Kroger Co., the Cincinnati-based operator of 791 convenience stores, 1,100 supermarket fueling stations and 2,435 grocery stores, has hired Suzanne Lindsay as director of sustainability, a new position leading the grocer’s sustainability initiatives. Lindsay, who previously created and led the sustainability efforts at PetSmart Inc., will lead Kroger’s Sustainability Leadership Team. “We have made substantial [...]
Shell is hosting several “No Other Gasoline Protects Better” Gasoline Giveaways across the nation to celebrate the launch of its new Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines. With advanced engine technologies increasingly coming to the market and consumers keeping their cars longer, Shell recognizes it is becoming more important for consumers to protect their vehicles from lower-quality [...]
Energy shots showed remarkable growth in 2011 and are on the same meteoric rise that energy drinks experienced four years ago, but they appeal to a different demographic. That was the uplifting news in a 2011 report on energy shots from Chicago-based research firm Mintel International. For example, the largest consumer group of 5-hour Energy, [...]
The energy drink market has been on an upward growth trajectory since 2010 and with the improvement in the economy is expected to continue on this positive growth path, according to Chicago-based research firm Mintel International. Energy drink sales were up about 16% in 2011 in convenience stores, as well as up about 16% across [...]
As customers seek more healthful beverages options, look for robust tea sales in 2012 and beyond. Packaged Facts projected that the retail tea market is set to grow from approximately 6.6% in 2012 to 8.7% in 2014, reaching $8.3 billion in that year. Tea was up 5.1% in 2011, according to Chicago-based research firm Mintel [...]
Back-office systems will continue to serve c-store operators better in 2012 and beyond. “The quality of point-of-sale (POS) software that is available now, and at lower prices, is changing the market,” said Rick Yost, operations manager for Dead River Co. in Bangor, Maine. “There are some great products out there moving into the clouds, where [...]
The prospects for OTP throughout 2012 are good, as growth remains strong. But a swelling number of revenue-strapped state legislatures continue to hungrily eye the category. “I think the category will continue to expand,” predicted Matt Hieb, category manager for Gate Petroleum, which operates 225 convenience stores in six Southeastern states.“The growth of the brands [...]
Look for a rise in consumer demand for milk, and an increased interest in flavored products in 2012. “We see flavors, particularly chocolate milk, as a key opportunity at convenience stores in 2012,” said Vivien Godfrey, CEO, MilkPEP. “Convenience stores are really over indexed in terms of flavored milk, so of all milk sold in [...]
C-store retailers can expect to see continued growth in the pizza category in 2012. “Pizza has good hold times, is a consumer favorite and is relatively easy to prepare. Sales will be up in 2012,” said Tim Powell, director for Chicago-based research firm Technomic. Trends to watch in 2012 include an increase in take-and-bake pizzas, [...]
After adding the new ThermoFresh Digital Server and Brewing system Jiffy Mart expects an increase in sales and a decrease in waste. Partnering with Lacas Coffee and Cooper Booth Wholesale, Jiffy Mart Convenience Store Chain has revamped its coffee program. Jiffy Mart has moved away from its mix of air pots and glass pots, upgrading [...]
“Not only do both companies share a Louisville heritage, Churchill Downs and Thorntons have an ongoing commitment to customers and fans, our loyal team members and associates, as well as to the community itself,” says Thorntons CEO. Thorntons Inc. has announced an extension of its partnership with Louisville, Ky.-based Churchill Downs Inc. as the “Convenience [...]
Report by anti-smoking groups condemns c-stores for point-of-sale tobacco marketing. A new report, titled “Deadly Alliance: How Tobacco Companies and Convenience Stores Partner to Market Tobacco Products and Fight Life-Saving Policies” has been released by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Counter Tobacco (a project that works to counter tobacco product sales and marketing at the [...]
“LiftRetail Solutions extends our digital media reach into the convenience store environment,” says VeriFone spokesperson. VeriFone Systems Inc. has announced the acquisition of LIFT Retail Marketing Technology Inc., the provider of a digital marketing system designed to increase sales for convenience stores. Financial terms were not disclosed. LIFT Retail, based in Atlanta, developed and markets [...]
“I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, which is all I think that any conscious entity can ever hope to do.” — From the HAL 9000 computer, 2001: A Space Odyssey When it comes to technology solutions for your business it is easy to get carried away with the latest-and-greatest gadgets and solutions. [...]
What do you get when a Navy SEAL decides to develop an anti-inflammatory supporting sports recovery drink? You get awesome in a can. Kill Cliff, an Atlanta-based company has developed and launched Kill Cliff, a tasty new addition to the Recovery Beverage Category. The product is lightly carbonated with a blood orange flavor only 15 [...]