Twice a year, CHS partners with an independent shopping firm to conduct the Retail Excellence Daily (RED) Mystery Shop evaluations. These inspections provide an outside perspective of each store’s strengths and areas for improvement – giving you the information you need to better position yourself against the competition. The Fall Round of Retail Excellence Daily (RED) Mystery Shop evaluations began on Friday, September 1.
During the round, stores can expect:
An evaluation focused on Cenex® brand image elements, safety, cleanliness and customer service standards- A quick report turnaround with evaluation results in-hand within days of a site being shopped
- Requirements for sites to meet a passing benchmark of 88%, with the ability to complete corrective actions on any documented issue(s)
As part of the inspection, Cenex gift card displays as well as Cenex and Cabela’s credit card application displays will be evaluated. Below are a few helpful tips to ensure these displays meet expectations:
The Cenex gift card display must display the most recent Cenex branded gift card plastics and envelopes and the acrylic display must be fully stocked and contain the backer card. Visit CenexShop.com to order additional Cenex gift cards and envelopes as well as the display backer card.- The credit card application display must contain each of the four current applications. Each branded retail location received new credit card applications in August; please ensure these are on display. Visit CenexShop.com to view/order the most current applications.
- The credit card application display, as well as the Cenex gift card display, must be within arm’s reach of the transaction area.
Please remember, shoppers will also be evaluating if store employees are wearing a name tag or have their name embroidered on their shirt. Visit CenexShop.com to order name tags before the round starts. New name tag options have recently been added and qualify for Ad Share.
Below are helpful links to ensure that you are prepared for this round of shops.
- Cenex RED Mystery Shops: Accessing the Reporting Portal
- Cenex RED Mystery Shops: Basics of the Reporting Portal
- Fall 2017 Mystery Shop Preparation Checklist
- Dispenser Decal and Fueling Island Order Form
- Cenex Retail Brand Image Standards Manual
- Hourly Restroom Log
- Daily Pump Island Checklist
- Front-Line Employee Training
- Cenex Uniforms
Should you have any questions on the RED Mystery Shop program, please send an email to refinedfuelsmarketing@chsinc.com. Best of luck on your inspection!
