Digital smart screens impact shoppers’ behaviour in convenience stores, according to a survey by Chicago-based Cooler Screens, a provider of retail media technology.

A recent poll sampling nearly 1000 consumers showed the value and impact of digital smart screens within brick-and-mortar c-store environments. The findings amplify the importance of this technology in driving consumer decisions in convenience stores.

The survey found a 47.1% overall impact on c-store shopping behaviour due to the digital smart screens, with 22.9% of shoppers adding more items to their baskets and 24.2% choosing different products than initially planned. And 85.8% of c-store shoppers found the digital smart screen content memorable.

“In the world of convenience stores, digital smart screens stand out as a beacon of innovation,” said Arsen Avakian, CEO of Cooler Screens. “These screens, which are designed for fast-paced environments, significantly enhance the shopping journey. As our data suggest, when customers are engaged on a digital level, they are more likely to explore, discover and ultimately purchase more. This is a testament to the convergence of convenience and technology, creating more meaningful interactions for all stakeholders, from consumers to c-store retailers to brands.”

Cooler Screens is building an in-store digital media and merchandising platform for retail with its proprietary One Store One platform. Designed for brick-and-mortar environments, this platform transforms traditional stores into smart stores using real-time data and interaction signals to power AI-driven merchandising and media.

The platform allows retailers to bring the science and analytics of digital commerce in their stores, with a creative canvas and content tailormade for the brick-and-mortar environment. Additionally, consumers can experience in physical stores the ease and transparency of online shopping. Moreover, by placing retail media content on the platform, brands can dynamically and contextually engage consumers in their moments of decision in-store, where 90% of CPG products are sold. This marriage of digital strategy and physical shopping is made possible by algorithms and data-driven insights provided by Cooler Screens’ proprietary AI.

Cooler Screens created smart screen software and enabling hardware that seamlessly integrates into new or existing screens in stores leveraging existing surfaces on walls, end caps, checkout lanes, banner aisles, pharmacy and healthcare areas, foodservice boards, windows, and coolers. The company’s AI-driven software and hardware allow retailers to create in-store digital experiences for shoppers, and for brands to reach them on dynamic smart screens that adapt to consumer behaviour and data-driven context at the point of decision.

With most purchases still taking place in brick-and-mortar stores, Cooler Screens (coolerscreens.com) helps retailers digitise and improve consumer experiences and enter the retail media business, while allowing brands to drive sales and build brand equity by reaching the vast traffic in physical stores.

Partners include retailers such as Kroger, Walgreens, Giant Eagle’s GetGo convenience stores, Chevron, Areas, Nouria, Parkland and Western Union.