Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. After years of tremendous growth, gum sales have struggled as new products and line extensions crowd the category. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Innovation is a great thing, especially in the fickle gum category. But Danna Huskey, category manager for Texarkana, Texas-based E-Z Mart stores [...]
Many convenience store retailers are cognizant of the trend toward healthier foods and are adding better-for-you items to their menus. By John Lofstock, Editor. More salads, fruits and vegetables are finding their way onto convenience store shelves—often for purchase in the morning, or as a late afternoon snack—much to the delight of an increasing number [...]
Market researchers report that between 82% and 92% of Americans admit to indulging in chocolate candy. Even more important is the revelation that the majority of them do it at least once a month. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Americans aren’t eating out as much as they used to, but they are eating more chocolate, [...]
The prepaid market is booming as retailers begin to capitalize on seasonal opportunities and serving the underbanked. By John Lofstock, Editor. The gift card market is rosy and analysts are poised for another strong year in 2012. In 2011, 80% of consumers planned on buying gift cards for the holiday season, up from 2010, and [...]
With so many choices now available, retailers must make sure they select wisely when upgrading canopy and interior lighting. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Lighting technology is undergoing a rapid expansion, with more energy-efficient options appearing in the marketplace. Many retailers seeking cost savings on their electric and maintenance bills are flocking to their utility [...]
American Pride has switched from cash-based operations to tokens, and customers are coming back stronger than ever. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Brian Costa operates five American Pride car washes in the Cleveland area. All told, there are 29 self-service bays and six touchless automatics. Until early 2000 each location was quarter-based. Then, when the [...]
Separating nicotine from cigarettes and smoking could open new doors for tobacco. By Lou Maiellano. Imagine a natural ingredient so promising and intriguing that it is being clinically evaluated to address a variety of illnesses and conditions, including depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, Tourette syndrome, ADHD, anger management and anxiety. Think about it, an ingredient that would [...]
When it comes to attracting and maintaining repeat customers, a convenience store is only as strong as its weakest link. By Jim Callahan. In Thomas Reid’s Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man he wrote that, “in every chain of reasoning, the evidence of the last conclusion can be no greater than that of the [...]
As their popularity soars in convenience stores, e-cigs are becoming the target of new smoking bans and tax regulations. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Once speculated to be a passing fad, e-cigarettes are increasing in sales and popularity and pushing their way toward becoming a mainstream product. Celebrities from Leonardo DiCaprio to Britney Spears have [...]
As major shifts in the economy have created unparalleled effects on the labor market, CSD has partnered with Humetrics to help c-store operators benchmark their hiring practices and employee costs. By Mel Kleiman, Contributing Editor. In an ongoing effort to support the convenience store and petroleum industry’s forecasting and planning responsibilities, Convenience Store Decisions and [...]
As rising gas prices continue to shrink profits at the pumps, having a strong foodservice offering can drive customers into convenience stores. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. A growing number of retailers are choosing to go the brand name route, partnering with high profile quick-service chains or turnkey commissary-style suppliers. Convenience Store Decisions asked some [...]
To be a winner in the foodservice arena, break out of the convenience store box and take some equipment cues from quick-service, fast casual and white tablecloth restaurants. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. No one understands the pain of working in a cramped space better than a food truck operator, said Larry Miller, president of [...]
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 [...]
When it comes to foodservice, convenience store operators must develop the expertise to make smart choices and deliver winning mealtime solutions. By John Lofstock, Editor People need food, and convenience stores need people to like their food, which is why keeping lunch and dinner menus fresh, new and exciting is so important. The food itself [...]
CSD‘s 2012 Category Management Outlook offers trends and analysis from more than 25 key in-store categories. By John Lofstock and Erin Rigik. Tough economic times and stiff competition across the supply chain are making it critical for convenience store operators to have a solid understanding of their customers, particularly their high-frequency, high-value shoppers. Armed with [...]