As we begin 2024, it is the ideal time to look back at the past 12 months to hone in on the challenges retailers faced and look ahead to forecast the sales trends retailers can expect to see over the next year. It was relatively easy last year to predict that foodservice would continue climbing…
A Look Inside Rusty Lantern’s New Design
C-store retailer Rusty Lantern is no stranger to innovation — recently, the brand unveiled a completely new design that was in the works for more than a year and a half. The refurbished look has been rolled out at one location in Maine with two to come very soon. “I wanted to (do) something that…
Dealing With Retail Theft
Retailers didn’t need a survey to know incidents of theft are up and continue to rise. Whether that theft is from organized crime rings or an inside job, the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) National Retail Security Survey predicts that theft will continue to persist in the year ahead. NRF, which has conducted its Security Survey…
The Future of AI in C-Stores
AI is among topics in the c-store world (and the world in general) that are virtually impossible to avoid in common conversation. Now, convenience retailers are learning how to harness the power of AI to their benefit. In an exclusive CStore Decisions webinar hosted by editor-in-chief Erin Del Conte, industry professionals Derek Gaskins, chief marketing…
The Pizza Power Report
Kevin McIntyre — Online Editor, CStore Decisions and Rick Hynum — Editor-in-Chief, PMQ As convenience store operators continue to elevate their foodservice programs, the pizza parlor and the gas station are beginning to share more similarities. C-store operators are expanding their foodservice menus and, when it comes to a crowd-pleasing meal, there is no better…
Crafting a Corporate Communications Strategy
The art of corporate communications stems around the strategic management of information within an organization and its external stakeholders. It should not be left to chance. So, every internal message, public relations announcement, investor relations communication and overall brand messaging — they all have a cohesive, proactive purpose. The goal is to ensure a consistent,…
Six Tactics to Successfully ‘Do More with Less’
Doing more with less makes it easier to consistently execute a convenience store foodservice program. The mindset of doing more with less makes a lot of sense, but it is surely not easy to accomplish. It involves maximizing efficiency, reducing waste and optimizing resources. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, doing more with less…
Vape Grapples With Shifting Landscape
Looking back over 2023, the vape category has faced many hurdles this past year as retailers adapted to regulations and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) vape product marketing decisions. In May, the FDA issued warning letters to 30 retailers for illegally selling various types of Puff and Hyde disposable e-cigarettes. Shortly after, in June,…
AI Transforms C-Store Operations
Convenience stores have always been keeping an eye on emerging technology and digital trends, but in recent years, digital and tech innovation has advanced at a rapid pace. Daniel Burrus, global futurist and CEO of Burrus Research, has had his finger on the growth of technology for decades, and he understands how c-stores can use…
How Foodservice Will Shape 2024
Restrained economic times and stiff competition across the supply chain make it critical for convenience store operators to have a solid understanding of their customers, particularly high-frequency, high-value shoppers. With clear insights, operators can manage the necessary steps to retain loyal customers and attract new ones. Though store owners continued to face a harsh post-pandemic…