From single-serve cold medicines to hair care products, the health and beauty category is attracting new customers of all ages. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. With healthcare capturing so many headlines these days, the health and beauty category (HBC) has taken on added importance in the c-store set. Fueling much of the growth: smaller package…

At first glance, one might think investing in employee training during economically challenging times would be counter-intuitive because it requires a significant monetary investment. The truth is training must be an ongoing priority in any retail business. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Building a sense of teamwork among store employees will make them more productive,…

Location, appearance and service are among the most important factors to consider when building and operating car washes. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Getting the most out of a car wash operation is no different than getting the most out of any profit center a convenience store offers to the public. It hinges on two…

Overall poultry sales continue to experience strong growth as retailers look to boost their menus with healthy items that offer flexibility and value.By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. What’s not to like about chicken? Americans love it for its taste, variety, healthfulness and price, and c-store operators like that it is versatile—think sandwiches, wraps, salads, tenders…

Convenience store operators who are cashing in on frozen dispensed sales are combining new and exciting flavors with popular promotions, good equipment maintenance and a strong foodservice offering. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Frozen beverages are widely regarded as a high-growth category, and convenience store operators looking for more of a good thing are complementing…

While electronic cigarettes are gaining a lot of attention in c-stores, sales of moist smokeless are chugging along. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Convenience stores have a significant opportunity to target consumers in overlapping tobacco segments, such as converting cigarette smokers over to moist snuff or cigars. Experts expect this group to increase moist smokeless…

Emerging competition from nontraditional operators like food trucks means c-stores must raise their game when it comes to the all-important food category. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Foodservice continues to serve as a key point of differentiation for convenience stores. Keeping the menu fresh requires innovation as well as a keen eye for new products…

Whether it’s flavored products or low-cost brands, OTP customers remain among the most loyal in the store. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. How much is too much is a fundamental question in retailing, and all the more so when it comes to cigars. With so many new products, flavors and line extensions to choose from,…

Though they come in small bottles, liquid energy shots continue to deliver a big sales punch on convenience store counters. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Despite widely publicized health concerns about some of the ingredients in energy drinks, Bob Falkenberg founder of Alpharetta, Ga.-based BeveragePulse.com research firm, said he expects sales to continue to increase…

Consumer demand is surging as operators continue appealing to new audiences with new flavors and product innovations. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Everyone agrees that frozen beverage sales are strong and the outlook for the category remains extremely positive for the next few years. For 2012, the NACS State of the Industry report found that…