November 8, 2006
Convenience Store Decisions' Newsletter is sponsored by Anheuser-Busch
Grassroots Marketing for Convenience Retailers
Local marketing programs can boost store traffic without adding any operational costs.
One of the most overlooked promotional opportunities for convenience retailers is a well-planned grassroots marketing program. It's easy to get excited about a new trade area in the early stages of your grand opening, but it's another thing to instill this excitement some two years later. All too often convenience retailers allow their marketing to fall exclusively on manufacturer-driven promotions, failing to utilize a "vertically integrated" marketing approach-incorporating grassroots marketing with brand-building ads.
by John Matthews
President
Gray Cat Enterprises Inc.
President
Gray Cat Enterprises Inc.
Industry News
Illinois Retailers Comply with Meth Laws
Statewide check-in proved that c-stores are doing their part to prevent meth abuse.
Statewide check-in proved that c-stores are doing their part to prevent meth abuse.
Hot Stuff Snaps Up Lettieri's
Deal will extend Hot Stuff’s reach to over 40,000 additional locations.
Deal will extend Hot Stuff’s reach to over 40,000 additional locations.
Rutter's, NACS Support the Four Diamonds Fund
Firms offer a $10,000 donation in honor 25-year employee.
Firms offer a $10,000 donation in honor 25-year employee.
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This weeks Ask The Expert Question
New Products
E INSTRUMENTS GROUP LLC
E Instruments Group offers the newest Mini Air Pro-LV50, a portable, compact, economical and highly accurate thermo-anemometer, which is widely used throughout the HVAC industry. The Mini Air Pro is designed for simplicity and one-handed operation. The air velocity and temperature meter is equipped with unique features such as high stability and fast response in order to measure with high accuracy. Features include display of minimum and maximum values, Pt100 temperature, automatic average and magnetic, protective rubber boot upon request. E Instruments Group, LLC
215-750-1212
info@einstrumentsgroup.com
www.einstrumentsgroup.com
FOLLETT CORP.
Follett Corp.'s new Vision ice and beverage dispenser can deliver carbonation levels comparable to that found in canned or bottled beverages. The dispenser is available with an optional ice water bath that is used to chill the beverage water and syrup before the carbonation process. This feature allows the water to absorb more carbon dioxide, which in turn produces a beverage that is closer in quality to bottled and canned beverages. The ice water bath is also well situated for warm water conditions, since it eliminates the heat that can produce a flat or foamy drink. The Vision dispensers are available with 150- or 300-lb capacities of ice storage, and are meant to fit conveniently under the counter. It can be positioned in an island counter or away from the wall without restricting visibility, and offers a combination of innovative design, high capacity, convenience and labor-savings.Follett Corp.
800-523-9361
lschneck@follettice.com
www.follettice.com/ice
MCLANE
The New Battery Free Flashlight, now available through McLane Co., provides an incremental sales opportunity of a unique item with extraordinary customer appeal. The product is not widely available and needs no power source-30 minutes of super bright LED light produced with one minute of hand cranking. Available in a display merchandiser that contains nine units in a combination of three colors: red, pewter and blue. Use UIN number 320218 when ordering.McLane Co. Inc.
800-299-1401 ext. 3698
ejack@mclaneco.com
www.mclaneco.com
SPITZ
Spitz Sunflower Seeds has launched two great new sunflower seed flavors-Chili-Lime and Smoky BBQ. Both are available in 6-oz and 8-oz sizes. Smoky BBQ is also be available in the new 2.25-oz Lil' Grab size, along with Salted and Dill flavors. Spitz has also introduced their new 2.25-oz pumpkin seeds, available in Dill and Seasoned flavors. Spitz Sunflower Seeds USA
937-428-9600
www.spitzseeds.com
STRUCTURAL PLASTICS
Structural Plastics introduces its new Benchmaster R 4'x 4' Tiered Cart that is the perfect display for indoor merchandising. Multiple selling levels make for an attractive look with tons of extra space. The display can be used for merchandising fluids, beverages, bagged goods or other things. The unique caster chassis design allows it to be easily moved throughout the store without the need for a pallet jack. Structural Plastics
800-523-6899
www.structuralplastics.com
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Contact Information
Advertising/sponsorship opportunities: Shahla Hebets
Eastern Sales Matt McCarrie
Western Sales Bob Holz
Inside Sales Brenda Sizemore
Inside Sales Sean Hamel
Penton Media, Inc.
1300 E. 9th Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
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