Turnpike & Circle K set to Revolutionize Convenience Store Experience.

Circle K and Turnpike - Launch collaboration to improve life for Customers & Staff in Europe.

Stockholm 8/3/2024 – CircleK, the leading petrol/convenience store, and Turnpike - a pioneer provider of wearable staff communication, proudly announce their collaboration aimed at transforming the convenience industry.

This collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting journey toward enhancing customer experiences and streamlining operational efficiency. The pilot at 32 stores in the Baltic region during the winter has been a great success. The first Circle K in Germany is now embarking on the next chapter.

"We have been looking for solutions for staff to communicate better for a while and we met Turnpike that has everything that we need. We wanted a solution that makes our customers life easier and save them time as well as reduce complexity for our staff and make them comfortable and know what to do and how to prioritise" says Edgaras Mickevicius. Senior Project Manager, Circle K EUROPE.

Click to See > Full Interview Turnpike Talks - Edgaras Mickevicius, Senior Project Manager CircleK EUROPE

Sending real-time messages to staff centrally is now effortless. Customers can receive assistance at self-checkout with the press of a button, and IoT-connected coffee machines and freezers can also alert staff when attention is required. The smartwatches facilitating these operations are Samsung Galaxy, offering seamless communication and enhanced convenience.

We see the potential for integration with numerous IoT devices. I believe this represents the future for many businesses, particularly in retail," says Edgaras Mickevicius.

1. Reduced Queue and Waiting Time: Turnpike's innovative system signals when lines begin to build up, enabling Circle K staff to respond promptly, minimizing customer wait times and enhancing satisfaction.
2. Enhanced Food Safety: Leveraging IoT technology, Turnpike's system alerts staff when freezers and fridges deviate from optimal temperatures, ensuring the safety and quality of Circle K's food products.
3. Optimized Machines Operations: Through IoT connectivity, Turnpike's solution notifies staff when coffee grinder bins are nearing full capacity or when milk and bean levels are low, minimizing downtime and ensuring a continuous supply of freshly brewed coffee.
4. Streamlined Shift Management: Turnpike's system provides shift-specific checklists directly on staff members' watches, simplifying task management and enabling efficient prioritization without disruption.
5. Improved Internal Communication: Circle K managers and co-workers can communicate directly with staff members through Turnpike's platform, facilitating seamless and effective internal communication and enhancing team collaboration.

"This is very much Customer Centric Digital Transformation - enabling the convenience stores to become even more convenient - and make life better for both staff and the customers. We see great benefits for convenience stores and we're proud to help Circle K leading the way, says Henrik Widman, CRO at Turnpike Group

Summary: The collaboration between Circle K, Turnpike and Samsung heralds a transformative era in the industry, blending advanced technology with a steadfast dedication to customer satisfaction. Through seamless integration and continuous innovation, the companies are committed to enhancing journeys for customers and staff alike. As we embark on this journey together, the possibilities are limitless, and the impact is profound.

Vision Statement:

This is the beginning of an Industry Transformation. Where Circle K's commitment to fast, friendly service meets Turnpike's game-changing wearable tech. It’s all about the power of One Team, where the right person is doing the right thing at the right time. It's about taking ownership and responsibility for a better customer experience using cutting-edge technology to transform the convenience industry, making journeys easier and more enjoyable for customers and staff alike.

The seamless integration of Turnpike's solutions, empowering Circle K's frontline heroes to take those extra steps, brightening people's days and making quick stops easier. Together, we're changing the industry through customer-centric digital transformation. It's not just a vision; it's a reality in every interaction.

About Turnpike: Turnpike is a Swedish wearable tech company, specializing in innovative cloud services and software for smartwatches. The company's vision is to create a world where man and machine work together seamlessly, optimizing operations and enhancing customer experiences.

About Circle K: Since the 1980s, Circle K has been the largest chain of company-owned and operated convenience stores in the United States. With 7,230 stores overall in the United States, Circle K is second to 7-Elevens's 9,348 stores. Today there are more than 15,000 stores with the Circle K brand worldwide.

About Samsung: Samsung Electronics is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. Samsung is also leading in the Internet of Things space through, among others, our Smart Home and Digital Health initiatives. Since being established in 1969, Samsung Electronics has grown into one of the world’s leading technology companies, and become recognized as one of the top 10 global brands.