By John Lofstock, Editor Following the retirement of its long-time Chief Customer Officer Jeff Leedy, Rutter’s Farm Stores has hired industry veteran Derek Gaskins as chief engagement officer, CSD has learned. Gaskins has an extensive background in marketing for both retail and consumer packaged goods companies, and spent two years as the vice president of…
Gourmet Popcorn
Oogie’s Snacks, makers of Oogie’s Gourmet Popcorn, launched new Kettle Corn flavors at the Sweets & Snacks Expo in May. Oogie’s Popcorn is best known for its savory pre-popped popcorn flavors made with distinctive cheese and spices. Now the two new Kettle Corn flavors— Orginal and Sticks & Stonez—are set to start shipping in August.…
Industry Steps Up to Support Japan, Charitable Causes
Convenience stores continue to play an important role in raising much-needed funds in times of trouble. By: Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. When disaster strikes, convenience stores are often at their best stepping up to support the community. But what makes the industry so special is that it often continues to give back long after the…
MACS Announces Dan Pastor as New CEO
“It is an exciting time to become a part of a company on such a trajectory of growth, including acceleration through strategic acquisitions and organic retail innovations,” says new MACS CEO. Mid-Atlantic Convenience Stores (MACS) has appointed Dan Pastor as CEO to fill the position previously held by Steven Uphoff, who has transitioned from his…
Giant Eagle Receives ADA Chairman’s Citation Award
“It gives me great pride to recognize Giant Eagle for their support of our STOP DIABETES Movement and the support they provide to the Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Columbus markets,” says ADA CEO. Giant Eagle, a food and fuel retailer, has received the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) prestigious Chairman’s Citation Award. Giant Eagle is the second…
Pronto Wine Kiosks Temporarily Close
In an effort to maintain the highest levels of customer service, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) will temporarily close the Pronto Wine Kiosks statewide to address mechanical and technological issues. “While customer satisfaction with the six-month old kiosk program remains high, recent problems, such as product not dispensing, require us to take immediate action…
Giant Eagle Welcomes Huntington
Huntington Bank has opened the first of its Giant Eagle in-store branches, part of an exclusive, 15-year agreement announced in September 2010 to install seven-day-a-week, full-service branches in at least 103 Giant Eagle supermarkets. “This is a true partnership between two companies that share a strong, long-held commitment to customer service, convenience, and the communities…
Market District Opens In Ohio
Inspired by the open-air markets of Europe and a passion for food, Giant Eagle Inc. opened its Kingsdale Market District food store-a 132,000 square-foot culinary, dining and shopping destination, on Oct. 14, in Columbus. The Kingsdale Market District, the fourth for the multi-format food retailer and first in Ohio, delivers central Ohio residents with a…
A Certified Success
View From the Top: Certified Oil’s Leadership Team If experience is an accurate indicator of a company’s success, Certified Oil has a bright future. Three members of the company’s senior leadership team have been with the company for more than 30 years, and several others have major oil, grocery and management consulting backgrounds. The leadership…
Is Green in Your Future?
Being green. You can’t go a day without hearing about it. Escalating energy costs and a renewed awareness of the environment have put green initiatives at the top of the agenda for the global convenience industry. Retail industry leaders such as Walmart and Tesco are setting targets to reduce energy use by at least 20%.…