One of the most maligned pieces of equipment in all of foodservice—the roller grill—remains the backbone of many c-store foodservice programs, offering an inexpensive, labor-friendly way for operators to expand their fresh-food offering at a time when other nonfoodservice categories are declining. Roller grill sales are estimated to account for roughly 10-15% of convenience foodservice [...]
Salty snack sales are a surging category and retailers should be going along for the ride. “All chip segments have become accepted mainstream food and that’s not going to change in 2012, said Amer Hawatmeh, president of St. George Oil in St. Louis, operator of six Coast to Coast convenience stores. Part of the attraction [...]
International fare and regionally produced ingredients are the hottest trends in deli department foods, according to “What’s in Store 2012,” the recently released annual trends publication of the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA). Eighty-two percent of consumers enjoy visiting supermarket delis that feature newer and trendier items, regardless of whether they regularly purchase these items. Delis [...]
When sold responsibly, lighters are a dependable source of revenue, even as the number of smokers declines. Lighters are a much-needed tool for the home grill and candles. Another trend helping push lighter sales in c-stores is flavored cigars, which continues to grow at an impressive rate. “Tobacco accessories are alive and well, evolving with [...]
Despite fast-changing customer expectations, shortened product and retail life cycles and rapid technological advancements, many retailers have not taken advantage of opportunities to innovate. By applying new perspectives to established ways of doing business, convenience store retailers can strengthen their competitive and financial positions, improve the customer experience and create a new life cycle of [...]
By Brian L. Milne, Refined Fuels Editor, Telvent DTN Retail gasoline prices continue to advance, with the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) U.S. average for regular grade surging 7.2 cents to a $3.793 gallon nine-month high as of March 5, with further gains to again hike the average when next released. View Telvent DTN’s Weekly and [...]
Snacking Occasion Consumer Trend Report shows customers are snacking more as meals get healthier. Consumers are snacking significantly more now than they were just two years ago. Almost half (48%) of consumers polled say they’re now snacking at least twice a day, compared to 25% in 2010. Restaurants are capitalizing on the growing snacking occasion [...]
“The extension provides Getty with financial flexibility as it begins to execute on its strategy of re-positioning the Getty Marketing assets to stabilize cash flow,” says Getty spokesperson. Getty Realty Corp. has announced that on March 9, 2012 it amended both its $175 million revolving credit facility with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative [...]
TA adds a Dunkin’ Donuts to its Mebane Petro Stopping Center to complement the location’s full-service Iron Skillet restaurant. TravelCenters of America LLC (TA) has announced the opening of Dunkin’ Donuts at the Petro Stopping Center located at I-40/I-85, Exit 157 in Mebane, N.C. The new location will be open from 5 a.m. to 10 [...]
Remodels more than 100 stores. Later this month, Target Corp. plans to complete remodels at more than 100 general merchandise Target stores. Beginning March 25, these stores will offer a full selection of affordable and quality fresh foods to guests across the country. The stores will be the first of three cycles of remodels for [...]
Newly rebuilt store offers increased energy efficiency and more space for fresh and prepared foods. The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. LLC is set to reopen its doors at 7 a.m., March 30 to its Hyde Park, Mass., store located at 1025 Truman Parkway. The newly constructed, energy-efficient store boasts approximately 40,000 square feet, double [...]
Getting one store back in order in just two-and-a-half days proved to be the ultimate retail challenge. By Jim Callahan. One of my retail clients recently had to take back two failed convenience stores—that were in extremely bad condition—from a franchisee on a Wednesday and wanted them back online by the weekend. I love a [...]
The University of Northern Colorado has rolled out a new convenience store brand to satisfy student cravings with products they need at prices they can afford. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. When students rolled into the University of Northern Colorado’s (UNC) University Center this fall, Munchy Mart was waiting. The brand new 1,250-square-foot convenience store, [...]
MSA and Paradigm Sample, in partnership with Convenience Store Decisions, examine the market basket of 18-34-year-old convenience store shoppers. By Trish Temmerman, Contributing Editor. Numerous reports are being written about connecting to and interacting with the Millennial (18-34 year-old) generation. These Millennials, numbering 71 million-plus according to the 2010 U.S. Census, are a key shopper [...]
One in four coffee drinkers are now choosing gourmet products daily as younger consumers embrace upscale brews. By John Lofstock, Editor. Coffee consumption tracks strong and steady, according to the National Coffee Association’s (NCA) National Coffee Drinking Trends, with sales data suggesting a solid footing for future growth. Rebounding youth consumption, strong gourmet allegiance and [...]