The martyrs in the retail world may think they’re alone as they move to counter the forces perpetually squeezing their profit margins—credit card fees, consumer spending slow-downs, a credit crunch and increased operating costs—but there’s an often-overlooked ally at their disposal: suppliers. “The supplier representative knows a lot of the retailer’s history and a lot…
Calling All Cars
Like so many facets of a convenience store operation, a car wash can attract new customers and enhance revenue, but only when handled correctly. In this instance, correct handling means everything from finding a big enough location, knowing the competition, having the right type of equipment to focus on speed of service, providing for preventive…
Progress in Processing
Convenience store operators’ turbulent relationship with the credit card industry is set to enter a new phase in 2009 as a pair of legislative initiatives—one for consumers, the other a point of serious contention for retailers—come front and center. From both angles, facing off with credit card companies over the huge profits they’ve been reaping…
Keeping Costs in Check
Cutting costs won’t necessarily bring more customers into your store, but it will boost your bottom line. And though heaven knows costs are tough to cut these days, there is one way convenience retailers can save a bundle—by lowering food waste. C-store retailers seeking to win more customers by expanding food offerings should become vigilant…
Getting (and Keeping) Customers Inside
Looking for ways to keep your customers coming into your store? You’re not alone. Consumers may understand that convenience retailers need to raise prices, but that doesn’t stop them from buying elsewhere, especially when it comes to buying prepared food. “Food is certainly a good draw, but it’s one of several important factors,” said Sandy…
Chicken Facts
Though fried chicken remains the category leader, rotisserie-cooked chicken is rapidly growing in popularity. Results from the annual Consumer Market for Chicken 1,000 Household Survey show that 23% of respondents had purchased rotisserie chicken in four weeks prior to the survey. Results also showed that 25- to 34-year-olds are the least likely to have made…
Unleashing the Profit Potential of Meat Snacks
C-store operators need to transcend mere impulse merchandising and gain a real understanding of shifting consumer demographics in order to make the most of the meat snack category. Long considered a convenience store staple, meat snacks—primarily dried snacks and pork rinds—are enjoying a renaissance with the addition of many new flavors, new packaging and better…
Drinking For Thinking
Whether they’re touting benefits such as arthritis relief, tanning power or sedation, functional beverages have long surpassed the passé point of added nutrition. You can divvy up the functional beverage category any way you want: Brain-power libation like Brainiac, by Function Drinks; arthritis-battling brew like Joint Juice, by Joint Juice Inc.; or the sun-tanning stew,…
Ruler Cooler
Sarah Jackson and David Oberman may not realize it, but as a pair they embody a curious trend in the c-store industry’s packaged beverage category these days. “I used to drink energy drinks every day,” said Oberman, 20, standing outside a TravelCenters of America on Interstate 90 at the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. “I was an energy…
Chevron Honored as 2008 Chain of the Year
It’s been a challenging year for convenience store operators, marked by wild fuel price fluctuations and exorbitant credit card fees. Despite the adversity, Chevron stood apart as one of the premier industry leaders. By advancing its Image Refresh program, growing the Texaco brand and introducing a no-fee credit card for its branded marketers, it was…