Open Doors, Open Business: Accessibility in Convenience Stores

Imagine a customer in a wheelchair struggling in your store. Accessibility is about more than legal compliance, it's about welcoming everyone! Ensure easy entry, wide aisles, reachable items, and a smooth checkout process.

Open Doors, Open Business: Accessibility in Convenience Stores
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 Open Doors Open Business Accessibility in Convenience Stores
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Imagine a customer in a wheelchair trying to navigate your store, struggling with narrow aisles or a heavy entrance door. Accessibility shouldn't just meet legal requirements; it's about welcoming every customer and ensuring an experience as convenient as your store's name promises.

Improving Accessibility

  • Start at the Entrance: Clear parking, curb cuts, and automatic doors (if feasible) make getting IN the door the first step.
  • Aisles That Accommodate: Can wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers pass each other safely?
  • Reach and Retrieval: Are shelves stocked with customers of varying heights and reach capabilities in mind?
  • Checkout Ease: Does your counter height work for all customers? Can card readers be easily reached?

Key Takeaways

  • The Law Is the Minimum: Meeting ADA requirements is essential, but great accessibility goes further.
  • It Benefits EVERYONE: Customers with temporary injuries, parents with strollers...better accessibility is good for all.
  • Ask for Feedback!: Talk to disabled customers to find areas for improvement.

Think About This...

Are barriers in your store preventing customers from having a truly convenient experience? Could improving accessibility create a more welcoming store and a stronger business?