Roadrunner Markets of Johnson City, Tenn., has hired Creative Energy to create and manage the social media strategy for the chain’s 92 convenience store locations in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. “Social media is an effective way to reach out to your customers and have a relationship with them,” said Creative Energy’s social…
Valero Adds Touch-Screen POS System
Valero Energy Corp. has approved the Nucleus point-of-sale (POS) system by Dresser Wayne, an innovator of fuel dispensers and technologies, for implementation at Valero-branded fuel sites across the U.S. The popular touch-screen POS system has demonstrated its compatibility with the Valero payment network and seamless integration with Valero operations. To celebrate the announcement, both Dresser…
Man Cave Sweepstakes Begins
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky has announced its Wild Side Man Cave sweepstakes and promotion, underway now. Using the unique code found of specially marked Jack Link’s packages, brand enthusiasts can explore the elusive Sasquatch’s “man cave” online and register for a chance to win a Wild Side Man Cave of their own. As no true…
Today’s Top Snack Trends
The Food Channel has released its top 10 snack trends, one of its regular trend reports prepared in conjunction with CultureWaves, Mintel International and the International Food Futurists. “These trends are meant to inspire your back-to-school snacking,” said Kay Logsdon, editor-in-chief of The Food Channel. “But they also show how people are eating today, with…
Is Your Land At Risk?
The question of eminent domain may sound scary and far fetched, but as a convenience store owner your land could in fact be seized by a municipality. It happens more than you think, said noted attorney William Goldman, who works with landowners facing this threat to ensure they get what they deserve. Goldman, and his…
Delivering the Goods
Winning Over CPG Customers According to a new study commissioned by MEI Computer Technology Group Inc., there is an increased emphasis on improving trade promotion effectiveness, as consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers look to bolster the value and return on their trade spend, and capture wallet share from consumers. Despite the current climate,…
Driving Car Wash Profits
Increasing profits at the car wash depends on two tasks: drawing new customers and tempting current customers to increase the frequency of their visits. Determining which tactics will best accomplish these feats is where it gets complicated. Tactics that are working for many in the industry include touting loyalty programs, embarking on water-saving initiatives, participating…
Maintaining Strong Energy Sales
It had to happen sometime. Energy drinks, arguably the most popular convenience store product in the early-to-middle years of the decade, have begun to slow their sharp rise. Call it a correction, perhaps. A report released last month on the category by research firm Mintel showed that while growth in the category from 2005-2010 was…
Coffee’s Popularity Surges
You wouldn’t think something as simple as coffee could prove to be so complex a phenomenon—or one so indispensable to Americans. Turns out America can see its reflection in a cup of coffee—its economic worries, its desires for variety and small-scale luxury, and even its hopes for a brighter future. All of that swirls together…
Sweetening Cigar Sales
Small filtered cigarellos represent a real albeit temporary opportunity for convenience stores to rack up sales, so get going before the window of opportunity slams shut. These diminutive cigars have gained strong appeal among smokers laboring to afford cigarettes in the wake of multiple tobacco tax hikes. The price differential between filtered cigars and cigarettes…