Visit frequency slightly declines, according to NPD Group. Less volatile gas prices, along with discount, rewards and loyalty retailer programs, attributed to a rebound in convenience store (c-store) penetration in the quarter ending September 2013, reports The NPD Group, a leading global information company. The percentage of individuals who made a c-store purchase (includes gas…
Slovacek Celebrates New C-Store Opening
Grand opening event in West, Texas to feature “Santa Paws,” free samples, prizes and live Polka music. Slovacek’s is celebrating the grand opening of its newest convenience store location in West, Texas this Sunday, Dec. 8., beginning at 10 a.m. The new site is located at 214 Melodie Dr. To celebrate the launch, the…
Profile of Today’s C-Store Customer
A nationwide survey conducted by Convenience Store Decisions and Study Hall Research examines the impact the fuel offering is having on customers’ perceptions of convenience store foodservice programs. By Joshua Tahan, Study Hall Research and John Lofstock, Convenience Store Decisions Foodservice is a key area of opportunity for convenience stores. As revenues from gasoline and…
Pushing the Limits of Foodservice
Sandwiches are usually the first taste consumers get of your foodservice program, so it had better be love at first bite. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. It was a true David and Goliath moment when Altoona-Pa.-based Sheetz, with 437 locations in six states, recently blocked a bid by Subway, the world’s largest fast food chain…
Burning Issues for 2014
From developing a greater marketing presence with mobile apps and refining your fresh food focus to dealing with Obamacare, c-stores are facing a challenging 12 months. By Erin Rigik and Marilyn Odesser-Torpey. The retail market continues evolving at a rapid pace as 2013 proved to be a breakthrough year for the rise of mobile technology.…
MAPCO Takes Rewards to the Next Level
The convenience store chain has partnered with ShareMeister to allow charitable giving. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Loyalty has become a way of life for convenience stores and MAPCO has the technology covered. The Tennessee-based convenience store chain is moving its My Rewards loyalty program to a more local, personal level for its customers through…
Becoming A Wine Destination
C-stores have a huge opportunity to delve into the wine category, which continues to grow in popularity. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Year after year, the wine category continues to show strong growth as a result of innovative new products, premium price segments and flavor innovation. These new flavor trends and surging interest are positioning…
Security is an Everyday Business Practice
From PCI compliance to loyalty programs, ensuring customers that their private information is secure is essential in gaining their trust. But the rules keep changing so retailers need to stay focused to remain in compliance with current security standards. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor. In November, the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC),…
Energizing Product Sales
An increasingly competitive market for “energy-boosting” products continues to propel energy shot sales. As such, overall growth of energy drinks and shots has been influenced positively by new product launches and expanded retail distribution. By John Lofstock, Editor. Convenience stores are increasingly becoming known as the place to purchase energy shots. The industry now accounts…
OTP Sales Remain Strong
Smokeless tobacco products have become increasingly important to the U.S. tobacco industry, which is seeking to push more of these products as Americans smoke fewer cigarettes. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. With traditional cigarettes under fire on several fronts, convenience store retailers rightly view smokeless tobacco as an important part of the future of their…