While these difficult economic times continue to peck away at customers’ disposable income, higher fuel prices are eroding discretionary spending. Gasoline prices nationally have increased steadily since the Biden Administration came into office, rising nearly $1.40 to an average of $3.41 for a gallon of regular unleaded, according to the AAA Gas Prices index at…

Inspired by the modern world of banking, Altadis U.S.A announced the release of a new cigar — H. Upmann The Banker Daytrader. With this cigar scheduled to hit stores around Tax Day, the brand is coining the collection of three vitolas as “a new money release.” The Banker Daytrader logo used on the product’s primary and […]

BIC EZ Reach is launching a new Favorites design series that includes lighters with different patterns — from a cold refreshing beer or a slice of pizza to celebrations and floral designs. Additionally, every EZ Reach lighter is 100% safety tested and features a 1.45-inch extended wand that helps keep fingers away from the flame. […]

Disruption paves the way for new ideas, whether we’re talking about the invention of the light bulb or the way flavor regulations are leading to innovation in and around the tobacco category. Thomas Edison invented the first commercially successful light bulb in 1879. It changed the way we live. Bright indoor lighting allowed people to…

Stewart’s Shops served its all-new Southwest Corn Chowder at the Saratoga Chowder Fest on Feb. 11, totaling over 750 bowls of the creamy corn chowder served. The chain raised $1,545 at the event and presented a check to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to support its mission to feed those in need.…

Berry Clouds are playful, triple-layered gummies with a soft and sweet chew. Berry Clouds come in dreamy cloud shapes that highlight their soft and fluffy texture. They come in a mixed assortment of three flavors including blueberry, wildberry and strawberry. Berry Clouds joins Haribo’s more than 25 crowd-pleasing varieties, including fan favorites such as the […]

The 2023 National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference, to be held in Austin, Texas, from March 26-29, will offer a wealth of activities for c-store retailers to broaden their network and research opportunities. Amid the educational sessions, Information Exchanges and receptions, NAG 2023 will also offer attendees the option to participate in store tours. On March…

Sheetz announced Joe Sheetz has been appointed as chairman of the Sheetz board of directors, effective immediately. Joe, who was previously executive vice chairman, served as Sheetz’s president and CEO from 2013 to 2018 and served solely as CEO until December 2021. Joe was succeeded by his brother Travis Sheetz as CEO in January 2022.…

C-store retailers saw sales increase across chocolate and non-chocolate in 2022 and are optimistic about the candy sales outlook for 2023, despite price increases and supply chain woes. Heading into 2023, “despite severe out of stocks, candy sales are stronger than ever,” said Eric Patterson, merchandising manager for Beacon & Bridge Market, which operates 25…

According to the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), private brand sales hit a new record last year, jumping 11.3% to a whopping $228.6 billion in all outlets in the U.S. for the 52 weeks ending Jan. 1, 2023, versus the prior year. Store brands performed so well that they grew at nearly twice the rate of…