Petrol forecourt retailing has experienced dramatic growth during the 1990s with a considerable increase in UK car ownership. After the erosion of fuel margins, forecourt retailing provides the opportunity of increasing sales and profitability.

With the modern consumers' need for convenience and a vast availability of under developed forecourt sites, many alliances are being formed between fuel companies and supermarkets creating a whole new retail sector, bringing supermarket trade skills into standalone forecourt retail outlets. As fuel retailers look to increase their overall profitability what can companies do in terms of developing their forecourt retail offer? As consumers show trust in supermarket brands, is it branding that will make the difference?

Petrol Forecourt Retailing examines this highly active sector and considers what the future holds for both supermarkets and fuel companies, and the implications this may have for the convenience store sector. In considering the scope of fuel and non-fuel products on offer from a forecourt site, this report looks at standards of customer service as well as the importance of loyalty schemes to the marketing mix.

What will the supermarket companies do next?

As fuel retailers look to increase their overall profitability, is it branding that will make the difference?