Even more than chains, independent c-store operators need to earn consumers’ trust every time they enter the store, and nothing can destroy that trust more quickly than unsanitary food handling practice. Foodborne illness can cripple a c-store’s foodservice program, which makes teaching and enforcing the basics an essential part of an independent’s training program. The…

Alcoholic beverages from wine and beer to hard seltzer and ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails sold well to millions of Americans during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when restaurants and bars across the country closed and customers flocked to their local c-store to stock up on libations to wait out social distancing orders. Now that…

When Americans are asking questions about products they are considering buying at retail, c-store retailers need to have the answers. And one question that is often asked is: Are CBD gummies more effective than CBD oil? First, some definitions are in order. Cannabidiol (CBD) oil or tinctures contain a variety of CBD extract, and are…

It’s a question independent convenience store operators don’t ask often enough: Why is restroom cleanliness important for independents? The answer is deceptively simple. Customers figure if you are careless there, you’re careless elsewhere — for example, when it comes to food handling and preparation. Think about it: If someone shows up for a job interview…

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has proved a double-edged sword for the candy, gum and mints category at convenience stores. On the one hand, as the pandemic added often-stressful changes to lifestyles and routines, many Americans turned to candy for an emotional pick-me-up. The National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) “2021 State of Treating Report” revealed that 77%…

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted U.S. convenience store chains differently across regions at various times as lockdowns rippled across the U.S. in the spring and summer of 2020. As the pandemic has continued into 2021, out-of-stocks due to supply chain issues and a decline in impulse purchases has impacted the category for some retailers. While lockdowns…

A lot of Americans still aren’t sure exactly what CBD is or what it can do for them. Worse, a lot of convenience store operators still aren’t sure who their CBD customers are – the very first thing they need to know in order to capitalize on the trend. So – who is buying CBD…

Overall candy sales picked up at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained strong since, as nervous, confined Americans continue to reach for things to sweeten bitter times. Now, with the lockdowns over and many of our anxieties abated, consumers are getting back out there, and routines are returning to relative normalcy. So,…

The pandemic hurt retailers in every channel, including convenience stores — yet the salty snack category has weathered the storm and then some. For example, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) state of the industry report this year, sales of Frito-Lay legacy brands are up over the past several months, with Lay’s…

While large convenience store chains have HR departments, most independents do not. This means that, for owners and managers, hiring the right people and keeping them aboard becomes part of the job. These tips can help independents hire and retain the best candidates and employees: Screen candidates for attitude over skills. People can be taught…