Convenience news and trends

The Automat Is Back, Thanks to the Rise of Self-Service (Again) 
Automated Retail // February 03, 2024

Self-service technology is bringing us full-circle — the automat seems to be making a comeback around the world.  The automat, which readers may know only from its appearance in mid-century period series such as “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Mad Men,” offered a speedy, convenient restaurant...

Nearly 3 in 4 Shoppers Rely on Installment Plans to Control Holiday Spending
Consumer Finance // October 10, 2023

Accounting for nearly 20% of annual retail sales, the holiday season, which spans November and December, is a critical period for both merchants and consumers.  For consumers, installment plans, including buy now, pay later (BNPL) options and installment plans offered by credit cards and store-branded...

Conagra Sees Consumers Shift Away From Ready-to-Eat Toward Cooking
Retail // October 06, 2023

Amid ongoing financial challenges, Conagra Brands is seeing consumers’ desire to save on food spending finally outweigh their demand for convenience, with a shift towards cooking from scratch. The food giant, parent company of Slim Jim, Reddi Wip, Swiss Miss and many other popular brands,...

37% of Consumers Say Cost a Factor in Buying Ready-to-Eat Meals Over Takeout
Restaurant innovation // September 07, 2023

With the advent of remote work, limited time and the increasing demand for convenience, ready-to-eat meals have experienced a surge in popularity among consumers.  Cost, too, was a key driving force behind the rise in ready-to-eat meal demand. While restaurant takeout meals provide convenience and...

Interviews & Exclusives
37% of Consumers Say Cost a Factor in Buying Ready-to-Eat Meals Over Takeout

September 07, 2023
With the advent of remote work, limited time and the increasing demand for convenience, ready-to-eat meals have experienced a surge in popularity among consumers.  Cost, too, was a key driving force behind the rise in ready-to-eat meal demand. While restaurant takeout meals provide convenience and variety, they can be costly, particularly with added delivery service […]

College Students Want More From The Dining Hall Than Food

September 01, 2023
As students return to college and university campuses for their fall semesters, PYMNTS research reveals that today’s young consumers demand more options than just traditional dining halls and convenience stores. ...

To Compete With eCommerce, Physical Stores Need to Act More Like Online Retailers

January 12, 2023
For retailers facing stiff competition from online foes, innovation has become mandatory. Fresher standards for online shopping that emphasize efficiency, convenience and payment choice have emerged, raising consumers’ expectations at...

Air Travel’s Next Upgrade Is Checking In at the Mall

December 14, 2022
Air travel may have rebounded, but the process of actually catching a flight has not. From parking to check-in to baggage, security and boarding, this friction-filled outdated routine is the...

Quick Reads
Nearly 3 in 4 Shoppers Rely on Installment Plans to Control Holiday Spending

October 10, 2023
Accounting for nearly 20% of annual retail sales, the holiday season, which spans November and December, is a critical period for both merchants and consumers.  For consumers, installment plans, including buy now, pay later (BNPL) options and installment plans offered by credit cards and store-branded cards, are expected to play a significant role in their […]

Fleet Payments Firm AtoB Teams With Casey’s to Offer Fuel Discounts

November 16, 2022
With fuel costs still high, fleet payments platform AtoB has teamed with convenience retailer Casey’s to offer customers lower fuel costs when they use AtoB’s Visa fleet card. Beginning Wednesday...

Young Canadians Want Simple, Convenient Payments

May 13, 2019
A new study by Payments Canada shows that while Canadians are slowly moving away from cash, they still want options, especially the younger generation. People in Canada between the ages...

Convenience Valued More Than Safety? Millennials Say Yes!

March 16, 2017
The concept of valuing convenience over safety might be something more prominent in today’s society than ever before. Through the boom of the sharing economy, more people are taking rides...