The Tuesday morning of the National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference kicked off with a presentation on some exclusive research, “The Convenience Experience Report.” NAG partnered with Bluedot to learn what Americans think about c-stores and quick-service restaurants (QSRs). Some 3,300 customers across the U.S. responded to the survey. Judy Chan, vice president of marketing for…
TA Reconfirms Its ‘No’ on ARKO Corp.’s Bid
TravelCenters of America Inc. (TA) has reconfirmed that it has rejected ARKO’s unsolicited bid that followed TA’s merger agreement with BP. The move came after ARKO distributed a letter to TA on March 27, restating its proposal. TA noted that its Board of Directors previously reviewed and determined that “the conditional, unsolicited and unfinanced proposal…
NAG Burning Issue Sessions Discuss Culture, Foodservice
On Monday, March 27, the National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference got underway at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas, with educational sessions on developing your corporate culture and forecasting future foodservice demand. NAG Executive Director John Lofstock welcomed attendees to the conference. “What makes NAG special is that this is truly your association. The educational…
Retailers Investing in POS Solutions
The point-of-sale (POS) and back-office infrastructure at convenience stores continues to evolve with a shift to cloud computing on the backend and a move toward software upgrades at the POS. Mike Wilson, chief operating officer at Cubby’s Inc., which operates 41 c-stores in South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska, continues to see “a push toward cloud…
Expanding Electronic Payments
C-stores are expanding mobile and contactless payment options for customers in 2023 as they look to stay at the forefront of electronic payment innovation. “Currently, we are witnessing a rise in contactless payments and biometric technology in the c-store industry,” said Suraz Kayastha, information officer for Quick Track, which operates more than 114 stores across…
C-Stores See Rise in Gift Card Sales
Customers are increasingly turning to gift cards and prepaid cards. The global gift card market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030, according to Next Move Strategy Consulting. Still, the recent “Gift Solutions: 20th Annual Prepaid Consumer Insights Survey” by…
February Snack & Beverage Roundup
CStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte taste tests new products including Boxed Water’s new Jurassic World-Inspired six pack, Fulfil Chocolate Salted Carmel Vitamin & Protein Bar and Lily’s Gummy Bears.
The 2023 Category Management Handbook
Some are coining 2023 a year of revival and reset. Customer routines and habits are still altered after three years of the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, but experts agree that customers are ready — for real this time — to get back to life as usual. Euromonitor International pointed out that “Revived Routines” is a major…
The 2023 Foodservice Report
Foodservice evolution sits at the top of the docket for many convenience stores in 2023 as retailers brace against declining fuel volumes, volatile gas prices and a shift toward electric vehicle (EV) charging, all of which make foodservice crucial for driving traffic and creating new revenue streams. Meanwhile, retailers and industry experts agree that inflation…
Sweet Treats and Zero-Sugar Energy Roundup
Erin Del Conte, executive editor of CStore Decisions, kicks off 2023 with a new product review. On the tasting menu: a popular energy drink’s new zero sugar offering, Reese’s Chocolate-Dipped Animal Crackers and a Valentine’s Day LTO from PopTarts.