Erin Del Conte Executive EditorCStore Decisions Thought Leaders See More >
Erin Del Conte Executive Editor
Today on CStore Decisions
Technology Is Raising the Bar for Food Programs
Technology is playing a larger role in convenience store foodservice today with online and app-based menus, order-ahead capabilities and delivery continuing to accelerate. Largely due to COVID-19, the entire limited-service segment is increasingly moving towards order-ahead technology, stated Mike Kostyo, trendologist with Datassential research firm. According to Datassential’s 2021 “C-Store Foodservice Keynote Report,” 41% of…
Marathon Petroleum Firefighters Raise Awareness and Money for Lung Cancer Research
At the 15th annual SoCal “Fight for Air Climb,” firefighters from Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery (LAR) climbed the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to raise funds and awareness for the American Lung Association. A team of 13 firefighters from Marathon Petroleum’s LAR were among the more than 600 climbers who took part in this…
Road Ranger Partners with Professional Driver Ty Majeski
Road Ranger has entered the world of NASCAR by partnering with ThorSport Racing to become the primary partner on Ty Majeski’s No. 66 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for multiple NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. The races will be starting at Texas Motor Speedway. “The Partnership with ThorSport Racing is an exciting new journey that…
EG America Launches SmartPay Promotion
EG America announced that its SmartPay Rewards program has reached $5 billion in fuel sales since its launch in 2013 and has saved members $200 Million. SmartPay Rewards members automatically save 10 cents on every gallon of fuel, every day at EG retailers throughout the country including Cumberland Farms, Certified Oil, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf…
CBD Growth Slowed in 2021
As a result of price compression and the shift to lower price point products, overall growth in the CBD industry slowed in 2021, according to Brightfield Group’s quarter one CBD market industry update. Also, with continued delays in regulation from the FDA, retail expansion remained relatively modest, with concentrated growth seen in emerging channels like…
RaceTrac Adds BBQ Flair to Menu
RaceTrac guests have two new ways to embrace the company’s Whatever Gets You Going style of convenience with an all-new BBQ chicken pizza and a BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Topped with fresh mozzarella cheese and crispy onions, the BBQ chicken pizza is a satisfying combination of sweet and savory in every bite. Featuring tender pulled…
Does My C-Store Need an Omnichannel Approach?
More convenience stores are taking an omnichannel approach to retail, and more customers have come to expect it. An omnichannel approach involves creating a seamless shopping experience across integrated channels, such as online, in-store and via a mobile app. Today, we’re seeing more c-stores add the ability to order ahead foodservice online or in-app. To…
How Can I Grow Wine Sales in 2022?
Convenience store retailers are growing wine sales by tapping into the latest trends and merchandising the category for success. These days alternative packaging is all the rage with customers reaching for cans of wine and boxed wine. Savvy c-stores are updating their wine selections to include both options. In October, Wawa stores in Florida began…
Shell Signs Deal to Sell Businesses in Russia
Shell subsidiaries B.V. Dordtsche Petroleum Maatschappij and Shell Overseas Investments B.V. have agreed to sell Shell’s retail and lubricants businesses — owned by Shell Neft — in Russia to LUKOIL. The deal includes 411 retail stations, mainly located in the central and northwestern regions of Russia, and the Torzhok lubricants blending plant, around 200 kilometers…
Maverik and the Bureau of Land Management Partner to Raise Awareness for Fire Prevention
Maverik — Adventure’s First Stop and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Nevada have partnered to focus on regional fire prevention awareness, along with the help of the Nevada Department of Forestry, the U.S. Forest Service — Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the Reno Fire Department. The organizations met at Maverik in Reno, Nev. to launch the…
Beverages & Cold Vault See More >
How Can I Grow Wine Sales in 2022?
Convenience store retailers are growing wine sales by tapping into the latest trends and merchandising the category for success. These days alternative packaging is all the rage with customers reaching for cans of wine and boxed wine. Savvy c-stores are updating their wine selections to include both options. In October, Wawa stores in Florida began…
Sponsored Content See More >
Create Some Positivity at the Pump: 3 Ways to Fuel Customer Experiences
By Jenn Bloomhuff, Market Development Senior Manager-Grocery, Convenience and Non-Food Retail B2B Much of a customer’s experience at the pump is out of the hands of retailers like you, a challenging reality, especially in a time of skyrocketing gas prices. Today, people are pulling up already frustrated before ever opening their car door. At the…
Tobacco See More >
Marketing Decisions Issued by FDA on Vuse Vibe and Vuse Ciro E-Cigarette Products
The FDA issued decisions on several Vuse Vibe and Vuse Ciro e-cigarette products on May 12. This includes the authorization of six new tobacco products through the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) pathway. The FDA issued marketing granted orders (MGO) to R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co. for its Vuse Vibe e-cigarette device and accompanying tobacco-flavored closed…
Videos See More >
Ice Cream RoundupCStore Decisions Associate Editor Emmy Boes tries four different types of ice cream, noting tastes and flavors. These are Turkey…
Lighters, CBD Juice Drinks and Protein BarsCStore Decisions’ Executive Editor Erin Del Conte is back with another c-store product roundup. Today she’s reviewing Zippo’s new yellow…
Sheetz Family Charities Supports Local KidsAltoona, Pa.-based Sheetz gives back via a number of charitable organizations, including the Special Olympics and Feeding America. Sheetz Family…
April CBD RoundupCStore Decisions’ Associate Editor Emmy Boes shares three CBD products that customers can add to their regular routines. These include…
Beverage Taste TestErin Del Conte, executive editor for CStore Decisions, taste tests four beverages: Brew Dr. Kombucha in Citrus Earl Grey, Monster…
Beverage RoundupCStore Decisions’ Associate Editor Emmy Boes tries four beverages found in the cold vault at c-stores. They include two alcoholic…
Valentine’s Themed Candy and Beverage RoundupIt’s Valentine’s Day and CStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte is taste testing some Valentine’s products from American Licorice…
Cubby’s Gives Back With Bear Share ContestCStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte speaks with Mike Wilson, the chief operating officer for Cubby’s. Cubby’s recently awarded…
Potato Chips RoundupCStore Decisions’ Editorial Assistant Emmy Boes reviews four flavors of chips. These include Lay’s Layers Three Cheese, Doritos Flamin’ Hot…
Hi-Chew, Hello Panda, Yan Yan: CStore Decisions Tries Japanese SweetsDid you know that Japanese candy company Morinaga dates back to 1899? CStore Decisions checks out a few international c-store…
Candy & Sweet Snack RoundupCStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte reviews candy and sweet snack products. On today’s menu: Reese’s Potato Chips Big…
QuickChek Gives Back Through Check-Out Hunger CampaignCStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte speaks with Heather Stillman, customer experience manager, QuickChek, to learn how the chain…
C-Store Resources See More >
Navigating Staffing Challenges in Today’s Labor MarketAfter two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply challenges and labor shortages, c-store retailers are evaluating labor management practices in…
The 2022 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the 10th consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains standing out on social media. For the second…
CStore Decisions’ 2021 40 Under 40 Leaders to WatchThroughout 2021, c-store retailers have grappled with ongoing challenges due to the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain issues, labor…
Labor Management in the Age of COVID-19CStore Decisions and Humetrics, for the 13th consecutive year, have collaborated on the annual Human Resources (HR) Benchmarking Survey, which…
The 2021 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the ninth consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains standing out on social media. If there was…
CStore Decisions’ 2020 40 Under 40 C-Store Leaders to Watch2020 has brought challenges to the c-store industry like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic arrived in spring, changing the way…
C-Stores Conquer New HR ChallengesCStore Decisions’ and Humetrics’ 12th annual Human Resources (HR) Benchmarking Survey polled c-store retailers — between Jan. 5 and March…
The 2020 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the eighth consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains leading the way on social media and mobile…
2019 40 Under 40Today’s retail environment is changing faster than ever before as technological disruption pushes c-stores to adapt for the future while…
C-Stores Rally in Tight Labor MarketBy Mel Kleiman, President, Humetrics and Erin Del Conte, Executive Editor Convenience Store Decisions and Humetrics recently collaborated on our…
2018 40 under 40 Effective and well-trained leaders are invaluable when it comes to formulating and communicating new strategic directions, motivating employees, satisfying…
2019 Category Management ReviewConvenience categories are evolving quickly. This year, CSD highlights the latest movers and profitable moneymakers. A CSD Staff Report If…
New Products! See More >
Limited-Edition Skittles Pride PacksAs part of its ongoing mission to increase LGBTQ+ visibility and celebrate those within the community, Skittles teamed up with…
CBD Sleep Oil DropsSky Wellness released its CBD Sleep Oil Drops 500mg + CBN + Melatonin, which is a collection of sleep assist…
Limited-Time Old Bay Seasoned GoldfishGoldfish crackers, in partnership with Old Bay, released new limited-edition Old Bay Seasoned Goldfish, a limited-time flavor that brings the…
Berry-Flavored Mountain DewPepsiCo created its new Mtn Dew Purple Thunder, a beverage that combines flavors of blackberry and plum. Mtn Dew Purple…
Hard Latte With S’mores FlavorsTwelve5’s Rebel Hard Coffee is launching a new summer seasonal called S’mores Hard Latte. S’mores Hard Latte includes flavors of graham…
Chicken Alfredo Pizza LTOHunt Brothers Pizza is welcoming back the latest addition to its LTO lineup — Chicken Alfredo Pizza. Chicken Alfredo Pizza…
Digital Advertising PlatformCardlytics is a digital advertising platform. It partners with banks to run their rewards programs that promote customer loyalty and…
Disposable, Single-Use Cleaning PadsVirtu-Clean Disposable Cleaning Pads are disposable, single-use mop pads that hold more liquid, release that liquid over a larger surface area and at…
Fruit-Flavored Popping CandyHilco announced its expanding line of popping candy with iconic brand KOOL-AID. Hilco has joined with Kraft Heinz to create…
Aloe Vera BeveragesThe Aloe Vera Drinks category is growing, and consumer demand for plant-based and functional beverages is only strengthening. Retailers can…
Rocky Road Protein BarWith summer just around the corner, ONE Brands is launching its ice cream-inspired Rocky Road-flavored protein bar available for a…
Limited-Edition Camo CansAs part of Yuengling’s Stars & Stripes program — the brewery’s year-round campaign supporting the nation’s heroes — it announced the return…
Independent Operators See More >
How Can I Find New Employees for My Business?Prior to a store’s grand opening, a small to mid-sized business owner newbie must recruit, hire, and train ideal workers.…
How Should Independent C-Store Operators Approach Project Management?“The nice thing about not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise rather than being preceded by a…
How Can Independent Marketers Compete With Big-Box Stores?If you’re a small or medium-sized business owner, staying ahead of the competition is essential. A small business owner’s primary…
Why Should an Independent C-Store Operator Develop a Policy and Procedures Handbook?“Badges? We ain’t got no badges. We don’t need no badges! I don’t have to show you any stinkin’ badges!”…
New-to-Market Curby’s Opens First StoreIn a new initiative to offer a convenient, quick-service concept to the southern market, Lubbock, Texas-based Curby’s opened its first…
How Can the Independent C-Store Improve Sales Forecasting?A while back, a gentleman who wanted help selling his company approached me. I asked him, “So, what do you…
Macfood Mart Supports St. Jude’sWith the help of in-store customer donations, locally owned and operated MacFood Mart’s c-store locations raised more than $1,300 for…
How the Independent C-Store Operator Can Become Operationally ExcellentManaging a retail store is tough work. Between operations, merchandising, marketing and facility upkeep, retail business owners have their hands…
Strong November for Independent, Small-Format RetailersThe U.S. Travel Association reported that Thanksgiving weekend travel almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, only 4% below 2019. Travel and…
What Are the Hand-Washing Best-Practices for C-Stores?Even more than chains, independent c-store operators need to earn consumers’ trust every time they enter the store, and nothing…
Why Is Restroom Cleanliness Important for Independent C-Stores?It’s a question independent convenience store operators don’t ask often enough: Why is restroom cleanliness important for independents? The answer…
How Can Independent C-Stores Improve Candy Sales?If you’re a small, independent convenience store chain, working to boost candy sales is crucial to helping overall store sales…