CStore Decisions needs your help identifying next-generation leaders for our 2021 class of 40 Under 40 C-Store Leaders to Watch. Do you work with bright up-and-coming young executives or next-generation leaders who are under 40 years old? Nominate them today at the link below. Nominees must be retailers from a convenience store or petroleum chain…
How Much Space Do I Need for a Beer Cave?
When considering a beer cave, one of the chief considerations is space, but how much space is needed depends on a lot of factors. One design expert shared with CStore Decisions that for a 4,500-square-foot convenience store, retailers would be looking at a standard eight-foot by 16-foot beer cave as the starting point, but other…
What Do C-Stores Need to Know About Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency has been making headlines this year due to volatile swings in stock prices, moves and comments by big-name investors, particularly Elon Musk, and news in July that the Federal Reserve is “exploring the implications of fast-evolving technology for digital payments” and plans to issue a report later this year. Visa reported that more than…
Conversations With Women in Convenience Featuring Sandy Deel
CStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte speaks with Sandy Deel, director of HR services and benefits for Thorntons Inc., to learn more about Deel’s experiences as a Gen X woman in the convenience store industry. Deel discusses how things have changed since the era of power suits, and how having a mentor helped her…
Non-Chocolate Candy Roundup
Today I’m taste testing some non-chocolate candy products from The Hershey Co., American Licorice Co. and Hilco USA. On today’s tasting menu is a combination of sour candy, gummie candy, licorice and cotton candy. What kind of non-chocolate candy do I like best? And which sour variety is my favorite? Watch the video to find […]
How to Drive Wine Sales at Convenience Stores
Alcoholic beverage sales are booming, and there’s never been a better time to optimize your convenience store’s wine segment to maximize its potential. In today’s market, if you want to be seen as a destination for wine purchases, it’s important to have a variety of wines both in terms of type of wine and price…
FriendShip Stores Supports Make-A-Wish
Executive Editor Erin Del Conte speaks with Olivia Beck, special projects manager at FriendShip Stores, which is the retail division of Beck Suppliers. FriendShip is headquartered in Fremont, Ohio, and is set to open its 28th convenience store. Giving back is part of FriendShip’s culture. FriendShip began supporting the Make-a-Wish Foundation about 10 years ago…
How to Drive Beer Cave Traffic at C-Stores
Your chain has decided to take the next step in positioning your convenience stores as a destination for beer by adding a well-lit and well-designed beer cave complete with attractive signage to draw customer attention. Now, how do you draw traffic into the beer cave? First, ensure the beer cave is well-stocked with a wide…
Chocolate Outlook Seems Sweet
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are looking to treat themselves with something sweet, and the chocolate category at convenience stores is reaping the rewards. Chocolate sales at c-stores increased 8.5% to $2.76 billion for the 52 weeks ending May 1, 2021, vs. one year ago, according to NielsenIQ Retail Measurement Services, Total…
Why Should I Add a Beer Cave to My C-Store?
Convenience stores that are serious about growing beer sales often opt to add a beer cave. Beer caves bring a number of benefits that can help drive sales in the alcoholic beverage category. Better Selection A beer cave can help position your store as a destination for beer. For one, a beer cave allows more…