Fas Mart to acquire the Virginia and Tennessee units. Wise, Va.-based Double Kwik markets has entered into plans to sell its 57 store locations to Mechanicsville, Va.-based GPM Investments. GPM plans to convert the entire Double Kwik chain to its Fas Mart brand across Southwest Virginia and Tennessee, according to The Bristol Herald Courier. “This…
blockbuster deal as altria agrees to acquire john middleton
The $2.9-billion cash deal gives Philip Morris USA control of leading cigar company to complement its initiatives in the smokeless category. In a deal that could dramatically alter the way tobacco products are sold at retail, the parent company of Philip Morris USA, Altria Group Inc., reached a deal today to acquire of John Middleton…
john mcdonald named chevrons chief technology officer
Replaces retiring Donald Paul, Paul Siegele named vice president of strategic planning. Chevron Corp. has promoted John McDonald, the current vice president of strategic planning, to chief technology officer, succeeding Donald Paul, who will retire from the company in 2008 after more than 32 years of service. Paul Siegele, currently vice president of deepwater exploration/projects,…
shell innovates at the pump
Adopt Pay By Touch biometric payment technology at its pumps and inside convenience stores. This week, Shell becomes the first gasoline retailer in the world to adopt Pay By Touch biometric payment technology at its pumps and inside convenience stores. A recognized industry innovator, Shell also is testing attendant hand-held wireless card scanners abroad. Both…
convenience gets no love still
Despite record sales and a growing number of stores that serve as destinations for millions and millions of American consumers everyday, other retail segments continue to take cheap shots at convenience store owners and operators. Need proof? Did you happen to catch the NapaAuto Parts commercial during the Major LeagueBaseball playoffs? “Experience,” the announcer says,“that’s…
nacs by the numbers
With the granddaddy of all c-store trade shows taking place this month, CSD takes a look at some quick statistics for the event. ≈ $1.1 Billion: The estimated amount retailers will be spendingon products, many of which will be on display at the show. ≈ 79: The percentage of attendees who plan to buy one…
nacs show expo two fun things you must do
Approximately 79% ofall attendees plan to buy one or more ofthe products or services they discovered atthe NACS Show last year. Follow-up researchindicates that actual purchases six to ninemonths after the event are even higher thanwhat was planned. The show hours are: Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 12 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 from 12 p.m.-5:30…
diversified tobacco offering
Specialty and imported tobacco brands offer retailers an opportunity to cultivate a promising profit center. Retailers looking to develop an effective strategy forboosting sales would be wise to examine specialty andimported tobacco brands. Specialty tobacco shops havealready come to realize that brands like Djarum are attractinga new base of consumers that expect quality and value.…
a small rush
Living Essentials’ 5-Hour Energy is helping retailers capitalize on consumers’ needs for a timely energy boost. After surveying the flood of energydrinks introduced over the pastfew years, Living Essentials noticeda weakness in the category. Themajority of drinks continued to grow in packagesize and contained too much sugarand herbal stimulants. To fill the void of people…
a seed of profitability
Zotes is transforming the seed category with innovative marketing and unique packaging. It has been an unexpected and exciting last two years for ZotesSunflower Co., as the seeds steadily climbed to its current numberone spot in the category touting convenient packaging andunique flavors. While other seeds in the category are packaged in bags anddisplayed on…