With over 8,000 forecourt sites across the UK and non-fuel shop sales reaching billions, the forecourt sector is undergoing a significant transformation.
What were once simple refuelling stops are now evolving into hybrid retail destinations, driven by convenience, food-to-go and longer customer dwell times. As customer expectations shift, so too must the environments that serve them.
At ADI, we’re working closely with forecourt operators to help them respond to this change, using digital displays to enhance visibility, improve the customer journey and ultimately increase on-site spend.
Forecourts today are no longer simply places to refuel. They are increasingly dynamic retail destinations where drivers stop for coffee, food, parcels or EV charging. Digital signage allows operators to communicate with customers in real time and influence purchasing decisions in a way that traditional signage simply can’t.
The Future of Forecourts
Forecourts have become multi-purpose environments, serving a wide range of customer needs beyond fuel. From quick coffee stops to parcel collection and EV charging, the modern forecourt experience is more varied — and more competitive — than ever.
Digital displays plays a central role in helping operators respond to this shift, giving them the ability to communicate dynamically and adapt messaging based on customer behaviour and on-site activity.
Turning Passing Traffic into Footfall
Digital signage could be the difference between a driver passing by or turning into your forecourt. That roadside presence is crucial.
Creating a strong roadside presence is critical in converting passing traffic into site visits.
High-brightness digital price totems and large-format LED displays ensure forecourts stand out in busy roadside environments, helping operators cut through competing messaging and capture attention at the right moment.
Beyond visibility, these displays provide the flexibility to communicate far more than fuel pricing — from EV charging availability to in-store promotions — all updated in real time to reflect changing conditions.
Maximising On-Site Spend
Once customers are on-site, the focus shifts to increasing basket size and encouraging additional purchases.
With 69% of purchases now unplanned, digital touchpoints positioned at pumps and EV chargers create valuable engagement windows. These moments allow operators to deliver timely, relevant messaging — promoting food-to-go offers, hot drinks or loyalty incentives while customers are already in a dwell period.
Across the wider site, digital wayfinding displays help guide movement while highlighting key services such as parcel collection and retail offers. By making these services more visible and accessible, operators can encourage customers to explore more of the site.
Studies show that digital displays can increase browsing time by up to 30%, directly supporting higher spend per visit.
Inside the store, digital signage helps create a more seamless and responsive retail environment.
From ribbon displays and kiosks to queue management screens, operators can update pricing, promote products and tailor messaging in real time. This not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the overall customer experience.
The impact is tangible. Screens in queue areas can reduce perceived waiting times by up to 35%, while promoted products can see sales increases of up to a third.
At ADI, we deliver a fully integrated digital ecosystem across the entire forecourt environment — ensuring every touchpoint works together to create a consistent and effective customer journey.
From roadside LED displays to in-store screens, our solutions are designed to be both scalable and easy to manage. Through our content management system, operators have full control over their messaging, enabling them to respond quickly to changing conditions and opportunities.
Our partnership with Kuori further enhances this approach, allowing us to combine large-format LED installations with complementary digital assets such as totem screens.
Delivering a Complete Digital Transformation
Together, we’re able to offer a truly integrated digital signage proposition, combining ADI’s technical excellence with Kuori’s innovative display assets to help operators unlock greater value from their sites
Supporting Operators at Every Stage
Delivering effective digital infrastructure requires more than just technology — it requires the right expertise and support.
From early concept development and site surveys through to installation, maintenance and ongoing service, we provide a complete end-to-end solution. Whether it’s groundworks for large outdoor displays or integrating screens within the retail kiosk, we ensure every element is delivered to the highest standard and continues to perform over time.
Looking Ahead...
We’re seeing a growing appetite for digital transformation across the forecourt sector — and it’s clear why.
As forecourts continue to evolve, digital displays will play a critical role in helping operators attract customers, increase revenue and future-proof their sites.
We’ll be showcasing our latest digital forecourt solutions at the Forecourt Show at the NEC Birmingham from 13th–15th April, where we’ll be speaking with operators about how they can unlock the full potential of their roadside retail environments.
