AI, Automation and the Future of C-Store Store Technology

From AI and robotics to hyper-personalization and retail media networks, retailers are accelerating tech adoption while balancing innovation with strong operational execution.

But my editor knew it was crucial for me to gain a solid understanding of how technology was evolving in the convenience store space because it was advancing and fast. Once I started digging into the topic, I began to realize how interesting tech innovation in the c-store industry truly is. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic when tech accelerated overnight as retailers rolled out order ahead, upgraded mobile apps, delivery and self-checkout kiosks.

I’ll admit, I thought for a moment that tech adoption might slow down a little bit as we emerged from lockdowns and social distancing. Instead, technology advancement has been set solidly on fast forward ever since.

At last month’s CStore Connections conference in Jacksonville, Fla., artificial intelligence (AI) was the most requested topic and the focus of our first general session.

As I listened to the insights of our panelists, I was surprised to hear how quickly even smaller c-stores are adapting to the latest advances in technology. Already, there are stores that have robots flipping burgers and cleaning floors, as well as systems that listen for keywords and alert management when something is amiss in a store.

I’m even more amazed and a little trepidatious about how AI is expected to change much of what we know today in just a few years. Chains that are investing in AI now will need to keep adapting as the technology evolves, while those that haven’t dipped a toe in yet are likely to find themselves behind the curve. Even if you do nothing, you can’t escape the changes coming. And they’re coming faster than you might realize. As businesses across industries integrate AI, it’s already reshaping what customers expect. And that’s only going to accelerate in the coming years.

One of my biggest takeaways from CStore Connections was that even as technology progresses, executing flawlessly on the basics is crucial for chains looking to maintain a competitive edge. That means investing in your people so they take care of your customers; ensuring your equipment is up and running every day; eliminating out-of-stock issues; raising the bar on quality; and ensuring you are executing to the best of your ability. While technology is a huge advantage, it’s not the only thing that matters.

And that brings me to this issue of CStore Decisions, which puts a spotlight on how c-store retailers are approaching technology today.

This month’s cover story, “C-Stores’ Tech Future Starts Now,” outlines the big tech trends of 2026 and how retailers are engaging with them, from AI to retail media networks to hyper-personalization and data integration.

This month’s foodservice column, “How AI Is Changing Foodservice,” outlines the different ways that AI is intersecting with food operations, from labor efficiency to greater accuracy with inventory. Meanwhile, our Tech Innovation Awards highlight two chains that are standing out for technology advancements. And those are just some of the articles you’ll find in our May issue.

Even if you’re not ready to implement AI at your chain today, I’d encourage you to pay attention to the changes happening across industries. Our AI panel at CStore Connections advised everyone to start by opening an AI tool of your choice and testing it. You can start small. For example, ask it to help with creating a recipe based on items you have on hand, suggestions on what to pack for your upcoming trip or assistance in wordsmithing an email. When you’re ready to get started using it for your business, start by identifying the problem you need to solve.

Our panelists emphasized, however, that AI is best used for routine tasks, while critical decision-making should remain in human hands, for now.