Although the electronic cigarette category in the U.S. is barely five years old, a dizzying number of brands are vying for the attention of retailers—and more are entering the fray just about every day. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor In a report released in May, UBS Investment Research likened the chaotic e-cigarette category to the e-commerce [...]
Mobile technology is changing the retail landscape, offering a bevy of options for retailers to consider. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. In today’s ever-evolving world of mobile payment technology, anyone with a mobile phone can take credit card payments, from a neighbor running a garage sale to an entrepreneur building a small business. Now, this [...]
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 [...]
Maverik convenience stores is one of 30 merchants that plans to use the NFC payment system this summer. This summer, customers in Salt Lake City, Utah and Austin, Texas will be able to buy products at convenience stores with a wave of their smartphones instead of handing over cash or a credit card to a [...]
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 [...]
Consider this an open letter to the young men and women that work in our stores. If you want to advance, don’t let your bosses out work you. By Jim Callahan. Did you ever wonder how older co-workers keep going long after many of their younger cohorts seem to have worn down and out? I’m [...]
While branded and proprietary foodservice programs get a lot of attention at retail, prepared sandwiches have quietly—and profitably—filled a valuable niche for retailers. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Sandwiches and wraps are a $2.7 billion category and sales are expected to remain strong through 2014, according to a 2011 report from foodservice research and marketing [...]
Study by the NACS/ Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council (CCRRC) identifies five new platforms that can drive convenience retail growth. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. A newly released report from the NACS/Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council (NACS/CCRRC) is providing insights into what motivates shoppers to spend more of their hard-earned dollars inside convenience stores. “We began the [...]
Affordable Care Act Program helps small businesses offer benefits. More than 19 million U.S. workers are employed by the 3.2 million small businesses eligible for $15 billion in tax credits in the federal healthcare reform, according to a new report titled “Good Business Sense,” released today by Small Business Majority and the consumer group Families [...]
Savvy c-store operators are using loyalty programs to improve merchandise planning and forecasting to spur long-term growth. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Loyalty programs, when administered well, offer c-store retailers solid benefits—the ability to react to trends quickly, make more informed decisions, improve cost effectiveness and aid in merchandise planning and sales forecasting. “Loyalty programs [...]
As loyalty programs evolve, ensuring customers that their private information is secure and being used appropriately is essential in gaining their trust. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. The secret to succeeding with a loyalty program in 2012 is to make sure you’re offering customers value on their terms, while also ensuring them that their information [...]
A response to the recent misleading “Deadly Alliance” report implicating convenience stores. By Seth A. Mailhot, Special Counsel, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP. This is the first of what will be a continuing series on the regulation of tobacco retailing. In future articles, I will address the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) regulation [...]
Master Chief Petty Officer David A. Lindenberger. He is the toughest man I’ve ever met. As the senior enlisted man aboard the submarine USS Providence during my time in the Navy, he was known simply as Chief of the Boat or the COB. He wasn’t a particularly big man, maybe an iron fist taller than [...]
Jiffy Trip is preparing to unveil a convenience store prototype in Oklahoma and has its sights set on acquisition opportunities. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor Jiffy Trip is gearing up for a busy year. The 28-store chain based in Enid, Okla. is scouring the market for acquisition targets to fulfill its lofty plans to grow [...]
With fuel costs again on the rise, a fleet card network can attract new business while offering fleet managers the safety, security and reporting tools they need to be successful. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Fleet cards are a nice piece of business for c-store operators. But the key to keeping that business growing is [...]