A few years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply chain proved a constant source of stress for convenience store retailers. With out-of-stocks aplenty and hardships maintaining inventory in a timely manner, c-store operators had to be creative with solutions. “Overall, the pandemic brought about significant changes in the supply chain, prompting…
Convenience Drives Contactless Payments in C-Stores
When COVID-19 arrived in March 2020, retailers rushed to implement contactless payment options to keep shoppers and employees safe. Three years later, customer demand for contactless payment continues to increase given its speed and convenience. To accommodate the increased use of contactless payments, retailers are enhancing or upgrading their systems while taking data security into…
Health and Beauty Product Sales Soar
Now that the days of wearing face masks and using large amounts of hand sanitizer are over, consumers are getting back to their normal routines of using self-care products and over-the-counter medication when needed. With demand rising for self-care products and medicine, retailers are finding new ways to rearrange their store shelves to meet these…
Big Mike’s Celebrates 15th Anniversary, Eyes Expansion
Big Mike’s Gas N Go is celebrating 15 years in business. Headquartered in Lebanon, Ohio, Big Mike’s recently opened its fifth convenience store in the state and plans to continue expanding its footprint. The independent c-store chain features a proprietary foodservice program and drive-throughs and is eyeing opportunities in loyalty programs and delivery. Owner Mike…
May Delivers Delicious Eats at Kwik Stop
Mastering foodservice in a small space like a convenience store is no easy feat, but c-store foodservice directors and chefs continue to make it look easy as they cook up innovative menu items. CStore Decisions caught up with M. David May, foodservice director at Kwik Stop, which operates 27 stores in Nebraska and Colorado, to…
Re-Energizing Your Customer Base
One of the questions I ask audiences when I deliver presentations on retail marketing is “How many did a grand opening celebration for your store?” I am generally amazed that usually only one in five attendees raise their hands. With all the investment that was done in the physical location, it was a missed opportunity…
How AI Is Set to Transform Retail
The history of mankind is generally divided into different eras based on significant events and changes in human civilization. The exact number and names of these eras can vary depending on the source, but some commonly recognized eras are: Paleolithic Era, Neolithic Era, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Industrial Revolution and the Information…
Will Tobacco-Free Smoking Become Another Headache for the FDA?
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products has loaded itself with more regulatory challenges than it can handle. In 2009, its national health priority was to minimize and eventually end tobacco-related diseases and deaths among smokers and non-smokers alike. One key strategy was to focus on ending underage tobacco use. If they…
Frictionless Is Here to Stay
C-store chains across the globe have begun deploying versions of frictionless checkout solutions, from scan-and-pay apps to Just Walk Out technology, but the concept is still underutilized in convenience stores today. While many c-store retailers report having their eye on frictionless checkout trends and technology, some aren’t sure where to start or why they should…
Candy — Still Reliable Mainstay
Candy has managed to retain the loyalty of c-store customers as 2023 continues forward despite inflation dogging consumers’ steps. Although unit sales might be subsiding marginally, sales dollars are elevated across all channels, noted Dan Sadler, principal, client insights at Circana, a market research firm. “Before, probably eight to 12 months ago, we really saw…