Improving the smokeless section by updating products and increasing promotions can help drive convenience store retailers’ smokeless tobacco categories. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Information Resources Inc. (IRI)’s Infoscan data shows that for the 52-week period ending April 19, 2015, c-stores rang up nearly $5.7 billion in smokeless tobacco sales, an increase of 5.8%. Of…

Financial service programs, including fee-free ATMs, can help boost c-store offerings. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor From wire transfers and check cashing to money order sales, bill paying and, increasingly, no-fee ATMs, financial services continue to add convenience for consumers and more in-store sales for retailers. In fact, ATMs—especially those of the no fee variety—can…

Technology and training are helping make stores less vulnerable to lawbreakers. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Because of the nature of how convenience retailers must conduct business, stores are prime targets for theft. However, with effective employee training combined with better technologies on the market, such as smart safes and advanced video systems, retailers are…

Digital gift cards provide an opportunity for convenience stores to improve customer service, appeal to a younger demographic and add to in-store sales. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor With more emphasis on speed and convenience, customers increasingly enjoy being able to pay on the go, with a swipe of their phones. According to a report…

Consumers’ desire for newer, healthier and more convenient drinks is fueling c-stores’ profits. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Dual demand for healthy packaged beverages and variety still drives sales of teas and juices at convenience stores. To take advantage of such momentum, attentive c-store owners and operators are paying heed to the trends, keeping top-selling…

Customer loyalty and smart retailing are helping the category prosper. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Despite the 2015 federal budget proposal calling for tax increases on other tobacco products, which could negatively impact the category, c-stores report continued growth in the smokeless tobacco category known for brand loyalty. According to the Chicago-based market research firm…

What will it take to get Cuban cigars onto c-store shelves? By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Convenience store operators who thought cigars when they learned of President Obama’s plan to restore diplomatic ties with Cuba and dismantle economic sanctions may have to wait a while to bring those quality stogies to shelves. With an embassy…

The rising cost of coffee and growing competition among convenience stores is spurring richer coffee programs across the board. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Due to Last Year’s droughts that hit Brazil, in addtion to a fungus that ravaged coffee bean fields in Central America for a good part of 2014, coffee prices rose about…

New flavors, old favorites spark growth in a competitive snacking segment. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Meat snacks—particularly jerky—continue to win a special place in consumers’ hearts—not just for the highly portable protein they provide, but also for their exotic flavors and ingredients, engaging promotions and product innovation. Brands like Jack Link’s, Frito Lay, Oh…

As sales chug along, energy drinks continue to be an influential driver in the beverage market. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor The energy category continues to be a staple of the convenience store mix. And while top-selling brands such as Red Bull and Monster remain on top, consumers are coming to look for new flavors…