Whether it’s sandwiches, wraps or wings, chicken’s versatility is driving the foodservice category. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Chicken comes about as close as food can to a can’t-miss opportunity for convenience store operators. Chicken’s flexibility—and healthier perception—makes it one of the most popular products in the foodservice industry. And short of handling it unsafely, [...]
Stores are currently under construction for June completion. Target Corp. is remodeling 90 general merchandise stores across the U.S., which are expected to be completed on June 24, 2012. Upon completion of the construction, these stores will offer a full selection of affordable and quality fresh foods, upping the competition for c-stores in those areas. [...]
Getting one store back in order in just two-and-a-half days proved to be the ultimate retail challenge. By Jim Callahan. One of my retail clients recently had to take back two failed convenience stores—that were in extremely bad condition—from a franchisee on a Wednesday and wanted them back online by the weekend. I love a [...]
Customers in the D.C. region can get their Whoppers delivered right to their door. Burger King is testing delivery at about 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia, the Washington Post reported. Burger delivery, while a new phenomenon in the U.S. is old-hat in Asia and parts of Europe. Burger King officials told the Washington Post, [...]
Eleven properties to change hands today with sale closing soon. Neighbors Stores Inc. is selling 11 stores to Circle K, citing increasing competition from larger corporations, for the move, The Mount Airy News reported. The properties sold include Neighbors stores in high-traffic areas of Surry County, N.C. The sites changed hands Monday, with the sale [...]
While many trends impact the beer category, the one that will most directly influence how marketers do business is the continued demand for more choices by the consumer. By Joe Bush, Contributing Editor. It’s been two years since Walgreens jumped back into the beer and wine business, and at least three convenience store operators in [...]
The flexibility of chicken as a menu item allows convenience store operators to develop profitable branded and proprietary programs without sacrificing quality or value. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Whether it’s sandwiches, tenders, wings, fried, breaded or sliced, customers have affordable options which can offer them a new experience during each trip to the [...]
Only one more week to capitalize on early bird registration for the 2011 NAG Ideas Conference in Savannah, Ga. There is more pressure than ever on convenience store chains to not only exceed customers’ expectations, but to stay ahead of the competition, navigate legislative issues and still be good corporate citizens in the communities they [...]
Walgreens today is unveiling its new expanded food selection in several Chicago communities identified as food deserts, or areas that lack access to basic foods necessary to maintain a healthy diet. Walgreens has redesigned 10 of its stores on Chicago’s South and West Sides to include more than 750 new food items including fresh fruits [...]
Walgreens is venturing into convenience store territory as it begins to conduct a test of chilled foods at 12 of its stores this fall, feeling out its ability to thrive in the growing fresh foods market, the Wall Street Journal reported. Walgreen spokeswoman Tiffani Washington confirmed the test noting the fresh food initiative could help [...]
Throughout my 15 years of covering the convenience store industry, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing people, develop lifelong friendships and watch in awe as otherwise ordinary people learned to work together to produce extraordinary results. Throughout that time I’ve also seen countless people come and go. For some, the industry was a [...]
When the American Public Health Association highlighted a December 2009 study on candy, snack and sweetened beverage availability in non-food retailers, it was worried about obesity. Convenience store retailers are only worried about thin margins. The Tulane University researchers found snack food in 41% of all stores whose primary merchandise was not food. Candy was [...]
Chicago retailers could face increased big box competition now that Walmart has announced its goal to build several dozen stores in the city over the next five years. Part of a long-term initiative called the “Chicago Community Investment Partnership,” the new plan between the city of Chicago and Walmart would help eradicate food deserts and [...]
Wawa with many locations in southern New Jersey, is heading north to Morris County where it will compete directly with Quick Chek and 7-Eleven, The Daily Record reported. Wawa plans to build and open its first Morris County store in mid- to late November at the corner of New and Edwards roads in the eastern [...]
McDonald’s is preparing an aggressive summer promotion targeting core c-store customers. Another month, another challenge for convenience store operators. Where is the legendary Charles Atlas when the big bad bully tries to kick sand in our collective faces? As I’m sure you’ve heard by now this summer’s bully is, once again, McDonald’s. The hamburger chain [...]