Offers co-brand opportunities. Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC) plans to officially deploy Cents Off Marathon, an instant cents-off-per-gallon discount program on fuel purchases throughout its Marathon-branded marketing network. Nearly 80% of Marathon’s independent jobbers and dealers have enrolled in the program, which uses technology developed by Drop Tank. The program will be made available throughout the…
House Leadership Responds To FDA Overreach
Proposed FDA regulations must be changed to avoid banning vapor products and stifling innovation. The American Vaping Association, a leading advocate for the benefits of vapor products such as electronic cigarettes, reacted to the release of a letter sent last week by members of leadership in the House of Representatives to HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell.…
Trends in Convenience Retailing
By John Lofstock, Editor Despite the domestic recession, convenience stores have thrived thanks to their ability to provide fast service and quality products in strategic areas. As service and location remains the industry’s primary competitive advantage over grocery stores and big-box retailers that are moving into the fuel and fresh foods arenas, convenience stores have…
Burning Issues 2015: Retailers Must Adapt or Fade Out
From emerging technology and advanced fuel sources to promising new revenue streams, industry operators need to evolve with the times or get left behind. By Erin Rigik, Senior Editor Transformation will help define the convenience store industry in 2015, affecting everything from the way customers fuel up to how they pay for food and fuel,…
Shining a Brighter Light on Shoplifting Trends
Studies indicate more than $13 million in merchandise is stolen from U.S. retailers annually. By Erin Rigik, Senior Editor Shoplifting and employee theft continue to plague retailers. Two recent studies—one conducted by Price Gun and another by Global Retail Theft Barometer—show just how theft is impacting the retail business. No. 1 Property Crime Price Gun,…
Winning With Wine Sales
Murphy USA grows its wine section and store sales through a collaboration with E.&J. Gallo Winery. By Erin Rigik, Senior Editor Through a collaboration with E. & J. Gallo Winery, Murphy USA is working towards growing its wine category. The c-store chain is set to expand the number of locations offering wine from 112 to…
Reaching Data Security
Retailers should know how PCI and EMV will impact their stores in coming months. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor As 2014 winds down, retailers face new regulations regarding credit and debit cards, potential fraud and security requirements, plus a late 2015 deadline for mandatory new technology. Retailers on Jan. 1, 2015 will be subject to…
Designs on the Future
More convenience retailers are turning to outside consultants to create design solutions which address customers’ modern preferences. By David Bennett, Senior Editor When expanding convenience store chain Kwik Stop decided last year to revise the footprints of its future stores, it only had to look as far as Madison, Wis. That’s where company planners—led by…
Succeeding With Energy Management
Your electric bill could determine which type of system you need. By Erin Rigik, Senior Editor Convenience stores are increasingly looking to energy management systems to help them better control their energy efficiency. For instance, Kum & Go is known for its commitment to energy efficiency. In 2010, the chain started building 5,000 square-foot stores…
Smokeless Holds its Own
Despite the popularity of electronic cigarettes and the gloominess of regulatory concerns, smokeless tobacco continues to be a significant seller for convenience stores. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Because smoking restrictions have increased and the sale of cigarettes continues to decline across the U.S., it’s not surprising that smokeless tobacco sales have remained on an…