NEW ZEALAND’S Z ENERGY STORES GET NATIONWIDE REVAMP

Z Energy is rolling out a nationwide upgrade of its retail sites, with renovations set to continue until 2026.

The project, which began in 2022, aims to modernise store layouts and improve the customer experience.

Tim Bailey, Head of Retail at Z Energy, said the role of service stations is evolving.

“With our highly mobile population, busy lifestyles and increasing desire for fresh and convenient food and drink, service stations are becoming as much about fuelling people as they are about fuelling vehicles.”

One of the key changes is an expanded focus on coffee, with trained baristas and distinctive orange group-handle coffee machines installed across Z stores.

“A lot of people design their mission around where they’re going to grab that cup of coffee,” Bailey said.

“Our coffee business has grown really well off the back of that.”

The upgrades also include additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at selected locations.

With more customers likely to spend time at stores while charging, Z has introduced a lighter, more open design to create a more inviting atmosphere for both customers and staff.

Store layouts have been restructured to improve navigation, with designated zones for specific items and a more prominent display for fresh food, including sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.

Expanded preparation areas aim to improve efficiency for staff.

Bailey said Z Energy looked overseas for inspiration, stating that a good market for them to look at is the Irish market.

“They have a similar population to us and have done this really well in the way their convenience model is working.”

Closer to home, the company examined local retailers’ approaches to store renovations.

“The challenge has been getting the programme working at scale across the country, but the team has found a really good rhythm now.”

Looking ahead, Z Energy is ensuring flexibility in store design.

“We’ve used a modular design so we can put in pieces and take them out—things like making sure we have space to increase oven capacity if needed,” Bailey said.

“We’re thinking about where we want to be in New Zealand going forward—making sure we’ve got the right sites, the right stores, the right look and feel, and that we can provide quality and convenience. We’re getting the work done now.”

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