New, the 2024 Conexxus Hall of Fame inductee, reflected on the changing landscape of the convenience channel. He highlighted the shift in consumer preferences, particularly among Gen Z, who prefer convenience brought to them rather than going into the store. As Nouria Energy looks to capture this new customer base, they recognize the importance of becoming more data-driven. However, the challenge lies in effectively utilizing this data, which requires a cultural shift within the company.
New emphasized the need for employees to interpret the data and understand how to use it effectively. Without this critical step, serving up more data would be a waste of resources. He shared his interest in various technology trends, including artificial intelligence, consumer and retail media networks, and electric vehicles. Nouria Energy, with approximately 170 c-stores, is exploring alternative POS systems and cloud-based solutions to enhance its operations.
While cloud-based solutions offer benefits such as quicker adoption of new features, New acknowledged the concerns around security. With the marketing team seeking more data to engage with younger consumers, there is a greater risk in protecting this data. As the company prepares for the 2024 Conexxus Annual Conference at Live! By Loews Arlington, they are also looking ahead to the 2025 conference in Tucson, Arizona, which will take place at the end of January next year.