Combining both top-of-the-line technology and in-depth training, Circle K is taking strong steps in the field of cash management. Cash management and security are essential components of any c-store operation. Retail venues of all types run high risks of robbery- from both internal and external sources-but c-stores face a higher risk due to the inherent…
standing out in the crowd
Aided by its partnership with Valero, Fas Mart and Shore Stop stores are thriving in a tough East Coast market. Just a few years ago, Fas Mart was facing financial uncertainty. With 170 stores, the Mechanicsville, Va.-based chain, which also operates Shore Stop stores, was forced into Chapter 11. But what was a difficult period…
securing the front line
Combining both top-of-the-line technology and in-depth training, Circle K is taking strong steps in the field of cash management. Cash management and securityare essential components of anyc-store operation. Retail venues of all types run high risks of robbery—from both internal and externalsources—but c-stores face a higher riskdue to the inherent nature of the business. For…
moist smokeless sales continue gains
Category is the only tobacco segment to record year-on-year spikes since 2002. The moist smokeless tobacco(MST) category is the only growingtobacco category, and has been increasing at 4-6% per year consistentlysince 2002. Over the past few years, theMST category has developed three distincttiers (See Figure 1). Tier one (premium)accounts for more than 59% of MST…
bringing products to market
“New” is a tricky term when it comes to productions in the convenience channel. Tjere are few actual unique product launches along the lines of Red Bull anymore. The majority of new products comes in the form of line extensions of already popular products. While line extensions help to create a buzz in the marketplace,…
the spice of life
As foodservice flourishes, Open Pantry is getting its “fare share” by serving up authentic ethnic dishes. Anyone can throw a littleTabasco sauce in meat, wrap itin a tortilla and say they have a Mexican program. It’s another thing tocull an offer after trekking theSouthwest to find the real deal inauthentic flavors and ingredients, whichis exactly…
financing for the future
When examining short- and long-term funding options, experts stress the importance of due diligence. In the summer of 2005, Meridian, Miss.-based DeweeseEnterprises Inc., owner-operator of the Super Stop! convenience store chain, completed a $30 million deal that significantly improved the company’s bottom line. Deweese sold 24Super Stop locations in Mississippi to Realty Income Corp., aNew…
mclane delivers the goods
Sam Anderson operates in one of the most competitivemarkets in the country. Rather than fret about thedaunting task of outselling the likes of Sheetz, Wawa and GetGo, he is focused on utilizing the tools at his disposalto put Pump n Pantry in a position to trump the competition. Anderson, vice president of store operations for…
a culture of caring
Ask any retailer in the industry what sets them apart—what’s their most valuable asset—and almost everyone will say “our people.” But for San Antonio-based-Valero Energy Corp., it’s more than just lip service. Led by Chairman Bill Greehey, Valero has created a corporate culture that permeates its rank-and-file and makes employees feel like they’re doing more…
what type of marketer are you
Dealer volume has never been more attractive and times have never been better for wholesale marketers considering exiting the industry. I was sitting in my office the other day ruminating that with the recent letter of intent we had just received, I was about to be a man without a jobbership to sell. Fortunately, the…