“Innovative operators are creating value by crafting new and unique beverages,” says Technomic spokesperson. Technomic’s Beverage Consumer Trend Report found seven out of 10 consumers (71%) now purchase beverages away from home twice a week or more often, up from 66% in 2010. As the economy stabilizes from the recession, restaurants and retail foodservice locations…
Boosting Energy Sales
Although some c-store operators admit to being worried about regulators turning their focus toward energy products, many believe the category has at least another year of strong growth ahead. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Sales of energy shots are soaring despite the lingering recession. New products, flavors and marketing messages are making it one of…
Deloitte Survey Shows Shoppers Expecting Discounts
Savvy consumers research brands and prices before heading into stores. Excitement over unexpected in-store deals has diminished as discounted prices become an anticipated part of the consumer products shopping experience, according to the Deloitte/Harrison Group annual American Pantry Survey. For nearly one-third (30%) of consumers, at least seven of 10 items in their shopping cart…
Tracking the Trends in Convenience Retailing
Despite the global recession, convenience stores have thrived thanks to their ability to provide fast service, quality products and great value in strategic locations. As service and location remain the industry’s primary competitive advantage over supermarkets, drug stores and mass merchandisers, many of whom are moving into the fuel and fresh food business, convenience stores…
Shell Educates Customers Through Gas Giveaway Promotion
Shell is continuing its efforts to educate consumers about the benefits of using high quality gasolines in their vehicles by giving away thousands of gallons of Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines to drivers coast-to-coast today, Friday, Oct. 15. To ensure consumers have a firsthand opportunity to learn about and try Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines for themselves,…
Working Americans Report Economic Perceptions
Working Americans report having mixed feelings when it comes to job security, the economy and worker happiness. Short-term job security is improving, but at the same time, more workers fear losing their job some day in the future. More Americans think the economy is on the upswing. But this is still a minority opinion contrasted…
Georgia Bill Allows Gas Price Increase In Emergency
The Georgia state Senate has passed a bill that would allow station owners to charge higher prices for gas the moment an emergency is declared, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The bill comes less than two years after Gulf hurricanes caused a run on gas, as well as price gouging. The Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs…
Competitive Pricing Key to Water Sales
Operators hoping to do well with bottled and flavored waters in 2010 need to understand what both water and bottles mean to today’s consumers. Following a decade of steady growth, bottled water sales in c-stores declined last year as consumer spending lagged due to higher fuel prices and the economic recession. But many retailers and…
MAPCO Express Rolls On
While many chains are still feeling the crunch from the current economic recession, others are seeing opportunity. Count MAPCO Express among the companies waiting to pounce. MAPCO Express, a subsidiary of Delek US Holdings, has a long history in convenience retailing. It continues rolling out an upscale convenience store concept, branded MAPCO Mart, and is…
Acquisitions Fuel EZ Energy’s Growth
EZ Energy USA At a Glance Headquarters: Mansfield, Ohio Stores: 92 (68 company-operated and 24 dealer-operated sites) Total Estimated Sales: $480 million Markets of Operation: northeast and central Ohio, Pittsburgh Retail Brands: ampm, Easy Trip Fuel Brands: BP, Marathon Fuel Volume: 160 million gallons annually While many marketers are struggling to ride out this economic…