Industry Veteran Ghiloni to be promoted, effective Jan. 1, 2013. Swisher International Inc. has announced the scheduled retirement of Tom Ryan, the company’s president and CEO, a position he has held since 2004. Chairman of the Swisher International board of directors, William Ziegler, announced that upon Ryan’s retirement on Dec. 31, 2012, he will be…
Managing A Retail Real Estate Portfolio
By John Matthews, founder of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. For the multi-unit operator, managing a retail real estate portfolio is tricky business. Keeping winning stores in tip-top condition—both physically and financially—is the key to long-term success. The best multi-unit operators actively prune their portfolios in a proactive way and overtime, minimize the organization from becoming…
Facility Management
By John Matthews, founder of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. It was the situation that everyone dreads. Out of the blue, the anxiety-filled request was made—the CEO had summoned me to his office. Thoughts raced through my head—mostly bad thoughts, mind you—of why I was being asked to join him and the COO in an impromptu…
Creating A Branding Game Plan
By John Matthews, founder and president of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. What is your branding game plan? Not the branding media schedule—that is just part of it—but rather, your overarching strategic decision-making game plan on all of your branding initiatives? Most advertising managers have a page or two media plan that an agency has produced…
Website Helps Customers Find Best Beer Prices
At SaveOnBrew.com, customers enter their zip codes to find low prices and sales on beer in their area. The Beer Institute reports that the most popular places to buy beer outside bars, restaurants and stadiums include: convenience stores (32%), liquor / beer stores (20%) and supermarkets (8%). SaveOnBrew.com, a search engine made for beer products,…
Newcastle Launches No Bollocks Campaign
“Newcastle Brown Ale is looking to provide consumers with a refreshing dose of honesty,” says brand director for Newcastle. Newcastle Brown Ale delivers ‘win-win’ offer for trial purchase of the leading imported ale through unique summer promotion Following the debut of its new No Bollocks national advertising campaign, Newcastle, a leading imported ale in the…
Dispelling the Myths of Tobacco Control
A response to the recent misleading “Deadly Alliance” report implicating convenience stores. By Seth A. Mailhot, Special Counsel, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP. This is the first of what will be a continuing series on the regulation of tobacco retailing. In future articles, I will address the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) regulation…
Getty Realty Corp. Repossesses 788 Properties
Getty enters into new lease agreements with affiliates of Lehigh Gas, Chestnut Petroleum Distributors, Ramoco Fuels and Sam’s Food Stores. Getty Realty Corp.’s master lease with Getty Petroleum Marketing Inc. (Marketing) has been rejected by Marketing effective April 30, 2012, pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court. The rejection was consistent with the…
Local Store Marketing: Overcoming Retail Wallpaper
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…
Creating An Advertising Plan
By John Matthews, president of Gray Cat Enterprises. As you have probably gathered from reading my other articles, I am a firm believer in planning for success. Whether it is operational excellence, de-branding a store or outlining your procedures and policies, prudent planning creates stronger execution and efficiency. While planning may come second nature to…