Fast Phil’s is making its mark with redesigned stores, innovative card programs, consistent low prices and generous employee benefits. Reliability, a word thatall retailers strive to achievenowadays, is the first wordthat comes to mind whenFast Phil’s is mentioned to local residentsin southern North Carolina. Thechain, which has 12 stores spread outover Troutman, Mooresville, Yadkinvilleand Statesville,…
the new age of convenience
Megan Ramey created a convenience concept for worldly urbanites that is a true departure from the gas stations Bubba is used to. From the street, the MoCoMarket in Madison, Wis. looksmore like a beauty salon or a furniturestorewith its large frontwindows and minimalist, communal-stylebench seatingthan a convenience store.Once inside, customers are captivatedby its bamboo floors,…
cstore financing know your options
Alternative lenders may be offering better deals than traditional banks. Waking up in a cold sweatover those burgeoning paymentson the adjustable ratebank loan you took out for yourc-store? Stop sweating it! With a little preparationand someone to guide you throughthe processyou can probably get a muchlower, fixed-rate payment using one of severalalternative-financing methods. Frequently referred…
bright future for smokeless sales
Once upon a time, cigarettes were the embodiment of“cool.” Then came the health concerns. Then came thegovernment regulations. Cigarette smoking has reacheda point where it is so severely sneered upon that manycities have outright banned smoking in public establishments. Itshould be a surprise to no one that cigarette sales and gross profitmargins have been steadily…
freshness in full bloom
Exotic sushi, ready-made salads and fresh-cut fruit are ushering in tasty new eating options while helping customers watch their waistlines. When it comes to developingan exotic fresh food menu, U.S.retailers are drawing on inspirationfrom around the world. Take Torrance, Calif.-based FamimaUSA, for example. The U.S. subsidiary ofJapan’s FamilyMart Co. is drawing on itsJapanese heritage by…
payment alternatives show promise
Retailers work around expensive credit card processing fees while integrating rewards for customer loyalty. Due to the competitive nature of the current conveniencestore climate, retaining a loyal customer base ismore important than ever. But even when a store has astrong customer base, it can still be hurt by the excessiveprocessing costs on credit card transactions…
the all candy expo sweetens chicago
Over 20,000 show up for biggest event in candy. The National Confectioners Association (NCA) concluded its annual All Candy Expo yesterday in Chicago. Sponsored by the NCA, the All Candy Expo boasted 2,000 new products from nearly 500 exhibitors from 75 different countries. Top trends driving product releases of 2007/08 included: new flavor fusions focusing…
chevron supports annual marathon
Company extends sponsorship until 2013. Chevron is keeping people running as it extends its sponsorship contract for the Chevron Houston Marathon, according to runnersweb.com. The Chevron Houston Marathon is the nation’s premier winter marathon, annually attracting participants from all 50 states and more than 30 foreign countries. The race has been going on for 35…
quiktrip moving into the spring center
The arrangement “will be among the first of its kind in an arena, stadium or entertainment venue,” Tulsa, Okla.-based QuikTrip will open a store in Sprint Center as part of a multi-year partnership with the Kansas City arena, built to host sports and entertainment events. The arrangement “will be among the first of its kind…
cigars accelerating category profits by increasing strategic focus
Cigar dollar sales experienced strong growth again increasing 14% in 2006, according to ACNielsen. And, Richard Fasanelli, vice president of John Middleton Inc. adds, "We continue to uncover additional growth opportunities with retail customers by applying strategies less common to cigars, but very common in other major tobacco categories." Don’t miss this opportunity to hear…