By John Matthews, founder and president of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. Ever drive down the road and out of the corner of your eye you catch a glimpse of a 20-foot pink gorilla in a bathing suit on top of a store? That is a retailer attempting to overcome what I call the “retail wallpaper [...]
Despite the continued economic doldrums, U.S. confectionery sales have grown at a pace of 4.2% annually and generate $29 billion in total sales, according to SymphonyIRI, a Chicago-based research firm. Jenn Elleck, of the National Confectioners Association (NCA), said the biggest misconception about selling candy is that candy sells itself. “Retailers don’t think they need [...]
Veteran Designer Joseph Bona shares trade secrets with viewers of TV’s ‘Modern Marvels’. The History Channel’s “Modern Marvels” makes clear in a new episode on the convenience-store phenomenon that there is much more to America’s go-to pit stops than just coffee, soda, snacks and hot dogs. Indeed, convenience stores are carefully designed for maximum speed [...]
Thanasi Foods LLC introduces the new BIGS Slammers to its all-star lineup of BIGS Sunflower Seeds. The new BIGS Slammer, a 2.75-ounce tube packed with BIGS Sunflower Seeds, is now available in Salted & Roasted Original and Vlasic Dill Pickle flavors at a suggested retail price of 99 cents. The convenient pack is hitting store [...]
As c-stores enhance their coffee and foodservice programs, operators look to fresh bakery to complete the package. By Heather Henstock, Contributing Editor. Convenience stores are investing heavily in store remodels and an experienced staff to create a bigger, better fresh foods program for customers. Too often they fall short in the bakery category, but a [...]
A new revolution in chewing gum, Rev 7. Great tasting, long lasting flavor and an exceptional chewing experience. The ONLY removable and degradable chewing gum. Check out how you can benefit from Rev 7!
New exciting flavors and pack sizes from 5 Hour Energy. Extra Strength Grape and new four packs. Adding a four-pack to your set increases overall revenue, while not diminishing your individual bottle set. 5 Hour will invest more than $100 million in adverting to keep your customers thinking about 5 Hour Energy when they come [...]
New Warhead Sour Twist. Famous for extreme hard sour candy. Variety of pack sizes, including theatre style and one of the top sellers in its category.
Whether it’s aspirin or shaving cream, HBC is a growing category that deserves a renewed focus. By Joe Bush, Contributing Editor. HBC is making a comeback from coast to coast. The category—from shampoos and skin creams to cough drops and cold remedies—has always had its rightful place in a convenience store—providing a grab-and-go remedy for [...]
Sell the banana that’s full of profits. There is no banana like Chiquita To Go bananas. See how you can bring a fresh approach to counter-top profit building. Watch this video to learn more!
Scentria Corp., innovator of GoneSmoke, the first dry aerosol odor eliminator, sports a new look: bold graphics with an image of a woman spraying GoneSmoke over her hair. The company now offers a smaller footprint with a two-tier rack. When GoneSmoke is placed on the front counter near lighter racks, stores are seeing great sell-through, [...]
Mars Chocolate North America’s iconic DOVE Brand Chocolate is set to be the first mainstream chocolate brand in the U.S. to bear the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal on its dark chocolate products. Beginning in the fall, DOVE Brand Silky Smooth Dark Chocolate will source 100% of its cocoa volume from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, and [...]
Mars Chocolate North America has released the new Marathon Smart Stuff Bar, which is a healthful snacking solution that provides balanced nutrition for active minds and bodies. The product was developed in June 2011 to help teens and young adults make smarter snack choices when returning to school this fall. The snack bars include wholesome [...]
RaceTrac joins Walgreens and Circle K in offering DNA products statewide. RaceTrac Petroleum Inc. is expanding DNA Brands’ presence in Florida by approving DNA Energy Drink for sale at all its Florida locations. RaceTrac operates more than 300 stores under the RaceTrac name in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. “After approximately one year of [...]
Consumers seeking more healthful snack options now have something to cheer for since Oh Boy, Oberto! rolled out its new All Natural Jerky line to retail shelves in July. This new snack is made from simple, all-natural ingredients with no preservatives or artificial flavors, resulting in a flavorful, hearty jerky that will satisfy consumers, while [...]