Digital display specialist ADI says forecourt operators could significantly increase footfall and retail revenue by adopting a comprehensive digital LED strategy across their sites.
With more than 8,000 forecourt sites across the UK and non-fuel shop sales reaching billions, the forecourt sector is rapidly evolving into a hybrid retail environment driven by convenience, food-to-go and longer customer dwell times.
According to Mark Burke, client engagement manager at ADI, digital LED technology is becoming essential for forecourt operators looking to capitalise on these changing behaviours.
“Forecourts today are no longer simply places to refuel,” said Burke. “They are increasingly dynamic retail destinations where drivers stop for coffee, food, parcels or EV charging. Digital LED allows operators to communicate with customers in real time and influence purchasing decisions in a way that traditional signage simply can’t.”
ADI has more than two decades of experience delivering digital display installations across multiple sectors. The company delivered the UK’s first LED installation in a shopping centre at the Trafford Centre in 1999 and installed a stadium screen at Aston Villa in 1997, building a reputation for innovation, reliability and quality.
Burke believes that same expertise can now help forecourts adapt to major industry changes, from EV charging behaviour to new fuel price transparency laws coming into force this year.
“Digital signage could be the difference between a driver passing by or turning into your forecourt,” he said. “That roadside presence is crucial. Once customers are on-site, digital screens help maximise revenue by highlighting promotions, guiding the customer journey and ultimately increasing their spend per visit.”
ADI provides a complete digital ecosystem across the forecourt environment, from roadside price totems to in-store displays. Notably, the specialist also teaches its client how to assertively run their digital assets, with the ability to control their own content using ADI’s content management system.
Using ADI’s expertise, digital price totems can deliver real-time fuel pricing, EV charging information and promotional messaging in high-brightness LED formats that are far more visible than traditional boards.
Studies show that two thirds of people say digital displays capture their attention, while digital window displays can increase footfall by up to 40%.
Pump and EV charger displays create valuable engagement moments while drivers refuel or charge vehicles. With 69% of purchases now unplanned, these screens can highlight coffee deals, meal offers or loyalty promotions at exactly the right time.
Exterior wayfinding displays guide customers around the site while promoting services such as food-to-go, parcel collection or retail offers. Research shows digital displays can keep customers browsing up to 30% longer, increasing the likelihood of additional purchases.
Inside the store, digital ribbon displays and kiosks help retailers manage pricing, promote products and improve customer experience. Screens in queue areas can reduce perceived waiting times by up to 35%, while promoted items can see sales increases of up to a third.
ADI’s partnership with digital display manufacturer Kuori also allows the company to deliver a complete signage package, combining large-format LED installations with smaller digital assets.
Ethan Grice, sales manager at Kuori, shared his excitement to partnering with ADI. He explained: “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. We’re excited to be on the stand together, engaging with the market and demonstrating how this partnership can support the next generation of forecourt retail.”
“Being an LED manufacturer means we truly understand the technology behind large format LED displays and signage,” added Burke. “Our partnership with Kuori allows us to complement that with other types of digital assets such as totem screens, creating a consistent and effective signage strategy across the entire site.”
Beyond installation, ADI provides a full consultancy and service model, supporting forecourt operators from early concept and site surveys through to installation, maintenance and repair.
“ADI is a one-stop shop,” Burke explained. “From groundworks for large outdoor displays to installing screens inside the retail kiosk, we take full responsibility for the project and ensure the solution is always operating at its best.”
The company will showcase its digital forecourt solutions at the upcoming Forecourt Show held in NEC Birmingham from 13th-15th April, where it hopes to engage with operators looking to future-proof their roadside retail environments.
“We’re seeing huge appetite for digital transformation in this sector,” Burke added. “Forecourts are evolving rapidly, and digital LED has a critical role to play in helping operators attract customers, increase revenue and deliver the next generation of roadside retail.”
