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 [...]
Despite the global recession, convenience stores have thrived thanks to their ability to provide fast service, quality products and great value in strategic locations. As service and location remain the industry’s primary competitive advantage over supermarkets, drug stores and mass merchandisers, many of whom are moving into the fuel and fresh food business, convenience stores [...]
When it comes to data security, all retailers need to be prepared for the worst scenario, but that can’t happen if they aren’t aware of PCI requirements and the severe consequences that can result from a data breach. By John Lofstock, Editor When security breaches make the news, the typical victims are retailing giants, such [...]
The onslaught continues. It never ceases to amaze me that why, in these trying economic times, lawmakers insist on introducing legislation that costs retailers sales opportunities. Virtually every chain I’ve covered over the past 15-plus years in this industry has counted on earnings and profits to reinvest in the business. That means buying more real [...]
The Mr. Zip convenience store chain, operator of 16 stores along the I-75 corridor between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tenn., was acquired today by Textron Energy, a subsidiary of Classic Star Group of Ft. Worth, Texas. Terms of the deal, which includes the 16 stores and a wholesale fuels business, were not disclosed. Classic Star Group [...]
By John Lofstock, Editor Experts agree that to successfully compete in the convenience store industry retailers must have a solid foodservice program. Developing a winning foodservice strategy requires a radical change in the corporate culture, a hefty financial commitment, lots of hard work and patience. In fact, one of the biggest differences between top convenience [...]
Kent State’s Eastway Market & Deli offers students the products they need at affordable prices to keep shopping occasions on campus. By Megan Wilkinson and John Lofstock. Getting to know your core customers is an ongoing challenge. But when your customers are a transient group of students, staying on top of their needs is virtually [...]
Management Science Associates (MSA) and Paradigm Sample, in partnership with Convenience Store Decisions, are teaming up to offer a free Webcast tomorrow that will examine the purchasing habits of adult tobacco consumers at U.S. convenience stores. The tobacco industry continues to face challenges on multiple fronts, namely ongoing legislative initiatives and the ever-present high rate [...]
Logic Technology is raising the stakes in the electronic cigarette category by obtaining a patent that tracks product usage. The patent covers a unique digital counter the lets the user know precisely how many puffs are remaining in the e-cigarette, Logic CEO Eli Alelov told Convenience Store Decisions. “This is new technology that will change [...]
MSA and Paradigm Sample, in partnership with Convenience Store Decisions, examine the purchasing habits of adult tobacco consumers at U.S. convenience stores. By Trish Temmerman, Management Science Associates, and John Lofstock, Editor. The tobacco industry continues to face challenges on multiple fronts, namely ongoing legislative initiatives and the ever-present high rate of taxation. These persistent [...]
Back in 1997 I had the opportunity to sit down with Dave Thomas, the founder of the Wendy’s chain to interview him about his retail strategy. One of the first things he said to me was, “You know why our hamburgers are square? Because we don’t cut corners.” Over the past decade many things have [...]
With various federal laws banning or limiting certain cigarette product advertising, cigarette packaging itself has become a commercially accepted form of advertising. By John Lofstock, Editor. In early April, the Village of Haverstraw, N.Y., adopted a first-of-its-kind ordinance in the U.S. that requires retailers to keep tobacco out of public view. To learn more about [...]
Roadrunner Markets refines its retail operations with the addition of a c-store prototype, a renewed commitment to foodservice and a firm emphasis on customer service. By John Lofstock, Editor. At a time when customers demand fast service, quality foods and convenient locations, Roadrunner Markets is pushing ahead with a retail strategy that would make even [...]
Master Chief Petty Officer David A. Lindenberger. He is the toughest man I’ve ever met. As the senior enlisted man aboard the submarine USS Providence during my time in the Navy, he was known simply as Chief of the Boat or the COB. He wasn’t a particularly big man, maybe an iron fist taller than [...]