Harris’ leadership of Thorntons’ retail strategy has helped result in the chain’s unprecedented growth, says Thortons CEO. Thorntons Inc. has named Tony Harris chief operating officer (COO) of the Louisville, Ky.-based convenience store chain. Harris will be responsible for operations, marketing, gasoline pricing, brand management, customer experience and retail strategy. A Thorntons Inc. veteran of…
Consumer Engagement Services
On The Mark Promotions, a leader in the experiential marketing industry, is ready to assist your company in producing direct to consumer marketing solutions to drive awareness, trial and store sales. On The Mark Promotions’ experience includes store grand openings, in-store sampling, community events, sponsorship management, and the design of proprietary marketing platforms. Whether you’re…
Building Profits and Relationships
The 2011 NAG Conference in Savannah, Ga. offered timely retail solutions and outstanding networking opportunities. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Retailers and suppliers joined together at the Westin Hotel and Resort in Savannah, Ga. for four days of strategic educational sessions and networking as part of the 2011 National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference. This year’s…
ConocoPhillips Names Its Downstream Company Phillips 66
The strategic repositioning of ConocoPhillips is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2012. ConocoPhillips has revealed that its new independent downstream company, created through its previously announced strategic repositioning, will be named Phillips 66 and will be headquartered in Houston. Phillips 66 will have leading businesses in refining, marketing, midstream and chemicals.…
Weighing a Sandwich Strategy
Whether doing it themselves or finding a national partner, convenience store operators are developing food programs with fresh ingredients and quick service. By Heather Henstock, Contributing Editor. Convenience store strategies for sandwich programs are as customizable as the sandwiches themselves. Some opt to develop and prepare sandwich lines in their own commissaries or via made-to-order…
What’s On Your Customer’s C-Store Shopping List?
Jeff Weghorst, director of merchandising at dunnhumbyUSA. One of the primary drivers behind a customer’s willingness to transact with a retailer is product selection. If a customer does not encounter an appealing assortment of products in-store, they are highly unlikely to engage even once with the retailer, and much less likely to become a loyal…
Tracking the Trends in Convenience Retailing
Despite the global recession, convenience stores have thrived thanks to their ability to provide fast service, quality products and great value in strategic locations. As service and location remain the industry’s primary competitive advantage over supermarkets, drug stores and mass merchandisers, many of whom are moving into the fuel and fresh food business, convenience stores…
Clean Restrooms Offer Distinct Competitive Advantages
As convenience store operators vie for foodservice customers, they need to ensure they are conveying a safe, sanitary image throughout the store. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. When David Miller, president of Chandler Oil Chevron, remodeled his 3,000–square-foot convenience store in Chandler, Ariz. last year, he had design team C7 Works give extra attention to…
NCA Announces Changes to Public Policy and Advocacy Efforts
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has added two members to its public affairs and advocacy department and is re-structuring several other positions in order to enhance its public policy and advocacy efforts following a year-long strategic planning process. Joining NCA as vice president of government affairs is Patrick Aylward who most recently served as the…
Tracking the 2010 Fuel Market
Heading into 2010 there seems to be one constant in the energy markets—be it international, domestic, or local—and that is supplies should not be the issue in the New Year. This means that while demand will ebb and flow as it is want to do over the course of the calendar, barring an unforeseen change,…