Finding Financing in a Tight Market

Finding Financing in a Tight Market

Money is tight, but some convenience store operators are finding the means to finance remodels or even acquisitions. Generally speaking, the availability of money depends on the size of the operator, according to Mark Radosevich, president of PetroProperties & Finance LLC in Miami. “The guys who are moderate size to large generally have relationships with [...]

Understanding the new  Healthcare System

Understanding the new Healthcare System

Healthcare Reform: Key Takeaways In 2014, convenience store businesses employing more than 50 workers will be required to provide health coverage and most people will be required to have health insurance. The tax on high-cost “Cadillac” policies will not go into effect until 2018; the increase in Medicare payroll taxes begins in 2013; while the [...]

Targeting Customers Through Store Design

Targeting Customers Through Store Design

When Towns Mart enlisted the services of Design Fabrications (DFab) to create an inviting shopping environment for a new store it was constructing in Washington Township, Mich. in 2007, the chain was looking to broaden its customer base through an upgraded design. “We were targeting female and upscale customers by trying to achieve an open [...]

Promoting  Pizza’s Popularity

Promoting Pizza’s Popularity

According to Mintel, an independent provider of market research, sales at the 16 leading pizza restaurants grew only 1.2% into 2008 to $16.6 billion. Among the challenges facing pizza providers is the public’s desire for healthier products as opposed to “high-calorie, high-fat pizza offerings and limited menu variety, which may be more of a turn-off [...]

Breakfast Battle Brewing

Breakfast Battle Brewing

Bundling with Bakery Rick Lawlor, vice president of retail sales and marketing for Hess Corp., said his company began growing breakfast sales when it added an old favorite for customers who want a sweet with their coffee: doughnuts. “There are a number of ways we’ve been growing our breakfast business, the most significant being our [...]

Cornering the  Nontraditional  Market

Cornering the Nontraditional Market

Behind the Brand: Key Decision Makers • Daniel McCabe, President: McCabe has served as the president and a director of McColla Enterprises since 1987. McCabe is an attorney licensed to practice law in New York and in North Carolina, and maintains a business law practice in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He also acts as the chief legal [...]

The Benefits of Going Green

The Benefits of Going Green

An Illinois CITGO fuel marketer became the first gas station owner in the nation to receive the Green Business League award for its efforts to reduce energy and minimize its environmental footprint. Dave Welch, president of Deerfield CITGO, began his journey toward achieving a green business in June 2009, when he and a consultant started [...]

Welcome Back NAG

Welcome Back NAG

As the industry continues its rapid evolution, CSD is stepping up its efforts to provide convenience store operators with the tools they need to be successful. To that end, CSD is proud to announce two premiere events in the coming months. First and foremost, the National Advisory Group (NAG) begins its rise back to prominence [...]

Energy Sales Hold Strong

Energy Sales Hold Strong

Familiarity with shifting consumer attitudes amidst a turbulent economy–and the willingness to make changes in the cooler if need be–could help retailers cash in big with isotonics and energy drinks this year. “If you’re intent on raising your share in that marketplace then I think you have to get in touch with who that user [...]