Convenience Store Managers’ Lived Experience Using Information Technology Investments and Capabilities

This qualitative descriptive phenomenological study aimed to investigate how convenience store managers portrayed their experiences with IT capabilities and investments. The study focused on convenience store managers in the Northeastern United States. The researcher employed a qualitative methodology with a descriptive phenomenological design. Ten participants, overseeing at least four employees and possessing extensive managerial experience, shared their firsthand experiences through 60–90-minute semi-structured interviews.The methodology section delineated the research approach, specifying participant selection criteria and the data-gathering procedure. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews via GoToMeeting to ensure confidentiality and convenience. Giorgi’s five-step descriptive phenomenological approach guided the analysis of the data. Two primary research questions (RQ1 and RQ2) guided the investigation of IT investments and capabilities. Findings illuminated six constituents: (1) strategic vision, (2) operational efficiency, (3) continuous improvement, (4) team acceptance, (5) balancing technology adoption, and (6) industry challenges. The chapter concluded with a summary of key findings, paving the way for Chapter Five, which explored implications, recommendations, and avenues for further research. The study acknowledged potential limitations, including the small sample size and regional focus, which affected the generalizability of findings. Despite these limitations, the research provided valuable insights into IT adoption in convenience stores, highlighting the need for customized solutions