Lil’ Drug Store Products and AriZona Beverages, the makers of AriZona Iced Teas, have partnered to introduce new AriZona RX Energy Quick Shots. The new AriZona RX Energy Quick Shots were unveiled and sampled last month at the National Association of Convenience Stores trade show in Chicago. The energy drinks are expected to be sold…
Cups for Customers On-the-Go
The new Deli-Wave Cup from PWP Industries challenges assumptions about how a deli cup can turn a typical deli experience into a premium one. The new container sports a unique, sophisticated wave design that stands out on the shelf and protects food with superior strength. A secure, air-tight seal locks in freshness for maximum product…
Outdoor Payment Terminal
Gilbarco has expanded its range of compliant payment solutions with the introduction of its fully-certified FlexPay CRIND. The free-standing FlexPay OPT packages Gilbarco’s PCI and EMV compliant FlexPay terminal as an Island Card Reader that can be positioned next to the pump and support single or multiple fuel dispensers. FlexPay OPT supports Gilbarco’s Generic and…
High-Volume Liquid Coffee
The LCR-3 HV, Bunn’s new high-volume liquid coffee dispenser, brings a new level of ease and convenience to serving large amounts of coffee with easy, cost-effective operations, electronic controls and many other unique features. Its stainless steel outer cabinet allows the unit to easily fit into a commercial kitchen environment. Minimal operator training is required…
Small Booths, Big Ideas
Sure, there were mammoth setups at the NACS show at McCormick Place in Chicago last month. Some, like the energy drink makers whose legions of gorgeous gals were sporting free samples, boasted booths worthy of their own postal code. Likewise with the Dresser Wayne and Gilbarco Veeder-Root displays, whose setups offered a cornucopia of innovative…
Examining Alternative Options
One of my specialties has been dealing with the importance of liquidating marginal stores and trying to find solutions for sites that no longer are appropriate for continued retail petroleum use. I recently experienced an amusing encounter that reflects some interesting differences in the direction that our industry may be taking from one coast to…
Measuring Up Your Supplier
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…