Dive Brief:

• Family Express has refreshed its mobile app with several new technology integrations, according to a Tuesday announcement from the convenience store retailer.
• The app now features mobile ordering, car wash subscriptions and payment capabilities. It was built with the help of c-store app company Rovertown.
• This continues a busy year on the innovation front for Family Express, which last year unveiled a new store format and expansion plans, as well as new artificial intelligence security features in various stores.

Dive Insight:

While mobile app development made noise last year across the c-store industry, it seems to be headed towards an even busier 2024. Just this month, retailers such as Han-Dee Hugo’s, Loop Neighborhood Market and Huck’s Market have all either refreshed their mobile apps in some capacity or outlined plans to do so.

For Family Express, the app revamp is the nearly 50-year-old c-store retailer’s next step in turning its brand into a “contemporary experience,” President and CEO Gus Olympidis said in the announcement.

“The standards for what mobile apps can and should do are constantly evolving, and it’s important for us to stay ahead of those trends,” Ryan Fasel, director of marketing for Family Express, said in the announcement.

Among the several new technology integrations in the app are the mobile ordering capabilities from restaurant hospitality firm Olo, as well as Link, the one-click payment program from payment technology firm Stripe. The latter automatically fills in customers’ pre-saved payment information. 

Additionally, the app can activate car washes through an integration with technology company Mosaic. All customers, even those who aren’t members of Family Express’ loyalty program, can choose from several car wash subscription packages in the app as well.

Founded in 1975, Valparaiso, Indiana-based Family Express operates 81 convenience stores throughout northwest and north central Indiana.