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Convenience Stores
Convenience stores (c-stores) are unique commercial properties in that they are
usually open 24-hours, are largely a cash-based business, can be operated by
one clerk, and are conveniently located for quick in and out shopping. The nature
of this business makes it very convenient for customers. Unfortunately, this
business style also makes it an attractive target for robbers and other criminals.
Since 1976, the convenience store industry has made major strides toward
preventing and deterring robberies. Back then, those late night businesses were
an obvious robbery target because they were the only game in town. However,
the c-store business has evolved since the 70s and is now far more complex.
Store Design Changes
Modern convenience stores are sophisticated corporate designs that hardly
resemble the mom and pop operations from which they evolved. In the 70s,
c-stores were just beginning to operate 24-hours per day. Most stores were 2400
square feet in size or less and did not sell gasoline. Monthly average sales volume
of $25,000 was considered outstanding that generated a daily bank deposit of
maybe $700 in cash. Typical stores were located mid-block in high-density
residential neighborhoods. Security consisted of a small floor safe, a manual cash
register, an under counter hiding place (cigar box) for the change fund, and
strategically placed anti-shoplifting convex mirrors.
Now, many other business types are operating 24-hours per day. Many large
grocery stores are now operating 24-hours as well as restaurants, gas stations,
and even home improvement centers. The convenience store business has
definitely changed. Most convenience stores today are high volume corner
locations that sell more gasoline than the major oil company outlets. Most food
staples have been replaced with higher gross-profit snack items and fast food.
C-stores now sell enormous amounts of lottery tickets, phone cards, and other
specialty items that produce tremendous cash flow. When ATM machines began
appearing in the early-80s, it created havoc with the store change fund because
more customers started to pay with twenty-dollar bills. Stores all of a sudden need
a huge change fund to make it through the day or a long holiday weekend. This
new cash-flow trend created unanticipated security problems.
Convenience stores (c-stores) are unique commercial properties in that they are
usually open 24-hours, are largely a cash-based business, can be operated by
one clerk, and are conveniently located for quick in and out shopping. The nature
of this business makes it very convenient for customers. Unfortunately, this
business style also makes it an attractive target for robbers and other criminals.
Since 1976, the convenience store industry has made major strides toward
preventing and deterring robberies. Back then, those late night businesses were
an obvious robbery target because they were the only game in town. However,
the c-store business has evolved since the 70s and is now far more complex.
Store Design Changes
Modern convenience stores are sophisticated corporate designs that hardly
resemble the mom and pop operations from which they evolved. In the 70s,
c-stores were just beginning to operate 24-hours per day. Most stores were 2400
square feet in size or less and did not sell gasoline. Monthly average sales volume
of $25,000 was considered outstanding that generated a daily bank deposit of
maybe $700 in cash. Typical stores were located mid-block in high-density
residential neighborhoods. Security consisted of a small floor safe, a manual cash
register, an under counter hiding place (cigar box) for the change fund, and
strategically placed anti-shoplifting convex mirrors.
Now, many other business types are operating 24-hours per day. Many large
grocery stores are now operating 24-hours as well as restaurants, gas stations,
and even home improvement centers. The convenience store business has
definitely changed. Most convenience stores today are high volume corner
locations that sell more gasoline than the major oil company outlets. Most food
staples have been replaced with higher gross-profit snack items and fast food.
C-stores now sell enormous amounts of lottery tickets, phone cards, and other
specialty items that produce tremendous cash flow. When ATM machines began
appearing in the early-80s, it created havoc with the store change fund because
more customers started to pay with twenty-dollar bills. Stores all of a sudden need
a huge change fund to make it through the day or a long holiday weekend. This
new cash-flow trend created unanticipated security problems.
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