GAME ON FOR CONVENIENCE INNOVATION CHALLENGE

March 28th, 2013

Over the next three months, students from eight universities across Victoria, NSW, Queensland and South Australia will apply a fresh perspective to come up with the most innovative ideas and concepts to help convenience stores continue to provide choice and value, as the inaugural AACS / CCA Convenience Innovation Challenge moves into the competition phase.

A joint initiative of the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) and Coca Cola Amatil (CCA), the challenge aims to support the future of the convenience industry and the many thousands of people it employs by encouraging students to consider how convenience stores might innovate for a bright future.

Up for grabs is a major prize of $2,000, two runners-up prizes of $1,000 each and the opportunity for students to be exposed to a dynamic industry.

Detailed information packs were sent to selected universities around the country in March. Students now have all the information they require and the challenge is underway.

The challenge complements the popular and long running Peter Jowett Scholarship Award, also administered by the AACS, which is open to retailers and suppliers operating in the convenience industry. It represents another opportunity to tap into the creativity of a different group of Australians.

The brainchild of the AACS and generously supported by CCA, the focus on innovation for the competition is designed to counter the challenges the convenience industry faces, such as increased power of the major supermarkets, rising labour and utility costs and the difficult trading conditions for retailers generally.

“Convenience stores are a staple in Australian life, our doors are always open and in many cases we’re the life support system for the local community. Now we are opening our doors to an even more innovative future,” explained AACS Chief Executive Officer Jeff Rogut.

“The AACS views innovation as a pillar for the future and we recognise some of the most innovative thinkers are studying in our universities. This competition is our way of tapping into the fresh, unencumbered, innovative ideas of young people to help our industry position itself for tomorrow.

“Innovation is about applying new ideas to create value by improving what you do and how you do it. We are excited to see what students come up with and there is always the chance for retailers, suppliers or others in the industry to implement new ideas. The possibilities are limitless and the rewards for the most innovative ideas are substantial,” he said.

Participating universities are free to administer the AACS / CCA Convenience Innovation Challenge in line with guidelines provided.

The two best entries from each university, to be decided internally by university staff, will proceed to the final to be judged by the AACS. Submissions are due by 30 June 2013 with the winners to be announced at an awards event to be planned for September.

“We don’t want people just to think outside the box, we want them to re-invent it. No element or component of the convenience industry is off limits and the more innovative and practical the idea or concept, the better,” Mr Rogut said.

This is a terrific opportunity for industry to interact with some of our leading education institutions and for them to be exposed to an industry segment that is relevant to millions of Australians as they visit convenience stores to buy petrol, food on the go, beverages, snacks and other items each day.

Further information:
Jeff Rogut
Chief Executive Officer
Australasian Association of Convenience Stores Limited