The buildup leading up to superstorm Sandy was met by many along the East Coast with skepticism. We’ve all heard these doomsday scenarios before, but rarely has the storm matched the hype. As such, many residents ignored the warnings to fill up their gas tanks and gas cans in preparation for power outages and fuel [...]
Innovations and competitive pricing are pushing the popularity of moist smokeless tobacco. By John Lofstock, Editor. With cigarette smokers in flux—some sticking to favorite brands, others trading down or trying e-cigarettes and some transitioning to smokeless products—opportunities for c-stores abound. Industry insiders are looking for increased moist smokeless tobacco (MST) usage and concomitant rise in [...]
Through its partnership with Purdue University, the Indiana chain is giving college football an opportunity to win free gas for a year. Valparaiso, Ind.-based Family Express earlier this year entered a multi-year sports marketing agreement with Purdue University Athletics and its multimedia rights holder, Purdue Sports Properties. As the college football season winds down, [...]
With a new store design, a dazzling foodservice program and outstanding customer service, the Massachusetts retailer is CSD’s 2012 Convenience Store Chain of the Year. By John Lofstock, Editor. Few companies can match the rich tradition and deep roots Tedeschi Food Shops has planted in the convenience store industry. In business since 1923, the company’s [...]
In front of nearly 300 convenience store industry retailers and suppliers, Peter Tedeschi, president and CEO of Tedeschi Food Shops, accepted Convenience Store Decisions’ 2012 Convenience Store Chain of the Year award at a banquet in Las Vegas. Tedeschi is CSD’s 23rd Chain of the Year winner, the oldest and most prestigious award offered in [...]
OPIS Chief Oil Analyst Tom Kloza stressed that the fuel supply is strong and that consumer panic is causing long lines and undue stress at the pumps. By John Lofstock, Editor Motorists in New York and New Jersey are facing two-hour lines at gas stations–if they can find one selling gasoline at all. Lines stretch [...]
When an organization’s employees aren’t happy, it’s unlikely they’ll be providing the kind of quality service that leads to happy customers. By John Lofstock, Editor. Too often, retail chains promise satisfaction to customers and then allow internal politics to frustrate their employees’ good intentions to deliver. It’s important to remember that your customers aren’t the [...]
The NACS Show is my annual reminder of just how much innovation exists among the many talented retailers and suppliers I communicate with every day. I expect this year’s NACS Show to be one of the most interesting I’ve ever attended. While the event has so much to offer, retailers can’t lose sight of the [...]
Every retailer spends a good portion of his day trying to figure out how best to serve his customers. But frankly, customers and their motivations can throw even the best retailers for a loop. By John Lofstock, Editor. “The customer is always right” is a mantra that convenience store owners hear over and over again. [...]
Eight service tips for effectively handling customer complaints at retail. By John Lofstock, Editor. A lot of retail best—and worst—practices can be found simply by observing what others are doing. Spirit Airlines recently flew into a big public relations disaster. Sticking to a no-refunds policy, the airline refused to refund the airfare of a passenger [...]
By John Lofstock, Editor It’s been a busy year filled with accolades for venerable industry icon Richard Salinsky. With more than 50 years of experience and dedication to the industry, Salinsky was honored earlier this year with the prestigious Distinguished Marketer Award from SIGMA, the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA). Now, the [...]
Open Pantry’s Robert Buhler opens up about the company’s future, missed opportunities and the financial wisdom offered by his board of directors. By John Lofstock, Editor. To make your mark in the convenience store industry, you are either growing the business or waiting for the rest of the industry to pass you by. Growth can [...]
IDDBA’s “What’s in Store” report shows customers are looking to eat healthier and are shopping more, but they are also buying less on each trip. By John Lofstock, Editor. Consumers are buying less food on each trip to the store, making value that includes healthy choices the crux of their shopping ethos, according to “What’s [...]
Maverik Executive Vice President Brad Call tells CSD the leadership team and direction of the company remains unchanged. By John Lofstock, Editor FJ Management Inc., formerly known as Flying J, reached a deal to acquire a majority interest in North Salt Lake City, Utah-based Maverik Inc. Maverik, which was founded nearly 60 years ago, has [...]
By combining the rich experience of Shell Oil with family-owned ingenuity, truenorth convenience stores is poised for a breakout year. By: John Lofstock. There aren’t too many 93-year-old oil companies that have enjoyed decades of success, but have managed to keep a low profile. But the winds of change are blowing at Truenorth Energy LLC [...]