#None #AI Technology #Circle K #NACS Award

Circle K's Recognition at NACS Convenience Retail Technology Award

In a remarkable achievement for Circle K Europe, the company has been awarded the prestigious 2025 NACS Convenience Retail Technology Award by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). This accolade highlights Circle K's innovative AI-powered digital HR platform, which has transformed hiring, onboarding, and training processes across twelve countries. This recognition not only illustrates the effectiveness of the technology but also emphasizes Circle K's commitment to excellence in the convenience retail sector.

Revolutionizing Recruitment and Training

In an industry grappling with significant labor shortages, Circle K has successfully redesigned every phase of the employee lifecycle. The company has implemented a two-part, mobile-optimized application that replaces traditional resumes with situation assessment tests and personal evaluations, which are immediately analyzed through predictive analytics. As a result, store managers can save over two hours for each new hire, a significant improvement to operational efficiency.

New employees then progress through a uniform, game-based onboarding program that integrates interactive digital modules with hands-on tasks, tailored in real-time through AI-generated feedback. This innovative educational approach not only enhances learning but also ensures that employees are engaged and motivated from the outset. Continuous engagement is further fostered through playful training challenges like 'Customer Star' and 'Beat the Boss,' which encourage all team members to develop customer-centric skills in enjoyable and compelling ways.

Insights from Leadership

Jens Rye, Director of People Development at Circle K Europe expressed, "At Circle K, our commitment to our team members and customers drives everything we do. We are thrilled that our investments in technology and AI have positively impacted teams across all our markets. By enabling store managers to focus on their leadership roles and providing our staff with tailored training opportunities, we empower them to deliver exceptional service every day." This illustrates how Circle K prioritizes both operational excellence and team member well-being.

The company’s investment in reshaping operations through innovative technology is already yielding impressive results. Awards such as this not only affirm its leadership in the field but also support Circle K's ongoing customer-centric approach, backed by operational competence and highly engaged staff.

Honoring Excellence in Convenience Retail

The NACS Convenience Retail Technology Award Europe recognizes convenience store retailers who make long-term, transformative investments in technology. The winners were unveiled during the NACS Convenience Summit Europe held in Copenhagen, where Circle K stood out alongside other leading global retail enterprises.

About Circle K and Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. is a global leader in convenience and mobility solutions, operating in 29 countries with nearly 17,000 locations, approximately 13,000 of which provide fuel for road transport. Under well-known brands like Couche-Tard and Circle K, the company ranks as one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the United States and is a leading retailer in the convenience store and fuel segments across Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltic states, Belgium, and Ireland. The company also has a presence in Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Hong Kong. With a vast workforce of around 149,000 employees, Circle K is positioning itself as a trailblazer in modern convenience retailing.