Burgers, brats and sausages continue to drive sales among core convenience store customers. By John Lofstock, Editor. While customers may say they want healthy and organic foods, a Technomic report found that 91% of consumers said they eat a burger at least once a month and 44% have a burger at least once a week. [...]
A wide array of tobacco accessories to complement cigarettes and cigars shows customers you’re serious about tobacco and incites impulse sales. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Many retailers recognize that it’s beneficial to step out from behind the counter to teach customers about smokeless alternatives and educate them on e-cigarettes, but taking the same approach [...]
E-cigarettes are a relatively new product, but for convenience stores they are beginning to make a big impact on sales. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. While electronic cigarettes show promise as a growing tobacco subcategory, two issues are threatening its widespread growth. One is the looming threat of government regulation, which most agree is inevitable, [...]
“Despite the challenges impacting our industry, we are optimistic about our ability to continue to drive shareholder value next fiscal year,” says Casey’s CEO. Casey’s General Stores Inc. has reported earnings for the fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011. For the quarter, basic earnings per share were $0.60 compared to $0.43 [...]
With companies across all retail channels vying for convenience customers, the pressure is on c-store operators to protect their market share. By Greg Ehrlich, Contributing Editor. As the convenience store industry continues to evolve, one area that is demanding greater attention is brand image. Once a concern primarily for larger chains, brand image is a [...]
Purchase allows Circle K stores to expand in the Southern California market. Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. is increasing its footprint in Southern California by acquiring up to 322 convenience-store sites plus an additional 65-reseller contracts from ExxonMobil Corp., the Wall Street Journal reported. While the purchase price was not disclosed, Couche-Tard said it plans to pay [...]
“Adding these appealing locations in Virginia complements our store-development strategy of acquiring retail sites where we currently operate stores,” says 7-Eleven’s vice president of development. This June, 7-Eleven Inc. signed an agreement to operate six convenience-store locations in Virginia from Workman Oil Co. of Lynchburg, Va. The stores, located in Roanoke and Salem, are being [...]
Customers who stopped by a Thorntons convenience store on Friday, June 10, saved 10 cents per gallon by using a debit card to buy gas. Thorntons offered a fuel promotion to debit card carrying guests on Friday, June 10, just days after the Senate voted to upload a law that would provide interchange relief on [...]
Retailers are energizing their rewards programs and using social media to keep loyalty customers active. The modern loyalty program may be 28 years old, but in a saturated market, chains are turning up the creativity to gain customer attention by pushing game-based promotions, cause marketing, discounts on fuel and using social networking to drive interest. [...]
Led by the Gallagher family, Smoker Friendly continues the fight to sell tobacco legally and responsibly. By John Lofstock, Editor. While the federal government seems intent on eliminating tobacco products altogether, tobacco remains a legal product in the U.S. enjoyed by legal-aged adults exercising their right to smoke, dip or chew. The right to enjoy [...]
Companies plan to open more than 50 new restaurants in Florida. Hess, operator of 1,350 gas stations and convenience stores in 18 states, reached a deal with Quiznos to open more than 50 Quiznos restaurants inside Hess locations in Florida. The partnership, the largest to date in terms of Quiznos convenience locations, is a significant [...]
Stores to offer free doughnut with beverage purchase on June 3. Thorntons is participating with “National Donut Day” by offering a free doughnut with any coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, fountain or fresh brewed tea purchase. The promotion is taking place today, Friday, June 3, at all 42 Louisville and southern Indiana store locations until 6 [...]
“These types of communities have proven to be an excellent fit for our business model,” says Casey’s CEO. Casey’s General Stores Inc. is acquiring 22 convenience stores from Kum & Go. All 22 stores are located in Iowa operating under the Kum & Go banner. The stores will be immediately rebranded to Casey’s once the [...]
“The company appreciates Mr. Williams’ dedication and hard work over the years and wishes him the best in his new endeavors,” the company says. The Pantry Inc. has announced that Brad Williams, senior vice president of operations, has announced his decision to leave The Pantry. “During his 13-year tenure Mr. Williams has made many important [...]
United Supermarkets’ third Market Street location in Lubbock, Texas will anchor a major redevelopment effort in the city. The store will be comparable in size to the city’s two other Market Street locations, but with innovations in design and service concepts. Plans also call for construction of a United Express fuel and convenience store near [...]