“With our CSA relationship, we look forward to offering independent convenience store operators across the nation access to reduced costs on products and services, says Phillips 66 spokesperson.

Phillips 66, which owns leading gas station brands Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco, announced the company’s new business relationship with Convenience Store Alliance (CSA), introducing a new branded retailer buying program in an effort to help independent convenience store operators compete with large chain stores.

The new program, exclusive in many Phillips 66 markets, was first publicized at Phillips 66’s 2013 Marketing Conference & Trade Show, held from May 21-23 in Las Vegas.

“With our CSA relationship, we look forward to offering independent convenience store operators across the nation access to reduced costs on products and services retailers use every day in the convenience stores,” said Mike Krampf, manager of brand value at Phillips 66. “The announcement at this year’s Marketing Conference was very well-received, and we believe that CSA will be a vital player in helping branded sites become more competitive in many areas of business—not just at the pumps.”

CSA is an alliance designed for independent convenience store operators across the nation to help branded sites improve margins, enhance profitability and improve operations by leveraging national account pricing and providing consulting type services with field-based employees. These employees work with the retailer to take full advantage of the buying program and also use their industry experience to share merchandising and category management tips.

The program has a proven track record—on average, participating sites have saved over $20,000 per year. While CSA offers more than 17 programs and services to c-store dealers and marketers, these numbers were generated from CSA’s fountain and grocery programs exclusively.