MASSILLON, Ohio — Since launching its branded app and website with OpenStore just over one year ago, convenience-store chain BellStores, owned and operated by Campbell Oil Co., said it has more than 600 daily app users and has achieved record download rates.

In addition to reaching customers in the mobile environment through digital coupons, marketing specialist for Campbell Oil, Jake Patton said, “we’re seeing increased foot traffic, and they’re normally not just picking up a free product, they’re putting other items in their baskets as well.”

BellStores uses OpenStore to provide customers with deals, contests and games.

Because of the chain’s success, OpenStore selected BellStores to pilot the new vendor-sponsored Coupon Portal.

“Leveraging our vast network of GasBuddy and OpenStore users to bring CPG [consumer packaged goods]-sponsored coupons to our retailer partners has been a no-brainer for us,” said Tony Chidiac, vice president of OpenStore.

“Our relationships with key vendors has actually been strengthened by sponsored coupons,” said Patton.

The Coupon Portal allows manufacturers to drive sales for products while giving retailers the opportunity to use digital coupons.

“The benefits of digital couponing are clear, but how and where to get coupons has always been a challenge for retailers and CPGs in the convenience store space,” said Chidiac, “The Coupon Portal addresses all hurdles of digital couponing while also providing a distribution channel for CPGs that includes millions of end-consumers.“

Gaithersburg, Md.-based OpenStore by GasBuddy is a solution that increases customer loyalty by providing two-way communication between convenience-store owners and customers using web technologies and custom-branded mobile applications. The OpenStore dashboard allows the user to collect customer feedback, manage social media, deliver mobile coupons and text message campaigns from one location.

Massillon, Ohio-based Campbell Oil established BellStores in 1996 as a wholly owned subsidiary to operate retail facilities that include Marathon branded gasoline, convenience stores, car washes and foodservice operations. BellStores currently operates 54 convenience stores and 21 foodservice stores within 13 counties.