Convenience store owners should expect to embrace new technology and a fresh set of rules for communicating with today’s consumers as 2011 approaches. A year that witnessed a whirlwind of technological advancements proved that retail is all about change. The best retailers are embracing that change and diversifying their technology investments in order to stay [...]
Food Lion customers can now access weekly specials, new recipes and store directions right at their fingertips by using their iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. “At Food Lion, we are constantly looking for new ways to enhance the shopping experiences of our customers,” said David Palmer, director of customer relationship management and interactive marketing for [...]
The SWAT Team During its brief tenure, the PCATS Data Security Standards committee has proven extraordinarily active, holding biweekly conference call meetings that are regularly attended by as many as 50 members. As PCATS Executive Director Gray Taylor pointed out, “These aren’t single-site operators. These are people who are in charge of security for [...]
As the economy slowing recovers, customers are still adapting. With that in mind, Mintel has predicted nine key consumer trends for the year ahead, examining how long term behavior has been implicated. In 2011, consumers are living for the long term with attitudes inspired by a changed value set. “The effects of the global economic [...]
The thirsty teenager steps up to a bright red vending machine and takes out her mobile phone. She places the phone near a reader attached to the machine and a cold can of cola is immediately dispensed. This scene is repeated thousands of times each day for thirsty consumers—in Japan. For almost six years, Japanese [...]
Many retailers are breathing a sigh of relief in regard to PCI, after this summer’s deadline for software compliance was relaxed after a request by the major oil companies, giving scrambling retailers a little more time to comply. But retailers be warned: chains that face a breach could still get hit with huge fines. “Some [...]
Convenience to customers today means one-stop shopping, short lines at the counter and the ability to get in and out of a store fast. New integrated point-of-sale (POS) solutions are speeding up service and offering customers the convenience they demand thanks to faster processing times. What’s more, they’re saving operators money, labor and time. Finding [...]
Hoshizaki America Inc. offers the new hands-free water and ice dispenser, models DT-400-AR and DT-400BAH-OS. The former features a drop-in replacement refrigeration circuit, ease of serviceability for maintaining ice making/dispensing operation and simple disconnects for removal and installation. DT-400BAH-OS features a self-contained space saving design (21w x 22.5d x72.5h with 6-inch legs) and front in [...]
In today’s difficult economy, most convenience store owners are turning their focus to profit driving initiatives to give business a boost. When dollars are tight, allotting extra funds to upgrade security equipment might seem a lower priority or even a frivolous expense, but experts note investing in security and surveillance measures can be a retailer’s [...]
Imagine a day when your customers pay for coffee by scanning a cell phone, and play their favorite music at the gas pump with a quick swipe of a loyalty card. Well, ready or not, such technology is already out there and it’s coming for c-stores—the only question is how soon. As the Millennial generation [...]
Beta Lighting Beta Lighting has expanded its Constellation series to include the first directional LED canopy fixture designed for the petroleum market. The LED Directional model features high output white LEDs installed behind a flat lens. The panel of LEDs can be tilted up to 30 degrees in any direction and rotated 360 degrees to [...]
Airlink Mobile The increasingly popular Airlink Mobile’s wireless prepaid handsets are landing in c-stores across the country. With Airlink Mobile’s free nights and weekends, free new phone offer, low price point and great margins, retailers have found that the company provides the best prepaid wireless program for the c-store industry. Current product offerings include pre-paid [...]
E Instruments Group LLC E Instruments Group offers the newest Mini Air Pro-LV50, a portable, compact, economical and highly accurate thermo-anemometer, which is widely used throughout the HVAC industry. The Mini Air Pro is designed for simplicity and one-handed operation. The air velocity and temperature meter is equipped with unique features such as high stability [...]