The global petrol and convenience (P&C) channel is navigating rapid change. Technology is reshaping operations. Foodservice is driving growth. Fuel is evolving. And retailers everywhere are rethinking how they serve communities.
With global convenience retail sales projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2029, according to the IGD Global Convenience Trends Report 2025, the industry is riding a wave of transformation. To understand where the sector is heading, we spoke to leaders from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States about what’s driving momentum and what still needs to shift.
Here is C&I’s interview with Sin Hin Wong, GM and VP Sales, APAC, at PDI Technologies, a company that helps convenience retail and petroleum wholesale businesses around the globe increase efficiency and profitability by connecting their data and operations.
C&I: What are the most significant global trends you’re seeing in the convenience retail sector right now?
Wong: Retail technology is no longer just an enabler for operations. It has become a competitive advantage. Retailers are increasingly relying on technology to adapt quickly, innovate faster, and meet continually rising consumer expectations. The Point of Sale (POS) system has become the central nervous system of retail operations, going far beyond simple checkouts. We’re seeing demand for scalable, flexible systems that streamline operations, enable faster time to market, and support everything from mobile payments to loyalty programmes—all while delivering a frictionless customer experience.
C&I: How are retailers using data and analytics to better understand consumer behaviour and optimise operations across markets?
Wong: An integrated, cloud-based POS system gives retailers access to a single version of the truth from a centralised data repository. This helps streamline operations and simplify staff workflows, while also making it easier to support evolving consumer demands. AI plays a vital role too. It’s already optimising pricing and simplifying operations. Technology helps extract insights and actionable intelligence so retailers can make smarter, faster decisions grounded in real-time data.
C&I: What role is technology playing in improving customer loyalty and personalisation in convenience retail?
Wong: When your POS system is integrated with your back office and head office, it’s easier to support strategic initiatives like robust loyalty programmes. With a centralised infrastructure, retailers can launch features and promotions across their networks more efficiently. Technology enables seamless updates and greater personalisation with standardisation across checkout methods and more consistent customer experiences.
C&I: Are you seeing regional differences in how retailers are adopting automation, AI, or self-checkout technology?
Wong: Yes—consumer habits, payment preferences, regulatory requirements, and operational challenges differ widely across regional markets. That’s why offering global technology solutions that can adapt to local needs is critical. Whether it’s optimising pricing in Australia or increasing brand loyalty in Ireland, technology must be flexible enough to address regional nuances while still driving innovation and efficiency.
C&I: What innovations are emerging in fuel retail that are shaping the future of forecourts?
Wong: Fuel pricing is being transformed by AI. It’s one of the most dynamic parts of the business, with prices often changing multiple times a day. Backed by decades of experience and expertise, PDI’s AI-driven pricing models provide real-time recommendations for optimal pricing based on the parameters you define. AI doesn’t replace human decisions—it enhances them. These AI models are helping to streamline fuel pricing while supporting smarter, faster responses to market changes.
C&I: What’s your view on the convergence of convenience, foodservice, and digital commerce—and how are retailers navigating that shift?
Wong: Modern retailers need more than just checkout terminals. Consumers expect traditional lanes, kiosks, mobile payments, and meal options all under one roof. The technology behind the scenes must be flexible and standardised to support all of these services. When everything runs on the same technology stack, it simplifies deployments and enhances the overall customer experience while also enabling quick adaptation to market shifts and evolving customer behaviours.
C&I: How can independent operators keep pace with larger chains when it comes to technology and customer experience?
Wong: Having the right technology stack—especially a flexible, cloud-based POS system—can simplify operations and accelerate innovation for any retailer. With the right infrastructure, even smaller operators can streamline their services, centralise operations, and deliver modern experiences that meet high consumer expectations.
C&I: Looking ahead, what should retailers be investing in now to remain competitive in the next five years?
Wong: Retailers should prioritise a technology stack that is:
• Scalable and able to grow with your business
• AI-enabled and providing insights, not just data
• Secure and compliant to help protect against threats and meet regulatory standards
• Seamlessly integrated so you can connect systems and avoid data silos
Making smart investments in future-proof, integrated technologies is the best way for retailers to enhance the customer experience, optimise efficiency, and make data-driven decisions in a rapidly evolving industry.
To read the full feature on Global Trends, check out the August/September issue of Convenience & Impulse Retailing magazine.
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