UPDATE 12:32 p.m.: PARAGRAPH TWO ON REBRANDING CSD has learned that all of MACS BP-branded locations are currently being converted to the Sunoco brand. Sunoco Inc. today reported that is has acquired Mid-Atlantic Convenience Stores (MACS). CSD has learned that Sunoco is currently in the process of converting all of MACS BP-branded locations over to…
Tobacco Legislative Update
Tom Briant, executive director of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets, discusses the state of e-cigarettes and the local issues affecting tobacco retailing. By John Lofstock, Editor. Of all the different tobacco legislative bills introduced this year in Congress and state legislatures, two issues stand out, namely higher tobacco taxes and electronic cigarettes. Both issues…
Building Profits and Relationships
Fresh off another successful National Advisory Group (NAG) conference last month in Nashville, I would like to thank all of the attendees that joined us for two days of outstanding networking, educational sessions and information exchanges. What makes NAG so special is that it is an association driven by retailers for retailers. We are an…
The Silent War Against Retail
Within the past six weeks, documents outlining New York City’s secret war against electronic tobacco were leaked to the public. The contents of the documents are hardly surprising given New York’s recent assault on items sold in convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and supermarkets. The documents were leaked by the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association…
Maintaining Data Security Standards
While many retailers are breathing a sigh of relief in regard to PCI compliance, Visa and MasterCard are constantly changing the rules, requiring stores to make costly changes and upgrades. By John Lofstock, Editor. When it comes to data security, all retailers need to be prepared for the worst scenario, but that can’t happen if…
The Rise of Craft Beer at Retail
Craft beer sales have doubled in the past six years and are set to triple by 2017, according to a Mintel report. By John Lofstock, Editor. While the economic downturn has affected consumer spending across many sectors, craft and craft-style beers are defying recessionary trends with an impressive upward trajectory. Indeed, latest research by Mintel…
Bobby & Steve’s Comes of Age
Fresh off the introduction of its World Class rewards program, the Minnesota chain is expanding its foodservice offering, investing in employee training and bolstering its operations to drive profitability. By John Lofstock, Editor.In an industry where more than 145,000 stores all sell the same items, differentiating your brand and your offering is a challenge. But…
Foodservice Remains the Key to Future Success
By John Lofstock, Editor. While trendy items like electronic cigarettes and energy shots offer convenience store retailers a respite from depressed tobacco and fuel margins, it should be perfectly clear to all store owners that developing a great foodservice program is what it will take to remain profitable in the future. Convenience store operators are…
More Upside for Retail Gasoline Prices
By Brian L. Milne, Energy Editor, Schneider Electric The Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) U.S. retail average for all grades of regular gasoline has more upside despite a sharp nearly 15 cents jump in the average during the week-ended July 15 and mixed wholesale costs across the country’s major metropolitan markets for the week-ended Monday (7/22).…
Carpenter Leads a Busy NACS Agenda
Chairman Dave Carpenter promotes advocacy as the industry continues to battle swipe fees, fuel standards and increased competition in the year ahead.By John Lofstock, Editor. The convenience store industry continues to evolve, becoming a bigger part of the American consumers’ daily lives. In 2012, the industry achieved record sales of $700.3 billion, according to the…