Feature Articles
Quick and Complete
Roadrunner Markets refines its retail operations with the addition of a c-store prototype, a renewed commitment to foodservice and a firm emphasis on customer service. By John Lofstock, Editor. At a time when customers demand fast service, quality foods and convenient locations, Roadrunner Markets is pushing ahead with a retail strategy that would make even [...]
Carving Out a Sandwich Strategy
While branded and proprietary foodservice programs get a lot of attention at retail, prepared sandwiches have quietly—and profitably—filled a valuable niche for retailers. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Sandwiches and wraps are a $2.7 billion category and sales are expected to remain strong through 2014, according to a 2011 report from foodservice research and marketing [...]
CCRRC Study Unveils Growth Opportunities for C-Stores
Study by the NACS/ Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council (CCRRC) identifies five new platforms that can drive convenience retail growth. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. A newly released report from the NACS/Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council (NACS/CCRRC) is providing insights into what motivates shoppers to spend more of their hard-earned dollars inside convenience stores. “We began the [...]
Cultivating Loyal Customers
Savvy c-store operators are using loyalty programs to improve merchandise planning and forecasting to spur long-term growth. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Loyalty programs, when administered well, offer c-store retailers solid benefits—the ability to react to trends quickly, make more informed decisions, improve cost effectiveness and aid in merchandise planning and sales forecasting. “Loyalty programs [...]
Data Security Spurs Advancements In Loyalty
As loyalty programs evolve, ensuring customers that their private information is secure and being used appropriately is essential in gaining their trust. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. The secret to succeeding with a loyalty program in 2012 is to make sure you’re offering customers value on their terms, while also ensuring them that their information [...]
Dispelling the Myths of Tobacco Control
A response to the recent misleading “Deadly Alliance” report implicating convenience stores. By Seth A. Mailhot, Special Counsel, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP. This is the first of what will be a continuing series on the regulation of tobacco retailing. In future articles, I will address the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) regulation [...]
Servicing Customers in a Jiffy
Jiffy Trip is preparing to unveil a convenience store prototype in Oklahoma and has its sights set on acquisition opportunities. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor Jiffy Trip is gearing up for a busy year. The 28-store chain based in Enid, Okla. is scouring the market for acquisition targets to fulfill its lofty plans to grow [...]
Service to the Fleet
With fuel costs again on the rise, a fleet card network can attract new business while offering fleet managers the safety, security and reporting tools they need to be successful. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Fleet cards are a nice piece of business for c-store operators. But the key to keeping that business growing is [...]
Gum Gets a Fresh Start
Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. After years of tremendous growth, gum sales have struggled as new products and line extensions crowd the category. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Innovation is a great thing, especially in the fickle gum category. But Danna Huskey, category manager for Texarkana, Texas-based E-Z Mart stores [...]
Healthy Options Driving Foodservice Demand
Many convenience store retailers are cognizant of the trend toward healthier foods and are adding better-for-you items to their menus. By John Lofstock, Editor. More salads, fruits and vegetables are finding their way onto convenience store shelves—often for purchase in the morning, or as a late afternoon snack—much to the delight of an increasing number [...]
Sweeten the Deal for Chocolate
Market researchers report that between 82% and 92% of Americans admit to indulging in chocolate candy. Even more important is the revelation that the majority of them do it at least once a month. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Americans aren’t eating out as much as they used to, but they are eating more chocolate, [...]
A Gift for All Seasons
The prepaid market is booming as retailers begin to capitalize on seasonal opportunities and serving the underbanked. By John Lofstock, Editor. The gift card market is rosy and analysts are poised for another strong year in 2012. In 2011, 80% of consumers planned on buying gift cards for the holiday season, up from 2010, and [...]
LED Enlightenment Aids Efficiency Options
With so many choices now available, retailers must make sure they select wisely when upgrading canopy and interior lighting. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Lighting technology is undergoing a rapid expansion, with more energy-efficient options appearing in the marketplace. Many retailers seeking cost savings on their electric and maintenance bills are flocking to their utility [...]
Cash Isn’t King at Cleveland Car Washes
American Pride has switched from cash-based operations to tokens, and customers are coming back stronger than ever. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Brian Costa operates five American Pride car washes in the Cleveland area. All told, there are 29 self-service bays and six touchless automatics. Until early 2000 each location was quarter-based. Then, when the [...]
Express Mart Debuts New Larger Locations
Bigger, better and more energy efficient, two new Express Mart stores wow customers. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Express Mart is living up to its name, rapidly increasing its store count and expanding the size of its store footprint to outpace the competition.In just the first two months of 2012, Home Service Oil debuted two [...]
