Every retailer spends a good portion of his day trying to figure out how best to serve his customers. But frankly, customers and their motivations can throw even the best retailers for a loop. By John Lofstock, Editor. “The customer is always right” is a mantra that convenience store owners hear over and over again. [...]
Eight service tips for effectively handling customer complaints at retail. By John Lofstock, Editor. A lot of retail best—and worst—practices can be found simply by observing what others are doing. Spirit Airlines recently flew into a big public relations disaster. Sticking to a no-refunds policy, the airline refused to refund the airfare of a passenger [...]
Little Ferry, N.J. convenience store meets customer needs despite power outage. In Hurricane Sandy’s wake, the 7-Eleven on Main and Liberty Streets in Little Ferry, N.J. found itself unexpectedly open to storm-battered shoppers on Tuesday, despite a lack of power, the Star-Ledger reported. Initially, the store planned to open its doors just long enough for [...]
Local Idaho residents run to raise money for vaccinations and a local community pool. In time for Halloween, two Maverik Convenience Stores in Idaho towns helped fundraise while engaging the community in exercise and Halloween fun this past weekend with two Zombie 5K races. In Rupert, Idaho, on Sunday Oct. 27 the Maverik Service Station [...]
Research from LoyaltyOne, Northwestern and Ivey Business School demonstrates up to 30% increase in purchase behavior from social media participants. Research released by LoyaltyOne and two leading North American academic institutions provides empirical proof that social media interaction between a customer and a brand drives immediate and long-term sales increases. The research constitutes a social [...]
Some 20-25 new stores planned for the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak area within five years. Kum & Go is celebrating its grand opening in Colorado Springs and has plans to invest $90 million in building a total of 20-25 new stores in the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak region of the Centennial State within [...]
Changes in the IRS tax code will impact how operators can expense capital improvements. By Mark Battersby, Contributing Editor. In an effort to resolve the controversy over whether certain expenditures made by a convenience store chain, franchise or independent fuel marketer are currently deductible as repair expenses, or whether they must be capitalized and deducted [...]
MAPCO Express looks to improve quality of hires and employee retention with the PeopleAnswers HR solution. MAPCO Express and PeopleAnswers have signed a three-year software licensing agreement where the convenience store chain will use the PeopleAnswers HR solution to assist in selecting and hiring corporate positions and store-level staff. “When customers visit a MAPCO store, [...]
“We look forward to the positive results that the program will generate for the benefit of our neighbors,” says CITGO spokesperson. CITGO Petroleum Corp. and its Corpus Christi refinery have announced the recipients of $500,000 worth of grants under the first year of the company’s Hands for Hillcrest program. The initiative is aimed at supporting [...]
Through a partnership with Projects With Purpose, Thorntons’ employees volunteer to help Catholic Charities of Louisville and Henryville tornado victims. As part of its ongoing community giving program, Thorntons Inc. employees will be participating in the company’s annual volunteer Humanitarian Day on Sunday, Nov. 11. This year’s focus is two-fold on behalf of both downtown [...]
During National Employee Ownership Month, Wawa celebrates 35 years of sharing ownership. Wawa Inc., this month, is celebrating its commitment to employee ownership through a variety of meaningful activities during October’s National Employee Ownership Month. 2012 is a milestone year for Wawa, marking 35 years since it began sharing ownership with its associates and 20 [...]
Obama maintains lead in 7-Eleven coffee cup poll, but cup counts shift in some swing states after first debate. There are 14 days left to vote in 7-Election, 7-Eleven’s presidential coffee cup poll. Before the first debate, President Barack Obama had maintained a steady 20-point lead over Republican challenger Mitt Romney, through the first four [...]
Orion goes to great lengths to ship pizzas, calzones, Philly Steak Stuffed Baguettes, BBQ Beef Stuffed Baguettes and cheeseburgers to an Air Force base in Afghanistan after receiving a soldier’s request. Of all the recognition and honors Orion Food Systems has received for the last 30 years, none have meant more than the request they [...]
New locations feature expanded foodservice, premium coffee and the MyRewards loyalty program. Pilot Flying J recently opened its 650th and 651st locations in North America. The 650th store, a Pilot Travel Center in Von Ormy, Texas, opened on Oct. 15 and features full amenities for professional drivers, area residents and the motoring public. Today, Oct. [...]
What started as a two-man operation has grown into a successful business venture with a team of 35 employees. After 10 years of construction, updates and additions—starting with the opening of the 40-foot Team Oil Travel Center’s Liquor Store on Sept. 20, 2002—Eric and Tony Huppert are looking back at the changes they have [...]