“The story for milk in c-stores is the same for dairy across the industry — alternatives, alternatives, alternatives,” said Mike Kostyo, trendologist for Datassential. “All of the fastest-growing milks across the industry are alternative and plant-based milk options.” C-stores are noticing and testing the trend. High’s, with more than 54 c-stores in Maryland and Pennsylvania,…
Beverage Taste Test
Erin Del Conte, executive editor for CStore Decisions, taste tests four beverages: Brew Dr. Kombucha in Citrus Earl Grey, Monster Energy Ultra Peachy Keen, Hop WTR and True North Pure Energy Seltzer White Peach Pear.
NAG Honors Mary Banmiller at 2022 Awards Ceremony
At the National Advisory Group (NAG) Dinner & Awards Ceremony Tuesday evening, NAG honored Mary Banmiller, director of retail and hotel operations for Warrenton Oil, with the Lifetime Award for Convenience Retailing. The event took place as part of the NAG Conference in La Jolla, Calif., which runs March 27-30. John Lofstock, executive director of NAG,…
NAG Educational Sessions Discuss Building Culture, Breakfast Sales
The National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference in La Jolla, Calif., got under way on Monday, March 27, with educational sessions about burning issue topics. “This is our first meeting since Minneapolis in September 2019. It has been a long two-and-a-half years, and I am so glad to see so many friendly faces. Zoom meetings and…
C-Stores Integrating Frictionless Checkout
As technology evolves, the point of sale (POS) is transforming also. POS systems are becoming more lightweight, and the overall hardware cost is decreasing, with many of the newer POS systems using cloud technology, said Perry Kramer, managing partner with retail consulting firm Retail Consulting Partners. “The use of cloud technology, in most cases, reduces…
How to Take Your Coffee Bar to the Next Level
A top rate coffee bar starts with a high-quality cup of coffee, but presentation matters too. The most important aspect of your convenience store’s coffee bar is that the coffee is hot and fresh. Consider if a move to bean-to-cup coffee dispensers might be right for your chain to ensure customers receive a fresh cup…
Prepaid Shows Promise
Prepaid card sales are on the rise, and digital or ‘virtual’ prepaid cards continue to trend. The U.S. prepaid card market grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% from 2017-2022, according to Researchandmarket.com’s report “United States Prepaid Card and Digital Wallet Business and Investment Opportunities Databook – Market Size and Forecast, Consumer…
Should My C-Store Add Bean-to-Cup Coffee Dispensers?
Bean-to-cup coffee dispensers are the latest trend in the coffee area. But convenience store retailers must weigh the benefits with the cost of new equipment. Bean-to-cup coffee machines can signal ‘fresh’ to customers because the machines grind the coffee fresh with the touch of a button. Most retailers point to the perception of freshness as…
C-Stores Embrace Electronic Payments
C-store technology is rapidly expanding, and nowhere is that more evident than in the realm of electronic payments. “There are several trends that we have seen accelerate over the last year,” said Perry Kramer, managing partner with retail consulting firm Retail Consulting Partners. “One of the largest accelerations we have seen is in the use…
Huck’s Market Elevates Food
Following its rebrand as Huck’s Market in 2020, Huck’s has been busy redesigning stores, growing its foodservice menu and investing in new technology, including self-checkout and frictionless payments. Carmi, Ill.-based Huck’s can trace its roots to 1960 when founders Frank Bayley and Bob Martin partnered to open Big John supermarkets. They grew the business from…