Today’s card capabilities surpass the features offered by many checking accounts. These features include managing prepaid purchases through mobile devices and social media accounts and the ability to make person-to-person transfers. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Prepaid cards can be tied to financial services such as remittance and bill payments, but that may mean competing [...]
Even small, sustainable initiatives can resonate with customers and improve a convenience store’s bottom line. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. The verdict is in: A growing number of customers are becoming environmentally-conscious and they prefer to spend their money at stores doing their part to grow sustainability. Retailers across all channels are beginning to cash [...]
The increasing volume and detail of information captured by business, the rise of multimedia, social media and the Internet will fuel exponential growth in data for the foreseeable future. By Barbara Brynko, Contributing Editor Big data. If you think data is something that only big retailers such as Amazon or Netflix deal with, think again.• [...]
From self-distribution and unique product development to outstanding customer service and social media investments, Gus Olympidis continues to push the boundaries of innovation at Family Express. By John Lofstock, Editor. On a frigid February Indiana morning, about a dozen prospective employees rolled into Family Express’s state-of-the-art learning center in Valparaiso, Ind., to see if they [...]
Convenience store operators must work on improving their training programs so that they can improve sales, customer satisfaction and employee retention. By Jim Callahan. The strained economy has been a little bit of a double-edged sword for the convenience store industry. While customers may be a little tighter with their spending, I’ve found that employee [...]
With a tagline of “fresh energy for life,” Atlas Oil’s latest convenience store concept features Eco-Earth Coffee, LED lighting and a host of recycling initiatives. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor Atlas Oil launched its new Earth Market c-store concept in February, rebranding its five company-operated stores in the greater Chicago market. True to its name, [...]
By John Lofstock, Editor. In these difficult economic times it’s rewarding to meet successful businesses that are doing things right. It’s even more gratifying when these businesses are family owned and operated. Such is the case with Family Express in Valparaiso, Ind. I have known Gus Olympidis and his family for more than 15 years [...]
Insight Beverages has introduced the 2013 Limited-Time Offer (LTO) flavors in its Café Supreme line, providing operators on-trend flavors and high quality soluble cappuccino and cocoa beverages at an affordable price point. New flavor Double Mocha, is also being launched as part of Insight Beverages’ core line of products. All products are available for order [...]
Customers can find favorites for all dayparts priced under $2. Rutter’s Farm Stores introduced a value menu this week, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional food at a great value, the chain announced this week. The new value menu consists of existing choices, more than 50 long-time customer favorites, all priced to please from 99 [...]
Record-breaking attendance says it all–and this one’s for the history books. M-PACT 2013 brought together nearly 4,500 energy and convenience professionals from across the Midwest for three exciting days of innovation and inspiration. As the industry’s premier regional tradeshow, M-PACT combined thought-provoking educational sessions with top-notch networking opportunities so attendees left for home with ideas [...]
Unlimited 25-cent refills, combined with new customization options, promise “ROO-diculous” summer of deals & fun. Kangaroo Express, operated by The Pantry Inc., announced its RooCup, a collectible cup refillable with any fountain and frozen beverage for only 25 cents, is now available in stores. The RooCup has captured the hearts of thirsty guests and will [...]
Report indicates LOGIC premium e-cigarettes as nationwide category leader. LOGIC Technology, makers of premium electronic cigarettes, announced the results of Nielsen’s Brand Rank Report indicating LOGIC outperformed all e-cigarette brands in Q1 of 2013 for sales per point of distribution*. As more major tobacco companies continue to enter the e-cigarette space, this report shows that [...]
Program to help convenience industry supply chain partners effectively use exclusive convenience industry data to improve operations. The second annual AWMA DEF Harmonizing Assortment conference, which will help distributors use data to improve category management and profits for themselves and their customers, will be held June 25-27 in New Orleans. “This state-of-the-art executive education program [...]
Newcastle, the No Bollocks beer brand, today announced the release of its limited edition Newcastle Bombshell pale blonde ale. Available nationwide between May and July 2013, Newcastle Bombshell is a refreshing new addition to the Newcastle portfolio featuring an eye-catching blonde on the label intended to catch the eye of beer drinkers nationally. And sell [...]
Kretek International Inc. is using its economical new 24-count trial display to get new EZ Cig disposable e-cigarettes to more c-stores and smokeshops. The compact new disposable unit holds 24 flavorful e-cigs and can generate $192 in retail sales at an $8 price point. The 12 smooth EZ Cig flavors are becoming the preferred standard [...]