Drive-throughs expand beyond the fast-food and QSR industry
Implications - The emphasis on convenience has retailers re-thinking service and distribution. Traditional sit-down establishments such as cafes or restaurants, as well as shopping destinations like grocery stores, are introducing the drive-thru format to entice the time-crunched consumer. This unique example indicates the landscape is quickly changing to accommodate a consumer who wants more for less.
Workshop Question - What aspect of customer service that works well in adjacent industries could be adapted to your brand in a new way?
Trend Themes
1. Drive-thru Convenience - As consumers seek faster and easier ways to shop, businesses are adopting drive-thru strategies to provide unique and convenient experiences.
2. Online Pre-ordering - Online pre-ordering provides a more streamlined process for businesses and removes wait times for customers, making it a popular trend in the drive-thru industry.
3. Non-traditional Drive-thru Experience - Drive-thrus are no longer limited to fast food; businesses are expanding the drive-thru experience beyond the typical QSR industry to offer unique and innovative shopping options for customers.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retailers are adopting the drive-thru strategy to make shopping more convenient and faster for customers.
2. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry is no longer limited to traditional restaurant or fast food drive-thrus, businesses are expanding to offer unique food and beverage services, such as drive-thru bakeries or luxury fashion drive-thrus.
3. Postal and Delivery - The postal and delivery industry is adopting drive-thru strategies to provide more convenient and streamlined services for customers, such as the Canada Post Office's parcel pick-up center.
