Despite taxation and regulation, convenience store retailers remain optimistic about this lucrative category, though a potential ban on menthol products is looming. By John Lofstock, Editor. In an era in which the sports page sounds like the business page, talk of selling cigarettes inevitably sounds like political rhetoric. When c-store operators talk cigarettes these days…
Cigarette Sales Drop In New York
The New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS) has reported that cigarette sales at convenience stores in New York have seen a steep decline since the $1.60 per pack cigarette tax increase hit on July 1, 2010. New York State now holds the highest state cigarette tax rate in the nation at $4.35 per pack,…
Register Now For The NYACS Show
The 24th annual Trade Show & Convention of the New York Association of Convenience Stores is set for next week at the Oncenter in Syracuse, N.Y. Retail decision-makers representing more than 1,000 New York convenience stores are expected to attend the May 12-13 event. “Going for the GREEN” is this year’s theme. It’s a product…
The NY Coalition and CFF Speak Out on Proposed Sin Taxes
New Yorkers Against Unfair Taxes, a coalition formed in opposition to taxes on food and beverage products, today announced its disappointment in Governor Paterson’s proposal to place a tax on sugar sweetened beverages of 12 cents per 12-ounce can. This tax would be 10 times higher on a 12 pack of non-alcoholic beverages, like soft…
Cigarettes
TOP PERFORMERS Philip Morris USA R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Lorillard Tobacco Co. HONORABLE MENTIONS Commonwealth Brands Inc. Liggett Vector Since the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), tobacco taxes and sales from tax-free sources continue to plague the convenience store industry. Cigarettes continue to be the top in-store category based on sales dollars. On a monthly…
Honoring Our Past
This month begins a very special year for Convenience Store Decisions. Throughout 2009 we are committed to recognizing the leaders and innovators that have shaped the convenience store and petroleum industry and helped create this multi-billion-dollar retail sector. Legends in Retailing will focus on the challenges operators faced in the early days of the industry,…
A Legend Among Us
Growing up during the Great Depression, Bob Seng learned to appreciate hard work, dedication and the value of an honest day’s work. It was those principles that guided him during his nearly 20-year career at Shell Oil, which began 60 years ago in 1949. For Seng, now a spry 85 years young, the experience at…
Convenience Stores Hurt by Tobacco Taxed Ad Sales
Cigarettes continue to be the top in-store category based on sales dollars. On a monthly basis, the industry per store average over the past year was $39,127. However, its gross profit contribution slipped to 3.2% to $6,152 falling behind package beverages ($6,526), according to the National Association of Convenience Stores State of the Industry report.…