Under a unique partnership with Couche-Tard, Mid-Atlantic Convenience Stores is now the exclusive developer of the Circle K brand across the mid-Atlantic. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Mid-Atlantic Convenience Stores (MACS) and Alimentation Couche-Tard forged a new partnership in July where MACS will act as the exclusive developer for the Circle K brand in Virginia, [...]
Sides, combo meals and even small equipment purchases can take your foodservice program from blah to booming. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s (IDDBA) “What’s in Store 2012” report revealed consumers are buying more prepared meals at convenience stores that provide quality and variety to shoppers. Just being on top [...]
Knowing your skill sets when it comes to foodservice is vital in accurately determining which foodservice model will breed the most profitability for your chain. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Co-branding, leasing space to a quick-service restaurant (QSR) and creating a proprietary program all have benefits to c-stores, but knowing the model that is best [...]
While flavored and pre-priced cigar sales are booming, FDA’s pending regulation of the category could upset trends and profits. by Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Tedeschi Food Shops does a strong cigar business, and with 3-4 feet of space reserved for cigars on the back bar, consumers take notice. Sales on cigars were up for the [...]
Kelly Fuels is unifying its nine stores under a single retail brand and upping its investment in foodservice. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Kelly Fuels Inc. is moving full steam ahead in 2012, rebranding its nine Michigan c-stores under the Kelly Express Mart brand, and giving its locations a full facelift with an express train [...]
Mobile technology is changing the retail landscape, offering a bevy of options for retailers to consider. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. In today’s ever-evolving world of mobile payment technology, anyone with a mobile phone can take credit card payments, from a neighbor running a garage sale to an entrepreneur building a small business. Now, this [...]
Study by the NACS/ Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council (CCRRC) identifies five new platforms that can drive convenience retail growth. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. A newly released report from the NACS/Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council (NACS/CCRRC) is providing insights into what motivates shoppers to spend more of their hard-earned dollars inside convenience stores. “We began the [...]
As loyalty programs evolve, ensuring customers that their private information is secure and being used appropriately is essential in gaining their trust. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. The secret to succeeding with a loyalty program in 2012 is to make sure you’re offering customers value on their terms, while also ensuring them that their information [...]
Jiffy Trip is preparing to unveil a convenience store prototype in Oklahoma and has its sights set on acquisition opportunities. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor Jiffy Trip is gearing up for a busy year. The 28-store chain based in Enid, Okla. is scouring the market for acquisition targets to fulfill its lofty plans to grow [...]
With so many choices now available, retailers must make sure they select wisely when upgrading canopy and interior lighting. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Lighting technology is undergoing a rapid expansion, with more energy-efficient options appearing in the marketplace. Many retailers seeking cost savings on their electric and maintenance bills are flocking to their utility [...]
Bigger, better and more energy efficient, two new Express Mart stores wow customers. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Express Mart is living up to its name, rapidly increasing its store count and expanding the size of its store footprint to outpace the competition.In just the first two months of 2012, Home Service Oil debuted two [...]
Through a partnership with Crime Stoppers, criminals will have their photos posted to Facebook and Twitter where viewers can help identify them. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Mac’s Convenience Stores, a division of Alimentation Couche-Tard, is leveraging the strengths of social media in conjunction with local Crime Stopper units to fight crime at its Canadian [...]
As their popularity soars in convenience stores, e-cigs are becoming the target of new smoking bans and tax regulations. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Once speculated to be a passing fad, e-cigarettes are increasing in sales and popularity and pushing their way toward becoming a mainstream product. Celebrities from Leonardo DiCaprio to Britney Spears have [...]
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, [...]
Offering quality customer service with bilingual employees and traditional foods can drive retail loyalty among the growing Hispanic population. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Today, Hispanic food is mainstream and attractive to a wide array of demographics seeking spicier flavors, but the secret to keeping your Hispanic customers’ repeat business lies in more than just [...]