Thinking about what you want to achieve and then developing the right plan is half of what you need to succeed. By Jim Callahan As we start a brand new year, plans for improvements and new successes are being rolled out in many boardrooms across the c-store industry. Of course, every good idea starts with…

Taking small steps in managing inventory can mean big savings for your store operation. By Jim Callahan Inventory management is a pain point that plagues many convenience stores. Without an effective strategy, retailers can make critical mistakes such as tying up capital in excess inventory and even missing sales opportunities due to out-of-stock products. Attaining…

Turning to industry experts can assist convenience stores looking to craft an effective employee-training program. By Jim Callahan Last month’s blog dealt with the critical need for providing your convenience store employees effective workplace training. This month, I want to suggest some employee training topics companies might consider, with a particular focus on some resources…

Employee appreciation is a good starting point in any successful training program. By Jim Callahan If you don’t have a comprehensive training program in place for your employees you’re failing them. And of course, you’re cheating your company since a well-trained workforce is the most valuable commodity in the convenience store industry. If you already…

Convenience stores can develop a social media program to work in their favor as long as they still employ quality customer service. By Jim Callahan Let’s review a long-time conception related to the all-important subject of customer service. Then we’ll delve into the idea of how providing great customer service has evolved from being very…

RaceTrac Petroleum in the last few years has topped itself, which leaves something for other convenience stores to aspire to. By Jim Callahan I was seriously wowed recently and I loved every minute of it, and thought I’d share the occasion with you. On a beautiful night in historic Newnan, Ga., which is 30 minutes…

Summer is a great time for c-store offerings—few of which are more refreshing and profitable than fountain drinks. By Jim Callahan Have you noticed all the beverage specials that bubble to the surface at convenience stores, and other retail establishments, during this time of the year? Summer weather is a natural fuel for the sale…

Being upbeat can help a retailer’s vision for the future. By Jim Callahan It is said that, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity,” while “an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” I’ve encountered so many intelligent and impactful individuals during my 48-year journey in the convenience store industry and, I am struck…

The warm months are almost here. It’s time to prepare for customers who are looking to spend dollars. By the time you read this, there will be less than four weeks before Memorial Day, which also kicks off the summer season. Those who own and operate convenience stores hope it’s the beginning of a long,…

The faces of acclaimed Americans have been replaced by some who aren’t so recognizable, but are heroic nevertheless. By Jim Callahan I saw the recent presidential debates and I’m left very troubled, with an emptiness and fear for our country. I watch as Republicans and Democrats hurl insults, spout half-truths, and make outlandish accusations and…