Mobile accessories have changed from a small selection of add-ons into an important part of the modern forecourt offer. As people rely more on their phones while travelling, products that help them stay connected, charged and on course have become increasingly relevant to service stations and convenience stores.

For retailers, the role of the category is broader than replacing a forgotten cable. It can meet immediate needs, support customers on longer journeys and provide useful products that fit naturally into a travel-focused store.

From occasional purchase to everyday essential

At the start of the millennium, mobile phones were becoming widespread. UK Parliament records that mobile ownership among adults rose from 27% in January 2000 to 73% by August 2001. By 2025, 95% of people aged 16–74 had a smartphone for personal use, according to Ofcom data cited by the Government. These figures use different measures, but they show how dramatically phones have become part of everyday life.

That change has affected what customers may need when they stop at a forecourt. A phone can be used for directions, bookings, payments, communication and entertainment. If its battery is running low, a cable or car charger can help someone continue their journey. A power bank, phone holder or audio accessory can serve a different need.

Mobile accessories have therefore become an essential part of the forecourt retail offer: practical products that support how people travel and use their phones. Ofcom also reported that UK mobile data use increased by 18% in 2025 compared with the previous year. That figure does not measure accessory demand, but it points to the growing role of mobile connectivity in daily life.

The range needs to reflect how customers travel

A useful forecourt range should suit the needs of that store’s customers. Commuters, local drivers and people making longer journeys may look for different products. Retailers can consider which items are most relevant to their location, then build a focused range around them.

Charging products remain central, but customers may also look for a way to keep their phone powered in the car, carry extra battery for a long trip or use audio accessories on the move. The aim is to offer meaningful choice without filling valuable space with too many similar products.

Clear packaging can help customers make a quick decision. Compatibility, connection type and key charging information should be easy to find, especially when someone is shopping in a hurry.

For a product-by-product overview, see The Best Mobile Accessories to Stock in a Forecourt.

Merchandising makes the category easier to shop

The display format should suit the store’s available space, product range and security needs. A compact counter unit may work in a smaller convenience store, while a wall or floor display can give a broader range more room.

Keep related products together and organise them so customers can compare options easily. A clear layout helps customers find what they need and helps staff check stock and spot gaps. Planograms and regular replenishment can support a tidy, consistent display across sites.

GadJet products are stocked in thousands of forecourts and convenience stores across the UK, including sites operated by major retailers such as Moto and Welcome Break, alongside many other retail partners. GadJet also provides retailers with product ranges, displays and merchandising support. Find out more on the GadJet Retailers page.

A lasting part of the forecourt offer

As phones have become part of everyday travel, mobile accessories have taken on a more established role in forecourt retail. The category can help customers solve immediate problems and find practical products for their journeys.

Retailers can review whether their range reflects the needs of their customers, whether products are easy to identify, and whether the display is simple to maintain. These details help make mobile accessories a useful, well-managed part of the wider forecourt offer.