Convenience store operators pushing a foodservice program must be committed to store cleanliness and sanitation. By Michael Schaffer, Contributing Editor If there is anything retailers and convenience store owners have learned from the economic downturn, it’s that they must do everything they can to welcome their customers and keep them loyal. And it can all [...]
Washington State University student analyzes ways customers get on each other’s nerves. By Eric Sorensen, Contributing Editor There are Some jerks, and then there are jerks. Joel Anaya has given them a fair amount of study, focusing on that very special jerk who can take a routine service experience—dining out, paying at a cash register, air [...]
SavOn convenience stores score exceptionally high on mystery shop reviews for its customer service skills. The convenience store industry has changed its customer service standards the past couple years. Customers expect more out of convenience store employees than ever before, and want some sort of “experience” when they stop by their favorite location. More c-stores [...]
SymphonyIRI reports that “shopper-centric” retailers perform stronger than those focused more on the products. SymphonyIRI Group released its latest Times & Trends report, “Shopper Marketing: Every Decision Begins & Ends with the Shopper” for c-store owners to consider. Amazing products, strong advertising and outstanding stores are useless without shoppers. The shoppers in today’s market demand [...]
Veeder-Root acquired the assets of Catlow Inc., based in Tipp City, Ohio. Catlow is a manufacturer of petroleum dispensing equipment, serving the global market with a broad range of nozzles, swivels, breakaways and other hanging hardware components. Catlow’s customers include large regional retailers in North America, Petroleum Equipment Industry (PEI) distributors and commercial and industrial [...]
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 [...]
A Philadelphia City Councilman wants to make receipts mandatory at all convenience stores in the city. Philadelphia City Councilman Curtis Jones told CBS News that he is frustrated that not all convenience stores readily offer receipts. Some, he said in the report, are hoping to keep cash transactions off the records. Jones, in the report, [...]
In the next five years Kum & Go aims to construct 20-25 c-stores in Colorado Springs, eight of which are expected to open in 2012. Kum & Go is set to debut its first Colorado Springs convenience store on June 1 at Academy Boulevard and Vickers Drive on the city’s northeast side. Based in West [...]
Offering quality customer service with bilingual employees and traditional foods can drive retail loyalty among the growing Hispanic population. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Today, Hispanic food is mainstream and attractive to a wide array of demographics seeking spicier flavors, but the secret to keeping your Hispanic customers’ repeat business lies in more than just [...]
Shannon Michels receives special honor. Shannon Michels, a Kum & Go associate since 1998, recently received the company’s prestigious “2011 Supervisor of the Year” award. This marks the third straight year the company has recognized the Minot, N.D., native. Michels, who resides in Williston, N.D., earned “2010 National Division Supervisor of the Year” and “2009 [...]
With nine stores already in operation locally and three under construction, QuikTrip makes plans for more locations. QuikTrip continues its Arizona expansion as it plans to begin construction on a new Tuscon, Ariz. convenience store and gas station this May at South Alvernon Way south of East 22nd Street from Evergreen Development Co., the Arizona [...]
Properties are available in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Prima Marketing LLC, of Denver, Colo., is selling 22 operating and closed c-stores plus four excess retail pad sites that it currently owns, leases, and/or operates. The properties are located in West Virginia and nearby areas of Pennsylvania and Ohio and include a mix of operating [...]
An internal and external search is being launched for a new chief operating officer. Kum & Go Chief Operating Officer Dennis Folden is retiring from the company later this summer. According to Folden, after more than four decades at Kum & Go, he felt the timing was perfect. “I have been honored to serve Kum [...]
LexisNexis program makes it easy and affordable for NACS member companies to screen employees. NACS and LexisNexis have teamed up to offer NACS member companies an affordable, user-friendly employment screening solution. The LexisNexis service is specifically designed to streamline and simplify the screening and hiring process to NACS members — both retailers and suppliers — [...]
By John Matthews, founder and president of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. Managing a retail store is tough work. Between operations, merchandising, marketing and facility upkeep, retail business owners have their hands full. Managing the details of retail is the difference between making it or not. All too often, retail owners become lax in their operation [...]