Kyle’s Kwik Stop Corner Markets in east Texas is testing a new business model by emphasizing the local community. By Megan Wilkinson, Assistant Editor. On the outside, Kyle’s Kwik Stop’s latest store looks like a simple c-store. Yet, step inside the Longview, Texas unit and customers get a taste of the neighborhood from its breakfast…
Oklahoma Looks to Expand Alcohol Sales in C-Stores
Voters in Oklahoma would be given the option to decide whether eligible grocery stores could sell wine, according to a proposed signature petition drive filed Tuesday seeking to change the state constitution. Backers hope to gather enough signatures to get the proposed state question on the Nov. 6 ballot. The group Oklahomans for Modern Laws…
Starbucks Branches Into Beer, Wine
New Chicago area stores to feature upscale menu, spirits and live entertainment. Starbucks plans to open up to seven stores featuring beer and wine in addition to coffee in the Chicago area by the end of 2012, the Chicago Tribune reported. The Seattle-based coffee giant has been testing a more community-oriented store concept to improve…
New Sin Taxes For New York City?
New sin taxes are being proposed for New York City, and would be aimed at soft drinks and cigarettes under a spending plan for 2010-11 unveiled by Gov. Paterson this morning that would also cut $1 billion in education funding and raise health care taxes, the New York Post reported. “There are no more easy…
Competition Brews for Beer Sales
Convenience stores across the country are facing burgeoning competition on beer and wine sales from drug store giant Walgreens, which is branching back into the adult beverages category. Walgreens is adding beer sales due to “a direct response to consumer demand,” said Robert Elfinger, spokesperson for the Deerfield, Ill. drug store chain. It plans to…
Light Boost to Beer
Despite tough economic times, sales of beer and wine remain constant even though many consumers continue to “trade down the box,” according to Dan Roane, category manager of alcoholic beverages for Circle K’s Southeastern stores. “The below premium beer segment is doing much better than it has in years,” Roane said. “We actually are seeing…