Consumers are not only arriving to refuel, but they’re also going to a convenience store – predominately across Europe and the Middle East – to purchase lunch or coffee, collecting car wash tokens, scanning loyalty cards, etc. They are moving through the site with purpose. Today’s consumers are time poor and their need to complete more than one task at a time (e.g., refuelling and purchasing lunch on route to work, while also being able to pick-up a delivery from parcel lockers) is highly sought after. In today’s retail environment, this level of accessibility is no longer “nice to have”, it’s a necessity.

The most successful fuel retailers understand this behaviour. They don’t treat a customer visit as a one-time transaction, but as a series of consistently good experiences, delivered every time to capture true consumer loyalty.

Dover Fueling Solutions^® (“DFS”) helps retailers deliver those experiences through a connected suite of technologies, from advanced Wayne^® and Tokheim^® fuel dispenser technology to the DFS Order Kiosk powered by FLYX and Prizma, DFS’ connected mobility and convenience hub that links forecourt and store systems. Together, these tools help build operational consistency, streamline service, and create journeys worth repeating. Loyalty is more than collecting points.

First Impressions Start at the Dispenser

The dispenser – whether conventional fuel or clean energy – is often the first point of engagement between a consumer and the fuel retailer or fuel site. It sets the tone for the overall consumer experience. If the refuelling process is slow, unclear, inconsistent, or payment doesn’t work as expected, consumers notice, and they remember. If a dispenser is out-of-service, many consumers, particularly during rush hour or peak driving times, will leave to refuel elsewhere – approx. one in three consumers (32%) would walk away from a brand or company after one bad experience. But when the experience is seamless, responsive, and informative, it becomes part of a broader service standard that encourages return visits.

DFS’ latest dispenser portfolio in EMEA has been developed with both performance and communication in mind. Large-format displays, fast-response interfaces, and improved accessibility help ensure a smooth fuelling experience.

Site Control Without the Complexity

Managing a modern fuel site involves more than just fuel. Car washes, loyalty schemes, mobile payments, unmanned terminals, and point-of-sale (POS) systems can all add value, but also complexity. Prizma helps fuel retailers simplify this ecosystem.

By unifying control of multiple touchpoints into a single interface, Prizma enables retailers to streamline operations across single or multi-site setups. This is especially valuable in EMEA, where cross-border retail often involves managing language preferences, regional regulations, or differing fuel types.

With real-time analytics and remote diagnostics, retailers can address issues before they impact customer experience. Prizma also integrates with back-office systems and supports a wide range of payment methods, making it easier to deliver a smooth, joined-up journey from pump to c-store. This kind of operational consistency enables the seamless integration of fuel reward programs in EMEA, supporting personalised offers, loyalty apps, or card-based schemes. By removing friction across the site, Prizma makes on-site and remote control easy and enables retailer to optimise the customers experience, which helps maximise site profits.

This is incredibly important as 86% of consumers are willing to pay more for a great customer experience, with those customers spending up to 140% more than those who experience negative interactions.

Reducing Queues and Improving Service Flow

Self-service technology is gaining traction across certain parts of EMEA, particularly at fuel sites with integrated convenience stores. In many European markets, consumers are familiar with self-checkout kiosks in retail and hospitality settings, making fuel site adoption more practical. Yet, it’s not consistent across the region, as some sites in Middle East and Africa (MEA) markets operate without a c-store, and full-service fuelling remains standard in many areas.

For forecourts where self-service is viable, the DFS Self-Checkout Kiosk helps reduce queues, shorten transaction times, and ease staffing pressure during busy periods. It makes the overall experience quicker, allowing consumers to continue their day with minimal interruption. In fact, 77% of consumers opt for self-checkout due to faster service.

When it comes to made-to-order food and beverage transactions, the DFS Order Kiosk improves flow and provides retailers with upselling opportunities without slowing down the front counter. Sites using the system have seen basket value increase by up to 26%. Not only does the DFS Order Kiosk benefit fuel retailers, it also improves the overall customer experience, helps to reduce queues and waiting times in the c-store. It’s a win-win!

These solutions help keep sites moving, which directly impacts the customer experience and in turn, loyalty. When wait times are shorter, transactions are smoother, and service feels efficient, consumers are more likely to return – 53% of consumers will go out of their way to visit a specific fuel site because they favour its c-store. Operational consistency isn’t just good for throughput, it’s what builds repeat business.

Delivering Consistency Across the Forecourt

Loyalty doesn’t come from a single promotion or an app download. It comes from consistency: a dispenser that works, payment that’s seamless, signage that makes sense, a self-checkout that doesn’t stall, an offer that arrives just when it’s relevant. These are all small touchpoints, but together they create a “standard” consumers notice and choose to return to.

DFS helps enable that standard across the entire fuel site. Whether it’s through Prizma’s centralised control, the flexibility of the DFS Self-Checkout, or the ease of the DFS Order Kiosk, every interaction is designed to strengthen the customer experience and support retail technology loyalty in EMEA.

Fuel retailers don’t need short-term incentives to build customer loyalty. Consistent service, connected systems, and seamless transactions are what drive long-term engagement, strengthening fuel customer loyalty.

The post How Fuel Retailers Can Build Long-Term Customer Loyalty appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

Perfect for petrol stations with self-service jet wash bays, this fully automated vending machine dispenses a single-use microfiber drying towel at the push of a button. The towels are highly absorbent, ideal for polishing and finishing, and are 100% recyclable, making them a greener alternative to traditional paper towels or rags.

Each machine is sleek, low maintenance, and requires minimal space, making it an easy and valuable addition to your site.

Motorists appreciate the convenience — and you’ll enjoy a brand-new revenue stream without the hassle.

Join the movement towards smarter, cleaner car care to your forecourt.

Partner with Rulomatik Ulster and elevate your forecourt offering today.

The post Boost Profits & Customer Satisfaction with Rulomatik Car Drying Towels appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

The first multi-feed reverse vending solution in Ireland is now available at Kelly’s Spar Newcastle

Global reverse vending leader TOMRA Collection has released in Ireland TOMRA R1, a multi-feed reverse vending machine (RVM) that enables recyclers in Ireland’s deposit return system (DRS) to pour over 100 empty beverage containers into the machine in one go – rather than inserting them one by one. It is the first multi-feed RVM available in the Irish market since the start of DRS, on the 1st of February this year.

The TOMRA R1 offers an efficient, more user-friendly and convenient recycling experience. This can attract shoppers to the store and increase the volume of containers returned, driving increased loyalty and revenue for retailers.

Proven great recycling results in more store visits and spending

The TOMRA R1 has been a hit since its launch globally. Now, more than 600 machines are in operation globally, in markets like Germany, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and United States.

The desire for a fast-recycling experience was confirmed in a consumer study conducted by TOMRA in active DRS. 48% of respondents say they would like to use multi-feed reverse vending machines, and were interested in returning containers in bulk, rather than inserting them one by one.

“With the installation of Ireland’s first multi-feed unit, we’re making recycling more efficient and accessible for consumers across the country. This innovation enables faster, high-capacity returns, allowing more people to recycle easily and helping Ireland move closer to our sustainability goals. It’s an exciting step forward for TOMRA and for Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme.” – says Peter Whelan, Managing Director, TOMRA Collection Ireland.

On behalf of Kelly’s Spar Newcastle, Brian Kelly, store owner says:

“We are delighted to introduce Ireland’s first multi-feed RVM, it’s an exciting milestone for all of us here in Kelly’s SPAR Newcastle. The TOMRA R1 will save our customers time as they can now recycle over 100 containers in seconds – while creating a more seamless and enjoyable recycling experience. We are all proud to lead the way in Ireland towards a circular economy and strengthening our commitment to sustainability at our store and community”.

Also commenting on the launch Ciarán Foley, CEO of Re-turn, said:

“We’d like to thank all those in the retail sector and the Scheme approved RVM suppliers for all the work they have done to help to make this important circular economy initiative such a success to date. We would also like to commend the Irish public on how they have embraced Deposit Return and look forward to their continued support.”

How does the TOMRA R1 work?

Recyclers simply open the hatch and pour their empty cans and plastic bottles into the machine and close the lid to begin the counting and sorting process. They then collect their voucher and start shopping. Ineligible containers are returned to the user via the reject chute.

With an accessible product design, the TOMRA R1 is easy to clean and maintain. TOMRA R1 is also the first RVM with an operator interface screen located inside the machine, so store personnel have all the information they need at their fingertips.

For recyclers, TOMRA R1 provides a mess-free recycling experience as there is no need to handle each bottle – consumers can do their part for the planet without getting their hands sticky. TOMRA R1 is also intuitive to use, reduces queues, and offers efficient and fast recycling. When returning over 100 beverage containers, recycling at TOMRA R1 is up to five times faster than using a single-feed solution, since containers do not need to be inserted one by one​. ​

The machine can be found at Kelly’s Spar Newcastle, located at Newcastle Service Station, Main St. Ballynakelly, Newcastle, Co. Dublin.

Features at a glance

Bringing together the premium products from different categories in TOMRA’s reverse vending portfolio, TOMRA R1 can pair with the T9 reverse vending machine to add handling of glass containers and connect to TOMRA’s MultiPac Air high-speed, high-capacity storage cabinets.

TOMRA R1 is powered by TOMRA Flow Technology for industry-leading recognition and system integrity​, and compatible with TOMRA Collection’s full portfolio of Digital products, which add value for both recyclers and retailers.

The post Introducing TOMRA R1 – The first multi-feed reverse vending solution in Ireland now available at Kelly’s Spar Newcastle IRE appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

As such, it is important to know how you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment without compromising convenience.

David McGuinness, Director of Product Management, Electric Vehicle Charging at Dover Fueling Solutions, highlights the benefits of going electric. “There are many myths around electric vehicles (EVs). This includes negative beliefs about the price, charge time, requirements and convenience of alternatively fueled vehicles. However, many of these are just common misconceptions.

“Electric vehicles can offer benefits to both drivers and the environment. Operating with the same, if not better, processes than their petroleum and diesel counterparts, electric makes your journey better ergonomically, economically and environmentally.”

Here, we explore the increasing emergence of EVs and the truth you need to know behind those common misconceptions.

How common are electric vehicles?

The EV market increased its sales by 186% across 2020. 233,413 electric vehicles were sold in Europe throughout the second quarter of 2022 alone, with France and Spain being leaders in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) growth, as they increased vehicle numbers by 22% and 18.6% respectively.

Misconceptions and the Truth

They Can’t Travel Far Enough

37% of people believe that electric vehicles, such as the standard EV, can’t travel for long distances. This sways drivers away from buying EVs, as they believe they can’t commute their daily journey without worrying about losing power. However, this is a myth. Most EVs can meet your daily distance standards.

In fact, the RAC, an automotive services company in the UK, claims that EVs can reach up to 300 miles on a single charge. Compare this with the European worker’s average commuting distance of 28.56 kilometers a day, and it’s clear that EVs are more than capable of the daily commute. There are over 330,000 publicly available charging ports across the EU, and Germany and France are frontrunners in providing these, which means that careful planners can cover large distances across the EU in an electric vehicle. However, it’s worth remembering the infrastructure of electric vehicle charging is still being developed, so travel in an EV outside of France, Germany and the Netherlands may be more difficult.

Electric Vehicles Don’t Actually Help the Environment

Some people believe the emissions from the production of EVs outweigh the carbon emissions they save through their use – making them worse for the environment than originally thought. Many also believe that EV batteries need to be replaced more frequently than their petroleum and diesel counterparts and that these batteries will end up in landfills – harming the environment further.

Electricity was once only generated through the burning of coal and other fossil fuels, but the drive to make electricity sustainable means production has changed to solar power and other renewable sources. This change means that they don’t produce excess carbon emissions.

EVs Can’t be Driven in the Rain

In 2019, Hyundai found that many drivers were worried about owning an EV due to bad weather conditions. The worry is that electric vehicles aren’t safe during thunderstorms or car washes. However, the myth around the safety of EV is just that – a myth. Driving an EV, even in the rain, is no less safe than your traditional petrol or diesel car.

It’ll Cost More

A common misconception is that EVs cost more than traditionally fueled ones. However, this is not always true. Used EVs can dip below £10,000 with new models starting at £20,000. Equally, with the cost of petrol and diesel rising, choosing alternative methods of fueling your vehicles could save you money in the long run.

Problems with Places to Recharge

Another belief about EVs is that it is difficult to find charging points, especially outside of metropolitan cities such as London, Madrid and Berlin. Electric vehicles, however, are much easier to charge than they used to be. Governments have put in place initiatives to improve accessibility – placing chargers in more residential and rural areas. 33,996 chargers are currently available to the public across the UK, so there’s no need to worry that you cannot charge your car. Germany is the leading country in the EU for plug-in vehicle sales, with 673,747 sales being made across the nation in 2021. France also came out near the top of the board with 303,501 sales. As of the second quarter of 2022, there are currently 28,631 charging stations within Germany alone, an increase of over 7,000 stations since the final quarter of 2020. Plus, a push to put charging ports near workplaces has been encouraged, with a heightened focus on areas outside of key urban centres – meaning you can drive cross-country with confidence knowing that ports are not only available within the capital city but at a range of other locations.

There are many misconceptions surrounding EVs, from the distance they can travel to whether they are able to be driven in the rain or through car washes; however, they are great alternatives, especially for your daily use.

Electric vehicles have been met with hesitation in the past, but there is no need to be worried about this innovative technology. They are fast becoming more and more popular and can match or exceed traditionally fueled vehicles in effectiveness. With alternative fueling solutions in vehicles, we can be sure that the future of transport will be greener.

The post Clean Fuels: Myth-busting Misconceptions Around Electric Vehicles appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.

Hyperhub charging station

The Monks Cross HyperHub, located next to one of York’s Park and Ride sites, is one of the largest EV charging hubs in Northern England.

The creation of the HyperHubs was a first for both the City Council and their partners Evo Energy and so partnering with a business with a background in fuel retail was hugely beneficial.

“Bever Innovation’s experience with petrol stations and LED price signs was invaluable. The HyperHubs are a very new concept, so having someone experienced in this public facing element of the business who could install robust, reliable equipment that works was really important to us,” explained Jonathan Roper, Principal Renewable Energy Consultant at Evo Energy.

Bever Innovations’ unique LED design and production techniques are the result of many years of field experience with the world’s largest oil companies, including Shell, BP, Q8, Exxon Mobile, and Total.

Remote access

A key requirement for the project was to be able to make price changes across all sites remotely. York City Council have standardised pricing across their network so any price changes need to be rolled out across all sites. This task is made simple with Bever’s EOS Technology.

Read the Case Study here: https://fuel.beverinnovations.com/en/project/evo-energy-huperhub/

The post Evo Energy’s HyperHub, one of the largest EV charging hubs in Northern England, fitted with Bever Innovations’ LED Price Displays appeared first on Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer.