Taking Social Media to the Next Level

Taking Social Media to the Next Level

C-stores are adding Facebook pages, but to profit from social media, retailers need to also engage fans with text and email marketing campaigns. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Anyone still questioning the power of social media need only look to Japan. The country, which between earthquakes, tsunamis and radiation fears has seen tourism drop, is [...]

Pilot Flying J Introduces My Pilot iPhone App

Pilot Flying J Introduces My Pilot iPhone App

“We believe the new and improved features of the app will provide helpful information, added convenience and peace of mind for our customers,” says Pilot Flying J spokesperson. Pilot Flying J has launched My Pilot, a new iPhone application designed to assist professional drivers and motorists as they plan trips and stop to refuel and [...]

FDA Issues Warning Letters To Tobacco Retailers

FDA Issues Warning Letters To Tobacco Retailers

More than 1,200 retailers that sell tobacco receive warnings about violations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent warning letters to more than 1,200 retailers, the majority of which respond to violations relating to selling tobacco to minors, as part of its ongoing effort to reduce tobacco use among children. While most retail establishments [...]

BP, Mark Oil Co. Donate $20,000

BP, Mark Oil Co. Donate $20,000

Donation to benefit Charlotte, N.C. youth and adults with physical and visual disabilities. To fuel the spirit of BP’s sponsorship of the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, Charlotte, N.C.-based BP distributor, Mark Oil Co., is teaming up with Paralympic Sport Metrolina to help raise awareness of the benefits of recreational and competitive sports for [...]

Preparing for Future Payment Systems

Preparing for Future Payment Systems

First it was PCI, now retailers have to prepare for the widespread launch of Near Field Communications, which is expected to become a widely used system for making payments by smartphone in the U.S. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. The convenience store industry is increasingly turnings its gaze outdoors to the forecourt, not only for [...]

Making the Most Out of Meat Snacks

Making the Most Out of Meat Snacks

Led by category captain Jack Link’s, Huck’s Food and Fuel has been experiencing double-digit growth in this core snacking segment. Meat snack manufacturers are targeting new customers with innovative flavors, new packaging and an attractive price point. Leading the charge to meet the changing needs of the consumer is Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, which markets [...]

Celebrate America Recycles Day

Celebrate America Recycles Day

West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association works to recycle and encourages other organizations to join in the cause ahead of America Recycles Day. The West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association, representing convenience stores, independent groceries and petroleum marketers across the state, is working to do its part to recycle and conserve resources. The [...]

Alon Brands Announces New Trade Name

Alon Brands Announces New Trade Name

New marketplace identity positions Alon Brands for the next generation. Alon Brands, the Dallas-based supplier and marketer of fuels and the largest licensee of 7-Eleven in the U.S., is changing the company’s trade name and associated brand mark from FINA to ALON. In a process that will occur during the next 10 months, the company [...]

7-Eleven Celebrates Veteran’s Day

7-Eleven Celebrates Veteran’s Day

“With this year’s Veteran’s Day falling on 11/11/11, the timing seemed perfect to say thank-you to the men and women serving our great country.  For those who are here, we can say thank-you with a free Slurpee.  For those serving, we hope to raise enough funds to help the USO distribute 40,000 care packages,” says [...]

Circle K Buys 26 Stores From Chico Enterprises Inc.

Circle K Buys 26 Stores From Chico Enterprises Inc.

Following the acquisition, Circle K will operate 29 locations in western Pennsylvania. Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.’s Circle K has acquired 26 stores in three states from Chico Enterprises Inc. of Morgantown, W.Va., the Pittsburgh Tribune Review reported. Seven of those stores are located in western Pennsylvania, including outlets in North Fayette and in Dunbar, Fayette County, [...]

7-Eleven, Coca-Cola Help Protect Polar Bears’ Habitat

7-Eleven, Coca-Cola Help Protect Polar Bears’ Habitat

Partnership enhances The Coca-Cola Co.’s “Arctic Home” campaign, supporting World Wildlife Fund to conserve polar bears’ arctic habitat. Coca-Cola and 7-Eleven are joining forces this holiday season to give customers a chance to have some chilly fun for a great cause. The initiative is part of The Coca-Cola Co.’s “Arctic Home” campaign, which supports World [...]

Do You Have the Staff You Deserve?

Do You Have the Staff You Deserve?

QC Mart comes under fire after the chain’s owner launched a contest asking employees to guess which employee would be fired next. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. In October, the Iowa Des Moines Register reported on the curious plight of William Ernst, the owner of QC Mart in Bettendorf, Iowa. Faced with employees who were [...]

Susser Reports Operating Results

Susser Reports Operating Results

“We delivered one of our strongest quarters ever in same-store merchandise sales growth during the latest quarter, and despite higher gasoline prices versus a year ago, we achieved strong growth in gallons sold,” says Susser CEO. Susser Holdings Corp. has reported strong financial and operating results for the third quarter ended Oct. 2, 2011, driven [...]