As their popularity soars in convenience stores, e-cigs are becoming the target of new smoking bans and tax regulations. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Once speculated to be a passing fad, e-cigarettes are increasing in sales and popularity and pushing their way toward becoming a mainstream product. Celebrities from Leonardo DiCaprio to Britney Spears have…
Convenience Store Sales Topped $680 Billion in 2011
Convenience store sales, both at the pump and inside the store, set new records in 2011, according to data released today by NACS. In-store convenience store sales grew 2.4%, reaching a record $195.0 billion. Combined with $486.9 billion in motor fuels sales, total convenience store sales in 2011 were $681.9 billion, or one out of…
R.J. Reynolds Introduces Camel SNUS Mint
R.J. Reynolds has announced the expansion of its Camel SNUS line, now available in select retail outlets in a Mint style. Camel SNUS Mint is the latest innovation from the brand known for transforming tobacco, giving adult tobacco consumers the freedom to “Break Free” and enjoy tobacco pleasure on their own terms. Offering innovative smoke-free…
FDA Introduces Draft Guidance on MRTPs and HPHCs for Tobacco
FDA intends to focus reporting enforcement on 20 HPHCs during 2012, and provides details for those seeking to market a tobacco product as modified or lower risk. Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released two separate draft guidance documents to “help fight the tobacco epidemic and stop children from using tobacco.” The draft…
United Supermarkets Offers Fuel Discount Promotion
United Express to accept fuel discount vouchers earned through grocery purchases. United Supermarkets plans to help its store guests combat the rising cost of driving this spring by offering a fuel discount with their in-store purchases. Between March 28 and May 22, guests can earn discounts on their fuel purchases at all United Express fuel…
Cushion Tipped Cigars
From one of America’s leading cigar brands comes an exciting new line of products: Cheyenne Cushion Tipped Cigars. Cheyenne Cushion Tipped Cigars are a larger cigar, offering full flavor, wine, vanilla and wild cherry styles in a five-count pack. The cigars represent a new standard from the brand you count on to offer high-quality products…
Emerging Opportunities for HBC
Retailers have come to accept that the health and beauty category (HBC) could never compete with tobacco or foodservice in terms of profits or volume, but it serves an important purpose for convenience store customers. For that reason alone, a diverse offering of cold medicines and personal hygiene products should be a staple on convenience…
E-Cig Users Celebrate World Vaping Day
As e-cig sales globally hit $200 million, with over $100 million of business in the U.S., e-cig consumer organizations encourage vapers to celebrate the product around the world. Thousands of smokers and ex-smokers across the world will be celebrating World Vaping Day March 22 to celebrate the success of the electronic cigarette, and to encourage…
New Report Attacks Tobacco Sales, Targets C-Stores
Report by anti-smoking groups condemns c-stores for point-of-sale tobacco marketing. A new report, titled “Deadly Alliance: How Tobacco Companies and Convenience Stores Partner to Market Tobacco Products and Fight Life-Saving Policies” has been released by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Counter Tobacco (a project that works to counter tobacco product sales and marketing at the…
Lighting Your Way to Profitability
When sold responsibly, lighters are a dependable source of revenue, even as the number of smokers declines. Lighters are a much-needed tool for the home grill and candles. Another trend helping push lighter sales in c-stores is flavored cigars, which continues to grow at an impressive rate. “Tobacco accessories are alive and well, evolving with…