Cigarette sales have been steadily declining, but the category is too big to ignore and too lucrative to disappear any time soon. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Since cigarettes sales have been slowly falling the last few years, convenience retailers have invested in foodservice and other ventures to help balance in-store revenue—which seems a wise…

As cigarette sales drag, OTP segments are filling the gap. For real momentum, however, e-cigs are breaking away from the pack. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Except for automobiles, processed food and banking perhaps, few U.S. industries have encountered the vast market influences that tobacco has. In the past century, the tobacco industry has been…

As big tobacco enters the e-tobacco category, retailers take notice. By David Bennett, Senior Editor The U.S. cigarette market retains a resilient presence—enabled by strong consumer loyalty—but regulatory initiatives continue to chip away at the industry’s dominance. As a result, customers are increasingly exploring smoking alternatives and looking to other tobacco products (OTP) from smokeless…

Smart forecourt technology comes in various shapes and solutions and often fits any operation, depending on the retailer’s needs. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Despite traditionally thin margins, fuel sales still remain the center of gravity for most convenience stores. That conception was on full display during the last few months as declining fuel prices…

With the means to stand out, Seasons Corner Market is separating itself from its New England competitors. By David Bennett, Senior Editor In one way, convenience stores are like suspects in a police lineup. Usually, it’s distinguishing features that make them the most noticeable. Whether it’s following the hottest foodservice trends, regaling patrons with a…

A family-grown business for three generations, Holt Oil Co. is casting a wider net in North Carolina’s coastal region. By David Bennett, Senior Editor At times, businesses are so focused on future growth they forget their ties to the community. Fayetteville, N.C.-based Holt Oil Co. doesn’t forget either community or family. In positioning the company…

Whether they are young or old, health-conscious consumers mean opportunity for c-stores. By David Bennett, Senior Editor One of the hot topics at this year’s State of the Industry Summit, an annual conference hosted by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), is the increased emphasis on healthier food option in convenience stores. Sherry Frey,…

Data shows economic climate in c-store industry is heating up and should continue for 2015. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Convenience store industry revenue in 2014 topped $697 billion, bolstered in part by lower gas prices and demonstrating that c-store merchandising programs are resonating with customers. That was a major theme as the State of…

NACS indicates that lower gas prices provided an economic boost to in-store sales in 2014. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Fueled by lower gas prices and more potent foodservice programs, the nation’s convenience store industry generated $697.5 billion in revenue last year, thanks to several strong product categories. Despite lower fuel sales, c-stores experienced record…

More than two decades ago, Greg Lorance discovered where he wanted to work—Cumberland Farms. Today, he and the company are facing the future together. By David Bennett, Senior Editor It’s been a long time since Greg Lorance worked the third shift at convenience retail chain Cumberland Farms. As an 18-year-old clerk at the time, he…