By John Lofstock, Editor. From great corners, clean restrooms and modern facilities to fresh food and a wide selection of popular snacks, convenience stores are committed to delivering outstanding service. This commitment is evident in the industry’s growing sales numbers at a time when other retail channels are struggling to break even. This service-driven culture…
Service Culture for a New Generation
One of the few respites I enjoy is sleeping on the plane. I’m fortunate to travel the country viewing c-stores and speaking at events, but where some people can get work done on a plane, I’ve come to find an adult beverage and a power nap are much better uses of my time. So when…
NAG Wraps Up in Nashville
Nearly 11 months of planning culminated last month with the successful completion of another National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference in Nashville, which yielded record attendance and an outstanding lineup of educational sessions. NAG is a special group in the competitive convenience store industry focused on small, mid-sized and family-owned chains, and the unique challenges facing…
Why Networking Matters for Young Professionals
As the convenience store and petroleum industry continues to evolve, training the leaders of tomorrow is more important than ever. That’s the driving force behind the National Advisory Group’s (NAG) Young Executives Organization (YEO). This growing group of emerging industry leaders is keenly focused on education and networking with other next-generation executives who are facing…
Sheetz Earns 2017 Chain of the Year Honors
With an unsurpassed commitment to foodservice and technology, a world-class distribution model and a total commitment to its vast employee base, Sheetz Inc. embodies the very best the convenience store industry has to offer. Over the past year, the 550-store chain was recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For,…
Saluting Next-Generation Leaders
By John Lofstock, editor-in-chief For many years, retail leaders have faced difficult challenges, but none more important than finding the next generation of leadership to guide the organization. Esteemed author and business consultant Jim Collins reminds us that great leadership is not a function of circumstance. Greatness is a matter of conscious choice and discipline.…
Saluting QuickChek’s Culture
QuickChek’s commitment to innovation has set it apart. QuickChek has been a model of consistency for nearly five decades and continues to be a shining example of the very best the convenience store industry has to offer. For its ongoing commitment to retail excellence, we at Convenience Store Decisions are proud to honor QuickChek as…
How to Track Customer Trends
By John Lofstock, Editor-in-Chief When discussing some future opportunities recently with human resources consultant Mel Kleiman, a good friend and confidant, he cautioned that opportunities to expand your business are constant. It’s knowing when to pounce that really matters. “Never let a good idea get in the way of a great idea,” he said. It’s…
Reflecting on 25 Years
By John Lofstock, Editor Like most organizations, milestone anniversaries are very special for all of us here at Convenience Store Decisions. Providing 25 years of service to the convenience store and petroleum industry is both gratifying and humbling. We have survived this long because of our readers, and that isn’t something I take lightly. This…
Embracing Safer Tobacco Products
Great strides have been made within the past five years to introduce new tobacco products that would, from my perspective, reduce harm when compared with traditional cigarettes. So despite all the naysayers and anti-tobacco crusaders—who care less about the health of smokers and more about their own agendas—safer tobacco products are a reality that convenience store…