Some 65% of customers say they select a location based on the price sign at the store. Gas prices play a significant role in how consumers feel about the economy overall, according to the results from the new 2013 NACS Consumer Fuels Report. Nearly nine of 10 consumers (88%) surveyed in the national poll of [...]
Female consumers are more likely to be swayed by cash discounts than males. Price, deals, discounts and loyalty programs are increasingly influencing where consumers purchase gas, how much they spend, and which brands they purchase, finds recent motor fuels research by The NPD Group. Volatile gas prices and a challenging economic environment have taught fuel [...]
Cocoa producer offers insight into the future at the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair. While consumers always expect a personal experience, they are also interested in convenience and authenticity, at least according to Barry Callebat’s predictions for the chocolate market of 2014. The sector is constantly changing, and with it, so is consumer demand. In [...]
The acquisition will expand the lineup of foodservice products, including ice machines and refrigerators. Hoshizaki Electric Co. Ltd. has announced the acquisition of Jackson MSC Inc., a newly formed subsidiary of Hoshizaki USA Holdings Inc. Jackson, an American dishwasher manufacturer located in Gray, Ky. was previously owned by The Manitowoc Co. “We’re excited to add [...]
Team Oil secures its future as an employee-focused organization by promoting from within. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Tony and Eric Huppert, owners of Team Oil Inc. of Spring Valley, Wis., have promoted Carrie Vanasse to head of operations, following Tony’s announcement this year of his upcoming retirement. The succession plan was implemented to secure [...]
Whether it’s a fire, a natural disaster or protecting yourself from slip-and-fall lawsuits, convenience store operators must have the proper coverage to protect their investments. By Mark E. Battersby, Contributing Editor. Can any convenience store chain, franchisee or independent gasoline marketer withstand the financial hit of a fire that results in a two-month shutdown of [...]
From PCI compliance to loyalty programs, ensuring customers that their private information is secure and being used appropriately is essential in gaining their trust. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Consumers trust retailers with vital personal information every day. For their sake—and yours—protect it. It’s not as hard as some may fear. There are some basic [...]
By: John Matthews, founder of Gray Cat Enterprises. With the New Year upon us, planning for your annual merchandising and promotional schedule should be in place. For the multi-store operator, identifying the key initiatives for each of the merchandising categories is critical to remaining on plan (and on budget) throughout the year. Each category should [...]
By: John Matthews, founder of Gray Cat Enterprises. It is official. As of Dec. 5, Gray Cat Enterprises marks the longest consecutive stint in my background for one place. Gray Cat Enterprises hit eight years, 244 days old on Dec. 5, which now surpasses the time I spent at Little Caesars. It is hard to [...]
Donations up 5% over 2011. Through generous donations from its customers, vendors and employees, Speedway LLC contributed $6.4 million to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in 2012, propelling the company’s total fundraising to more than $53 million since 1991. Donations in 2012 were up 5% over the previous year and benefitted 17 member children’s hospitals. “Crossing [...]
“It is important to note that if you do nothing, it will be presumed by the court that you accept the terms of the proposed settlement,” says NACS president. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Court has ruled that an appeal of the proposed swipe fee settlement that was announced July 13, 2012, [...]
No. 33 Hunt Brothers Pizza to debut at the Texas Motor Speedway in April. Hunt Brothers Pizza will be the primary sponsor for four races with Richard Childress Racing’s new 2013 Chevrolet Camaro NASCAR Nationwide Racecar. Kevin Harvick will drive No. 33 at the Texas Motor Speedway on April 13, 2013. “We are eager for [...]
“The most important question for any organization is this: Are we changing as fast as the world around us?” says industry consultant. During a time when convenience organizations are struggling to remain relevant, while combating increasing competitive pressures and operating costs, poor human capital ROI, and customers whose loyalty is to the store selling the [...]
It takes very little real estate to offer a world of flavors. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. A year and a half ago, Scott Zaremba removed all the roller grills from his Zarco 66 stores. “We weren’t doing a very good job of merchandising them, so they became almost an expense item for us,” the [...]