As I step into the role of editor-in-chief, I can’t help but reflect on how much this industry has changed since I first began writing for CStore Decisions as an associate editor in 2009. In those days, c-store retailers were focused on their core customer “Bubba,” a blue-collar, white male stopping in for cigarettes, beer…

Frictionless checkout is a popular trend, but retailers need to evaluate if it’s a good fit for their chain. There are a number of different options for c-stores looking to implement frictionless checkout. When most people think of frictionless checkout, they usually think of Amazon Go-style Just Walk Out technology, where customers can scan an…

Dash In recently unveiled its third-generation (Series 3) c-store format, showcasing its evolution into a food-centric one-stop shop, complete with an elevated made-to-order menu, a revamped layout and a transformed visual identity. The 55-store chain with 41 franchise locations and 14 company-operated sites in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware plans to aggressively build 15 more Series…

C-stores are providing more value for customers as they integrate their loyalty programs into their mobile app, allowing them to gain better data on shoppers and offer more targeted promotions. More c-stores are launching mobile apps and integrating their loyalty program into that app. The move from loyalty cards to a mobile loyalty program allows…

The Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) recently published its 14th annual Trends Report, which pointed to convenience stores as a growth segment for food packaging as they continue to widen their foodservice offerings. FPI noted that survey respondents are seeing growing interest in off-premises dining, including demand for drive-through and curbside pickup. Having the right type…

Erin Del Conte, editor-in-chief of CStore Decisions, reviews Takis Intense Nacho Non-Spicy Tortilla Chips, as well as Takis Waves Potato Chips and Takis Pop! Cheese Popcorn. She also taste tests Nerd Focus, an energy and focus beverage, which calls itself “the world’s first think drink,” and Electrolit electrolyte beverage in new flavor blue raspberry.

Here’s a recap of the 2023 National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference, which was held at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas, from March 26-29. Attendees enjoyed ample networking opportunities as well as a number of burning issue educational sessions, info exchanges and more. The next NAG Conference is set for March 10-13 in Tampa Bay,…

As labor shortages continue to cause issues for c-stores, automation is offering stores the ability to streamline tasks and processes, refocusing employees on more important responsibilities. This January, Kum & Go introduced the Ice Cobotics Cobi 18 robot, which can clean 5,000 to 7,000 square feet of floorspace per hour, ensuring customers experience a clean…

ARKO Corp., a Fortune 500 company based in Richmond, Va., that owns GPM Investments, had a strong year in 2022 and is fresh off a string of acquisitions. It now represents the sixth largest convenience store operator in the U.S. In late February, ARKO reported record profitability for fiscal 2022, with operating income of $167…

Erin Del Conte, executive editor of CStore Decisions, reviews Hi-Chew bites, two new vitaminwater flavors and Monster Energy Ultra Strawberry Dreams.