Strongbow Cider, the No. 1 global cider brand, has the 2013 holiday season of entertaining and celebration clearly in its sights. This fall, Strongbow is taking the lead as the catalyst for “Golden” holiday experiences by inviting men and women, 21 and older, to choose Strongbow as the brand of choice to elevate their planned…
The National Advisory Group Appoints John Lofstock as Executive Director
The National Advisory Group (NAG), a convenience store trade association focused on small, mid-sized and family-owned businesses, has appointed John Lofstock as Executive Director. In this role, Lofstock will oversee all of NAG’s educational content, membership, the group’s annual conference and the Young Executive Organization (YEO). Lofstock will also continue to serve as Editor-in-Chief and…
Fading Summer Weighs on Wholesale Gasoline Costs
By Brian L. Milne, Energy Editor, Schneider Electric Although wholesale costs gained sharply Aug. 9 due to a late week rally by the benchmark futures contract, the trend for gasoline prices is pointed down for the rest of the summer unless some unexpected event, such as shut refining capacity, a geopolitical flare-up, or hurricane frustrate…
More Upside for Retail Gasoline Prices
By Brian L. Milne, Energy Editor, Schneider Electric The Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) U.S. retail average for all grades of regular gasoline has more upside despite a sharp nearly 15 cents jump in the average during the week-ended July 15 and mixed wholesale costs across the country’s major metropolitan markets for the week-ended Monday (7/22).…
Limited Edition Newcastle Werewolf Returns to Stores This Fall
Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the U.S., today announces that it is bringing back its popular Newcastle Werewolf limited edition brew just as the heat of summer fades to the cooler days of fall. On shelves from August through October, Werewolf is a dual-character, “blood red” ale that starts smooth and mellow…
Dos Equis Unmasks 2013 Masquerade Program
Dos Equis, the fastest growing premium Mexican beer in the U.S., is unveiling the details of this fall’s Masquerade program that will hit retail and on-premise accounts beginning September 1st. Set to coincide with this fall’s entertaining season, Dos Equis Masquerade entices consumers, 21 and older, to take their Halloween celebrations to a new level…
Maverik Inc. Named Convenience Store Decisions’ 2013 Convenience Store Chain of the Year
The Salt Lake City-based chain will be honored at a private gala in Atlanta during The NACS Show in October. There are many common characteristics that comprise Convenience Store Decisions’ Chain of the Year winners. They are retail leaders, innovative marketers, committed to employees and completely driven by a service-first mantra to satisfy their customers.…
Chicago Gas Station Owner Sentenced in Sales Tax Fraud Case
A suburban Chicago gas station owner was sentenced to a two-year prison term for underreporting Illinois sales taxes by nearly $1 million. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Department of Revenue announced that it was one of the largest gasoline sales tax fraud cases since the state started cracking down on gas station owners…
Couche-Tard Profits, Revenue Rise
Canadian convenience store Alimentation Couche-Tard reported a profit of $146.4-million (U.S.), up 24% for the fourth quarter, driven mainly by acquisitions, but the results came in below analysts’ expectations. In the U.S., Couche-Tard, which owns and operates the Circle K brand, also saw sales increases. Sales at established stores rose 2%, excluding tobacco products. Same-store…
Kangaroo Express Takes Flight to Support Salute Our Troops
The Pantry Inc., the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern U.S., has named its Kangaroo Express Salute Our Troops Flugtag Team to test gravity’s limits on a custom-made aviation machine in honor of our military service members and their families at the first-ever National Red Bull Flugtag competition in Miami on Sept.…