The convenience store industry had record sales of $700.3 billion in 2012, with in-store sales increasing 2.2% to reach a record $199.3 billion and motor fuels sales increasing 2.9% to a record $501.0 billion, according to figures released yesterday by NACS. The industry’s 2012 numbers were announced at the NACS State of the Industry Summit, [...]
In this period of economic and demographic fluctuation, U.S. retailers are simultaneously stretching and shrinking their stores to promote convenience for shoppers and compete with online options, according to What’s in Store, the annual trends publication from International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association. Grocery shoppers continue to weather the Great Recession and convenient shopping for the most vital [...]
Two Minnesota companies team up with launch My Cub Rewards Program beginning Sept. 30. Cub Foods and Holiday Cos.—both based in Minnesota, are joining forces to deliver big fuel savings and increased value on everyday grocery purchases to consumers through the launch of the My Cub Rewards Program. Cub Foods consumers who use the new [...]
Technomic’s 2012 Sandwich Consumer Trend Report found that more than half (55%) of Americans are now purchasing grab-and-go sandwiches. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Just two years ago, the top-selling sandwiches at Famima convenience stores were tuna salad, turkey and cheese and egg salad, all on white bread. Today, the same proteins lead the pack, [...]
Establishing an effective frozen beverage offering helps drive customers across all demographics. Megan Wilkinson, Assistant Editor. Frozen beverages have been helping convenience store operators create stronger relationships with younger consumers, but there is an opportunity in this category with all age groups. According to Mintel’s 2012 Convenience Store Foodservice report, frozen beverages ranked as the [...]
Del Monte is now offering 100% Fresh Hass Avocado Pulp in a convenient four pack of two-ounce cups. The new value-added Hass avocado product is available for national distribution. As fresh avocado consumption continues to increase and as more consumers become familiar with its great taste and nutritional benefits, they are beginning to demand the [...]
To capture a greater share of the breakfast business, retailers are developing fresh bakery programs extensive enough to make their products destination-worthy in the morning and throughout the day. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Few, if any, local supermarkets or mom-and-pops in the Iowa, Minnesota or Wisconsin market areas where Kwik Trip has its 358 [...]
To reach more of its consumers, Marfood USA’s Pemmican Beef Jerky has updated its Website, while also finding more ways to communicate with shoppers through Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and a new blog site. Marfood USA, owner of Pemmican Brand finds it increasingly important to have open communication with its customers in order to stand out [...]
Whether it’s sandwiches, wraps or wings, chicken’s versatility is driving the foodservice category. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Chicken comes about as close as food can to a can’t-miss opportunity for convenience store operators. Chicken’s flexibility—and healthier perception—makes it one of the most popular products in the foodservice industry. And short of handling it unsafely, [...]
The new location boosts a 75% larger footprint, plus grab-and-go favorites and more grocery items. Kroger’s Turkey Hill Minit Markets division has opened its first Turkey Hill Market, a larger version of its c-store concept, at 1621 Cobblestone Way in Marysville, Ohio. The new store is meant to represent a contemporary version of a corner [...]
New digital signs powered by ADFLOW alert customers to daypart food options and new products at Wawa stores. Wawa Inc. is incorporating digital signage into its chain of over 600 stores across the U.S., including at new locations in central Florida. Following a successful 25-store pilot Wawa, last fall, selected ADFLOW to power its digital [...]
With an aggressive expansion and remodeling plan underway, Casey’s General Stores is in firm control of its future and sits atop the list of Chains to Watch in 2013. By: Erin Rigik, associate editor. Casey’s General Stores has come a long way in two years. The convenience store chain is branching into new territory, pushing [...]
2012 Regional Franchisee of the Year Award goes to Sequin, Texas business owner. SUBWAY restaurant chain has named Larry Gerosa of Seguin, Texas as the recipient of its 2012 Regional Franchisee of the Year award for single-unit owners from the chain’s domestic developed markets. The award was presented during the company’s recent convention held in [...]
New York State is now home to almost 30 Chester’s Chicken locations. Chester’s has opened its latest restaurant inside Caz Mini Mart’s newly renovated convenience store located in Buffalo, N.Y. in the Riverside neighborhood. Customers can enjoy delicious hand breaded fried chicken throughout the day for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Caz Mini [...]
Calorie signs, a new app, and more healthful options are headed for McDonald’s. McDonald’s plans to begin posting calorie counts on all its menus next week — a move that will likely pressure other QSRs to follow suit. At the same time, the company introduced several menu additions aimed at making its offerings more healthful, [...]