Throughout the first half of 2019, the tobacco category has been inundated with proposed legislative restrictions. One Hawaii lawmaker attempted to graduate the minimum purchase age to 100 (it soon fizzled out in committee). Last month, the Beverly Hills City Council scheduled a vote to ban the sale of all tobacco products from any retailer…
Gum, Mint Innovation Bubbling
While gum sales have been flat, flavor and packaging innovations as well as better-for-you (BFY) and functional options are opening up opportunities for growth in the gum segment. Earlier this year, Gerrit J. Verburg Co., announced the reintroduction of three classic chewing gum brands: Black Jack, Clove and Beemans. Black Jack lays claim to being…
Smokeless Far From Snuffed
Historically, the smokeless tobacco category in convenience stores hasn’t benefited from a frequent influx of new products, packaging redesigns or special-edition flavors, unlike candy and snack categories that regularly welcome innovations. Over the past several months, however, this other tobacco product (OTP) segment has expanded, which could inject new energy into an otherwise quiet category.…
Rewarding C-Store Loyalty
Recognizing and rewarding personalized shopping styles is the new focus of loyalty programs. By Anne Baye Ericksen, Contributing Editor From an industry research perspective, consumer preferences traditionally indicated brand selection. Then the term started to describe where and how consumers spent their dollars, such as at brick-and-mortar stores versus online retailers. Today, customer preferences include…
New Year for Vapor
Pod vaping systems and e-cigarettes face a new round of federal intervention. By Anne Baye Ericksen, Contributing Editor News of JUUL ruled 2018. First, sales of the pod vaping system delivered unheard of growth. In fact, it ended 2018 with a 304% year-over-year increase in dollar sales for the four weeks ending Dec. 29, according…
Cracking Down on Menthol
The c-store industry reacts to the latest proposed cigarette ban. Anne Baye Ericksen, Contributing Editor Just before Thanksgiving, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dished on proposed mandates regarding menthol cigarettes that will be hard for many retailers in the convenience store industry to digest. In a public statement issued on Nov. 15, FDA…
Profitable Pizza Pairings
Any way you slice it, pizza remains a fast favorite for consumers and c-stores. Trendy toppings, saucier sauces and low-carbohydrate crusts challenge pepperoni’s dominance. By Anne Baye Ericksen, Contributing Editor Late last year, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added Neapolitan pizza to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage items for its traditional…
Electronic Cigarettes Face FDA Backlash
Robust profit margins in the e-cigarette segment face pressure from federal regulators in addition to being squeezed by recent U.S. tariffs against China. By Anne Baye Ericksen, Contributing Editor At midnight on Aug. 23, the second tranche of President Trump’s tariffs officially took effect, levying a 25% tax on 279 products from China, including electronic…
Frozen Dispensed Beverage Freeze Frame
Summer c-store promotions are more effective than ever when it comes to pumping up frozen beverage sales. When DC Oil Co. opened its newest Quick Shop convenience store in late July, David Collins knew customers expected to find an ICEE machine prominently displayed on the premise and they expected it to be filled with Coca-Cola,…
Unwrapping Gift Cards
Card currency creates customer touchpoints for c-stores. By Anne Baye Ericksen, Contributing Editor Gift cards and open-loop prepaid cards offer gift-givers a means to show their generosity while simultaneously allowing recipients the freedom of making their own purchasing decisions. This convenience continues to grow in popularity. First Data reports nearly 100% of gift cards purchased…