Today’s fast-paced retail environment demands that convenience store owners invest in retail systems that not only speed up service, but do more to help chains reduce operating costs. Back office isn’t backstage. What happens there directly affects customers, so retailers need to get it right. Today’s systems must be able to offer useful services, such…
Dairy Facing Higher Costs
Closer management of the dairy category will be crucial in 2011. According to the U.S. Dairy Association (USDA), dairy will be among the food groups with the highest price increases in 2011—4.5 to 5.5%—due to rising energy and cattle-feed costs. While the industry has evolved, many chains, such as Byrne Dairy Co. in Syracuse, N.Y.,…
Just Born Debuts New PEEPS At Expo
Just Born is continuing to take its PEEPS candies to new frontiers with its new generation of Chocolate Dipped PEEPS. At The Sweets & Snacks Expo, May 24-26 in Chicago, Just Born plans to introduce the following new PEEPS dipped in either creamy-rich milk or dark chocolate: The PEEPSTER Volkswagen “chick” has been on a…
“Dented” Demand, No Matter, Gasoline Prices to continue Higher
By Brian L. Milne, Refined Fuels Editor, Telvent DTN Retail gasoline prices in the U.S. have more upside despite broader market concern that high commodity prices would crimp the global economic recovery and, in turn, dampen demand for oil and its byproducts like gasoline. High gasoline prices act as an additional tax on American consumers,…
GasBuddy.com Teams up with Pricelock
“Visitors to GasBuddy will now find solutions on this community-driven site, which will bring value to both retail and business customers,” says Pricelock spokesperson. GasBuddy.com, which allows customers to find low real-time retail gas and diesel prices in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada, has teamed with Pricelock, an online provider of fuel and risk…
Casey’s Adds New Leaf Brands To Product Mix
“New Leaf teas were initially placed in the Casey’s stores on the first of the year and the consumer acceptance has been outstanding,”says New Leaf spokesperson. Casey’s General Stores Inc. has introduced New Leaf Brands all-natural, healthy beverages to its coolers at more than 1,600 stores in 10 Midwestern states including: Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois,…
Tom Brokaw To Speak At NACS Show
“It is fitting that as NACS celebrates its rich history and accomplishments during its 50th anniversary that we will hear insights from one of the preeminent chroniclers of our time,” says NACS’ Convention Chairman. The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) has announced Newsman Tom Brokaw as a Closing General Session speaker for the NACS…
Gulf Oil Teams With The Cardinals
“We are paving the way of the future by working with a high level group of partners like the St. Louis Cardinals who understand that we’re in this together to raise the loyalty bar again,” says Gulf spokesperson. Gulf Oil has announced a new sponsorship agreement with Major League Baseball’s (MLB) St. Louis Cardinals. The…
Fuel My Passion Sweepstakes Begins
From now until June 22, customers can upload photos showing the “Power of V” sign alongside their favorite vehicle for a chance to win a number of prizes. Consumers can now participate in the third annual Shell V-Power “Fuel My Passion” Sweepstakes for a chance to win great prizes, including Shell V-Power premium gasoline for…
McDonald’s Coffee Customers Most Loyal
In a study comparing McDonald’s, Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts customers, McDonald’s coffee customers are the least likely to stray. McDonald’s coffee customers are the most loyal compared to those who frequent Starbucks Corp. and Dunkin’ Donuts, a study by market research firm CustomersDNA LLC found. The currently unpublished study involved 15,000 fast-food customers who answered…