of the joy of working in the convenience channel, communicating the importance of a health and beauty offering in the channel, and what he expects from the year ahead.
C&I: What do you enjoy about working in convenience?
Raz: I’ve been working in the convenience channel with JCSM for about seven years and enjoy working with likeminded people and family businesses that share a passion for delivering excellent customer service.
I look at the changes we have seen in consumer demand over a relatively short period, and how fast the people in the convenience industry have adapted despite these challenges and see that the Australian petrol and convenience industry is complex, but very exciting to be a part of.
C&I: Highlight one company achievement you’re particularly proud of in the last 12 months.
Raz: Over the last 12 months, the JCSM team has worked hard to communicate the importance of a considered health and beauty offering in convenience. I am proud of these results and seeing our retailers challenge the status quo of what a convenience offer should look like.
Retailers have been able to realise their goals of becoming a ‘destination station’ and pick up incremental sales with the less price conscious distressed consumer.
C&I: What is your company doing to meet changing customer demands?
Raz: Perhaps more than ever before, our customers’ demands are related to supply challenges. Our biggest focus at JCSM is to ensure that we maintain the breadth of our offer, and continuity of supply, for our retail partners despite the external pressure on supply.
We achieve this by providing alternative ranging solutions, delivering key insights, while ensuring margin accretion is at the forefront of any retail ranging recommendations.
C&I: What does your crystal ball say about the year ahead in convenience?
Raz: Consumers will further appreciate the importance of a broader P&C offer, including market leading health and beauty, and medicinal brands that were previously the domain of mainstream grocery and pharmacy.
Channels such as quick commerce will continue to grow, challenging traditional bricks and mortar retailers to further adapt to change. Continued pressure on pricing and supply will be a challenge that we all will need to carefully navigate, with the aim to minimise the impact for both the retailer and consumer.