Having a panic alarm system in an independent retail store is of paramount importance. It is a way to ensure that your customers, employees, and yourself are safe in the event of an emergency. A panic alarm is a device that, when activated, silently sends a signal to the police or other emergency services alerting…

The young employees of today are the future business leaders of tomorrow. As leaders, we have an obligation to help our future by training and mentoring tomorrow’s leaders today. This is the goal of the Young Executives Organization (YEO). YEO’s mission is to cultivate young talent in the convenience store and petroleum industry through implementation…

Small business owners that sell tobacco would do well to participate in a Tobacco Scan Data program. This applies to any establishment that sells tobacco products, whether you own a high-end tobacco shop or operate a grocery, mini-mart, bodega or other store that offers cigarettes, vapes and other products. There are so many people that…

Starting a home-based convenience business can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. It may seem easy, but it requires the same amount of preparation and planning as any other business. Still, it offers many more benefits, like skipping going into the office and being in control of their own hours, schedule, and operations. If…

Warrenton Oil Co., a family-owned and operated company founded in 1972 and located in Truesdale, Mo., has acquired Thoele Oil, a family-owned and operated Missouri-based company located in St. Charles, Mo. Warrenton Oil and its FastLane Convenience Stores will take over 10 convenience stores from Thoele Oil. The addition of the 10 convenience stores expands…

While these difficult economic times continue to peck away at customers’ disposable income, higher fuel prices are eroding discretionary spending. Gasoline prices nationally have increased steadily since the Biden Administration came into office, rising nearly $1.40 to an average of $3.41 for a gallon of regular unleaded, according to the AAA Gas Prices index at…

Starting a business is an exciting endeavor that can provide an opportunity for individuals to be their own boss and pursue their passions. However, before starting a business, merchants must carefully research and prepare a business plan that includes credit card processing, researching options, comparing fees and rates, understanding the terms of service, and other…

Despite a global pandemic and looming economic recession, the convenience store industry continues to grow sales at record numbers. But the stakes have never been higher as storeowners face competition from multiple retail channels, regulations that are threatening foundational categories like gasoline and tobacco and a labor crunch that is crippling chains of all sizes.…

The National Advisory Group (NAG) is an association driven by convenience store retailers for retailers. It is an organization committed to building profits and relationships for members. Convenience store retailers have leaned on NAG for more than 35 years to help them grow sales, cut costs and generate new ideas in the competitive convenience store…

Business owners are always seeking ways to distinguish themselves from their competitors. Staying ahead of the competition is a formidable challenge. Still, building customer loyalty is additionally crucial for brick-and-mortar businesses that rely heavily on long-term, repeat customers. When a business owner wants to build customer loyalty, they should consider a few factors. It is…