Picture this: Sometime around October 2024, a couple of 40-something menthol smokers visit their regular c-stores and ask for their preferred menthol cigarette brands. “Sorry we can’t stock or sell those anymore,” the clerk says. “But we have these new nicotine-free menthols. They say they come close. No tobacco.” Do you think our menthol smokers…
NAG Convenience Launches Leadership Discovery Program
The National Advisory Group (NAG Convenience) is launching another NAG Member Benefit: the Leadership Discovery Program (LDP), which provides personal and professional development opportunities to members of the Young Executives Organization (YEO). C-store retailers are invited to a free webinar on Oct. 18 that will explain the new program and how their chains can become…
Keeping an Eye on Vape, Cigars
Concern for the tobacco category isn’t new among retailers, and as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposes regulations and issues marketing decisions, c-store operators are continuously assessing inventory. Cigars in particular are a question mark with c-stores as they wait on the FDA to make a decision regarding a flavor ban this fall and…
Yatco Celebrates 30 Years
As Yatco celebrates 30 years in business, the family-owned, second-generation c-store chain has aggressive plans to double its company-operated stores and grow its franchising program. The Marlborough, Mass.-based company is currently building four new-to-industry (NTI) stores, updating its exterior branding and investing in technology from mobile payment to self-checkout kiosks. “Currently, we are in a…
Improving Supply Chain Practices
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…