Empowering Mom-and-Pop Stores with AI and Cloud Technology

In the fragmented U.S. convenience store market, mom-and-pop shops form the backbone, representing about 60% of the 150,000 stores nationwide. These small operators excel in personal relationships and local knowledge but often lack the technological resources to compete with larger chains. Rising consumer expectations and outdated systems have left many struggling to keep pace.

bp’s digital initiative, led by Tarang Sethia, aims to close this digital gap by equipping independent stores with modern retail tools that enhance rather than replace their unique local identity. Central to this effort is the Earnify app, a nationwide loyalty platform that aggregates rewards across thousands of stores, enabling small operators to build repeat business through data-driven, personalized promotions.

Behind the scenes, bp’s cloud-based Crosscode retail operating system integrates point-of-sale, payment, and inventory management with AI-powered automation. This system proactively monitors store operations, predicts equipment failures, and reduces downtime—critical for operators who often serve as their own IT support. The result is a 20% reduction in operating costs and more time for store owners to focus on customer service.

Personalization is a key benefit of this technology ecosystem. Using AI and machine learning, Earnify tailors offers to individual consumer preferences and regional trends, driving higher engagement and loyalty. Store owners can also create and deploy their own promotions instantly, responding swiftly to changing customer needs.

bp’s approach emphasizes agility and customer obsession. They adopted a minimum viable product mindset, delivering biweekly updates based on real-world feedback rather than long enterprise cycles. This rapid iteration fosters continuous improvement in both technology and customer experience.

Importantly, bp’s solutions do not seek to corporatize mom-and-pop stores. Instead, they empower these businesses to maintain their local charm while benefiting from scalable technology. This ecosystem model aggregates capabilities like loyalty, POS, and support into a seamless SaaS offering branded independently of bp, preserving the stores’ unique identities.

The success metrics speak volumes: a 68% increase in active loyal consumers using Earnify, customer satisfaction ratings soaring to 4.9 stars, and store operator satisfaction rising from 3 to 8.7 out of 10. These improvements translate directly into increased sales, reduced downtime, and stronger community ties.

Looking ahead, bp envisions leveraging generative AI to further personalize offers and creative content, always tying technology adoption to measurable business outcomes. The goal is to augment human capabilities, not replace them, creating an ecosystem where small store operators and their frontline employees become heroes to their customers.

bp’s pioneering work exemplifies how thoughtful integration of AI and cloud infrastructure can empower small businesses to thrive in a competitive market. By combining local knowledge with cutting-edge technology, mom-and-pop convenience stores can deliver personalized, efficient, and delightful experiences that keep customers coming back.