Retail Location Strategies to Maximize Charger Accessibility and Foot Traffic 

Retail success is increasingly tied to experience and convenience. As more consumers prioritize destinations that align with their lifestyles, retailers have a unique opportunity to attract and retain customers by integrating EV charging into their locations. A well-placed charger is a strategic asset that increases dwell time, drives foot traffic, and enhances brand perception. 

The impact of EV charging can be maximized through strategic location planning. High-visibility, easily accessible chargers near store entrances, main walkways, and high-traffic areas maximize usage and customer engagement. Retailers must also consider factors such as power availability, parking flow, ADA compliance, and future scalability to ensure long-term success. 

Lynkwell’s in-house project management and site planning team specializes in optimizing charger placement to maximize both business impact and driver convenience. With expertise in site design, power assessments, and seamless charger integration, we help retailers make informed decisions that support customer satisfaction and long-term profitability. By prioritizing strategic EV charger deployment, retailers can position themselves as destinations in an increasingly competitive landscape. 

Strategic Location Placement  

Proximity is one of the most powerful factors in driving foot traffic to retail and commercial locations. A study by Boston University and the University of Washington revealed that retailers within 0.12 miles (200 meters) of EV chargers experienced a 4 percent increase in visits each month after installation, highlighting how the presence of charging stations can help retailers capture more foot traffic and market share from EV owners. 

Moreover, dwell time—the amount of time customers spend at a location—can directly translate into increased sales. PathIntelligence found that a 1 percent increase in dwell time leads to a 1.3 percent sales boost. Consider this example from Bloom Intelligence: if a customer spends 60 minutes at a restaurant, typically spending $30 per table, extending their visit by just 6 minutes can result in an additional $3.90 in sales per table. With EV charging sessions typically lasting around 50 minutes, this extended engagement is an opportunity for retailers to significantly increase revenue per customer. 

High-Value Demographics: 

EV drivers represent a valuable consumer demographic, particularly in the context of retail. According to the Transportation Energy Institute, 44 percent of EV owners earn more than $100,000 annually, positioning them as prime targets for premium retailers. 

Additionally, EV owners are more likely to frequent stores that prioritize providing convenient access to EV charging. Retailers like Whole Foods and IKEA are seeing 1.7 to 1.8 times more foot traffic from EV drivers, according to Numerator. For early adopters in the retail EV charging space, this presents a strategic advantage—those who cater to EV drivers have the potential to build a loyal customer base that regularly stops for both charging and shopping. 

Visibility & Convenience  

When it comes to EV charging, visibility and convenience are paramount. By listing charging stations on popular apps like PlugShare, retailers position themselves as waypoints for route-planning EV drivers. At Lynkwell, our project management team ensures new charging locations are added to platforms like PlugShare and Google Maps, which helps increase visibility and organically attract foot traffic. 

Another crucial aspect is the location’s accessibility. Drivers prioritize convenience when choosing where to stop, and this translates into more frequent visits. Urban locations are particularly significant, as 46 percent of EV drivers live in cities, according to the Transportation Energy Institute. City-center charging stations are highly sought after due to the high population density and concentration of commercial activities. Similarly, retailers situated near highways or commuter corridors can cater to drivers in need of mid-route charging, expanding their potential customer base. 

Monetizing Dwell Time  

One of the key advantages of EV charging over traditional gas stations is the extended dwell time. While gas stations typically only see drivers for a few minutes, EV charging creates a window of approximately 50 minutes. This extended engagement provides businesses with the opportunity to increase per-customer spend.  

Retailers can maximize this opportunity by pairing charging with incentives, such as offering rewards for purchases made while charging. For example, offering a “Spend $50, get free charging” promotion can encourage customers to return for future visits, further driving engagement and loyalty. For retailers, this creates an opportunity to build a loyal, repeat customer base. 

However, maximizing the value of dwell time isn’t just about location, it’s also about choosing the right type of charger. The expected time customers spend on-site should align with the charging speed offered. For example, Level 2 chargers are ideal for shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues where visitors stay for an hour or more. Meanwhile, direct current fast chargers (DCFC) cater to businesses with high-turnover traffic, such as convenience stores and travel plazas, where speed is essential. 

Lynkwell simplifies this process with a curated selection of more than 500 charger configurations, helping businesses choose the best fit for their operations and customer needs. Plus, with available incentives and funding opportunities, we ensure businesses get the best return on investment—maximizing both revenue potential and customer engagement. 

Implementation  

To optimize performance and maximize return on investment, businesses must prioritize high-visibility parking spots near store entrances. These areas are not only the most accessible to customers but also offer the highest potential for brand exposure. 

In addition, businesses can take advantage of various incentives that cover up to 100 percent of installation costs. These incentives can help offset the initial expenses of deploying charging infrastructure, making it an even more attractive investment. 

Data-driven decision-making plays a critical role in the long-term success of EV charging projects. Tracking foot traffic patterns and charging session data can help identify underperforming locations that may require infrastructure upgrades or repositioning. By continuously evaluating the performance of charging stations, businesses can ensure their charging infrastructure remains optimized for customer engagement and revenue growth. 

Strategic Location Planning: Key to Maximizing EV Charging ROI 

Strategic location planning is the cornerstone of a successful EV charging infrastructure project. By positioning charging stations in high-traffic areas, catering to high-value demographics, and maximizing dwell time, businesses can create a powerful synergy between EV charging and increased customer engagement. In turn, these efforts not only optimize the performance of EV charging stations but also provide a significant return on investment for retailers, hospitality businesses, and commercial locations. 

At Lynkwell, we understand the importance of thoughtful site selection and planning. Our team works closely with businesses to ensure the successful deployment of EV charging stations that align with both consumer needs and business objectives, helping you take full advantage of the opportunities that come with EV adoption.  

Connect with a member of our team to explore the potential of your retail location.