Shopping at convenience stores typically isn’t a cost-savings measure for consumers.
Convenience stores live up to their name by making it easy to run in and out for a handful of items, or perhaps a cold soda for the road.
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Unlike supermarkets and big box stores, consumers don’t tend to seek out convenience stores so much as stumble upon them in the course of filling up on gas or running other errands.
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But when you’re in a rush, you may not have time to navigate a mammoth supermarket or a Walmart supercenter if all you’re looking for is a drink and an oversized bag of chips. It can be worth paying extra at a convenience store for the time savings involved.
Convenience store program gets major upgrade.
Image source: Getty Images
Convenience stores want to increase customer loyalty
It’s common for customers to be loyal to grocery stores or restaurants and frequent the same businesses time and time again. But it can be harder for convenience stores to enjoy that same repeat business.
When it comes to convenience stores, consumers will often pick the one that’s closest or on the way to their destination. Going out of your way to visit a convenience store negates a big part of the purpose of stopping there.
Related: Popular convenience store chain closing locations
That’s why a growing number of convenience store chains have introduced subscription programs to keep customers coming back.
Circle K tried to make its Sip & Save beverage subscription program a success. But the company discontinued that program a little more than a year ago in favor of focusing more on its loyalty program.
Smaller convenience store chains, like ROCS, have also tried this model, with varying degrees of success.
7-Eleven makes big upgrades to Gold Pass program
There’s perhaps no more well-known name in the convenience store business than 7-Eleven. In addition to its rewards program, 7-Eleven runs a Gold Pass program designed to save frequent visitors money.
For just $9.95 per month or $95 per year, members can enjoy a host of perks. And now, the program is getting an upgrade.
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As a new benefit, 7-Eleven’s Gold Pass program now offers members up to seven free drinks per month. Customers can choose from coffee, Big Gulp, or Slurpee drinks.
Gold Pass members also get to enjoy savings to the tune of $0.05 per gallon at participating 7-Eleven fuel stations. Plus, members get in-store deals and discounts that rotate.
These new perks are in addition to free delivery on eligible orders and 10% cash back on delivery and pickup orders.
“We’re always looking for ways to bring more fun, value, and ease to our customers’ daily routines,” said Yaqub Baiani, Vice President of Digital Product Management and Experience at 7-Eleven. “The new 7-Eleven Gold Pass lets you save on everything from your morning coffee to your fuel fill-up. And now you can enjoy those perks whether you’re shopping in-store, online, or on the go!”
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The update comes at a time when 7-Eleven is aggressively looking to expand its footprint. The company has plans to open 500 new stores between 2025 and 2027.
Although the standard monthly price for the Gold Pass program is $9.95, students are eligible to sign up for just $5.95 per month or $55 per year. New members can also enjoy a 30-day trial to see if they like the program before having to commit.