More convenience stores are expanding their coffee programs to deliver quality and value to customers. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Convenience store operators are growing increasingly creative with their coffee programs— emphasizing quality and variety, while engaging and educating consumers on the latest category offerings. According to a recent Packaged Facts report, innovations are providing…

If increased cigarette shipments are any indication, category sales could be robust in 2016. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor This past October, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau reported that cigarette shipments for the first half of 2015 had increased from the same period the previous year—the first year-over-year increase in cigarette shipments…

Because consumers have a variety of options, flavors and textures to choose from, this hearty category promises to be even more profitable in 2016. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor New flavors, healthier options and combination packs have created a marketing force that promises to drive meat snacks sales even higher in 2016. With more emphasis…

Craft beers continue to entice convenience customers with homestyle brands and broader selections. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Craft beer has been a surprising boon to the convenience store channel for the last couple of years. As more specialty beer options have flowed, consumers have spent more and retailers have responded in kind with a…

Because of consumer loyalty, smokeless tobacco is holding its own in terms of category sales. By Howard Riell, Contributing Editor Sales of smokeless tobacco products remain steady at convenience stores, as many smokers seek alternative tobacco products for areas where cigarettes are not allowed. But the category continues to face hurdles when it comes to…

The best means for c-stores to edge out the competition lies in promoting quality and providing better value.  By Howard Riell, Associated Editor When considering a quality coffee product, differentiating the offer from those of competing convenience stores and quick-service restaurants (QSR) is vastly important, experts say. However, too much thinking and tinkering can result…

Craving more protein, meat snack-hungry consumers are boosting convenience store profits. By Howard Riell, Contributing Editor protein-packed snacks, and meat snack manufacturers are responding with new and varied flavors, from gourmet to bold. To maximize sales, canny retailers are using promotions, packaging, consumer demographics and merchandising to make the most of impulse opportunities. The meat…

As customers demand fresh and healthy fare, c-store operators share how they’re adapting to customer preferences. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor More convenience store operators are making bakery a priority, either through in-store programs or partnering with national brands and local bakeries that convert their locations into destination stops. “We have recently added a site…

Health and beauty aids can rouse additional in-store sales with the right presentation. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Though retail channels continue to blur, one category where convenience stores still trail their mass, drug and dollar store counterparts is health and beauty aids (HBA). One advantage that does work in c-stores’ favor is, of course,…

Cigarettes remain a staple of c-store business despite the constant scrutiny the category attracts. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Despite increasing regulations and an incremental erosion of its once wide consumer base, cigarettes in the past year have shown a remarkable ability for bouncing back. Cigarette sales at convenience stores for the 52 weeks ending…