When it comes to dispensed beverages, customers are still looking for new and unique products that provide them with instant gratification. By John Lofstock, Editor. Dispensed cold and frozen beverages are proving to be not just popular year-round products—sales are strong and getting stronger as summer approaches—but excellent tools for driving traffic through promotions and [...]
By John Matthews, founder and president of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. Feb. 11 was a milepost of sorts – I turned 50! As I enter the second half of my life [sic], I look back at the first 50 years with a great sense of pride and exuberance. I have been blessed with the opportunities [...]
Top-quartile chains continue to post strong sales across all food segments, while retailers express confidence for healthy category growth throughout 2012. By David Bishop, Contributing Editor. We all know times are tough. The consumer is looking for greater value at a time when retailers are focusing on being competitive without losing their shirts. Retailers recognize [...]
“The acquisition of Western Petroleum’s operations and employing Western Petroleum’s talented workforce is a significant complement to an important aspect of our growth strategy,” says Pilot Flying J CEO. Pilot Flying J is acquiring Western Petroleum LLC. Western Petroleum is a market leader in selling and transporting approximately 200 million gallons of fuel and lubricants [...]
NACS welcomes vice president of marketing. Doug Reed joined NACS on Feb. 8 as its vice president of marketing. In this position, Reed will oversee the association’s marketing department and its related functions. Prior to joining NACS, Reed was the director of interactive technology at OTM Partners, and he was responsible for developing the plan, [...]
In an effort to grow its foodservice business, Casey’s is expanding its menu to include pizza delivery. By Joe Bush, Contributing Editor. Casey’s General Stores has sold pizza for more than a quarter century making it one of the earliest convenience store chains to do so. Now, in an effort to expand its customer base, [...]
With foodservice taking on an expanded role in convenience stores, retailers can utilize NACS CAFÉ to learn about best practices, new ideas and emerging solutions. By John Lofstock, Editor. Foodservice now accounts for nearly one in every six dollars spent inside convenience stores. Getting foodservice right is no longer just a challenge, it is absolutely [...]
Johnson brings more than 20 years of marketing and business development experience to Heineken USA’s Regional Marketing team. Heineken USA has appointed Darrell Johnson as senior director, regional marketing. In his new role, Johnson will report to Kheri Tillman, vice president of trade marketing and sales strategy, and will be responsible for leading the regional [...]
An example of why addressing customer complaints in the age of social media is vital to your business. In today’s social media driven world, customer service is key to positive word-of-mouth, no matter the size of your chain or the scope of the complaint. If you doubt the seriousness of addressing customer complaints in a [...]
Brand doubles its availability by expanding with the Pepsi Beverages Co. into Florida, Atlanta and Memphis. Legendary southern soft drink Cheerwine has taken a game changing leap forward in its quest to become available nationally, doubling its market size by partnering with Pepsi Beverages Co. (PBC) to expand distribution in Florida, Atlanta and Memphis. The [...]
Susser anticipates same-store merchandise sales growth ahead of its third quarter results release. Susser Holdings Corp. expects to report same-store merchandise sales growth for the third quarter of 2011 of approximately 7.4% versus the third quarter of 2010. Meanwhile, retail average per-store fuel volumes are expected to increase by 5.6% year-over-year. For the first three [...]
In sponsorship deal, company’s logo and tagline to appear at center ice in First Niagara Center. NOCO Energy has Buffalo Sabres fever. The company agreed to a sponsorship deal that will feature the NOCO iconic green and orange logo with their new “At Home, At Work, and On the Go!” tagline at center ice in [...]
“Bake Fresh has embraced 7-Eleven’s strategy to narrow our focus with laser-like precision and drive continuous improvement,” says 7-Eleven spokesperson. 7-Eleven Inc. has awarded Bake Fresh Co. LLC the 2010 Retailer Initiative Award, citing the dramatic turn-around of a Colorado commercial bakery the Chesapeake, Va.-based company assumed just a year ago. Jesus Delgado-Jenkins, 7-Eleven senior [...]
Promotional budgets are typically one of the first costs businesses look to slash when times get tough. But understanding available tax deductions can help offset advertising expenses. By Mark E. Battersby, Contributing Editor. Without effective marketing and advertising, customers may recognize the existence of your convenience store business, but they won’t know anything about it. [...]
Program allows Minnesota Cub Foods customers to redeem Gas Rewards at Holiday. Cub Foods, a division of SUPERVALU INC., and Holiday Cos. are launching a fuel rewards program that will allow consumers to save money at Holiday Stationstores when they shop at Cub Foods stores. The two Minnesota-based companies have teamed up in the past [...]