The chocolate category in convenience stores welcomes a revolving door of innovative flavor launches and updated packaging formats to ensure something new tempts customers as they make their way to the checkout. “Customers want innovation in chocolate and eventually go back to their tried-and-true favorites, which drives a temporary shift in share from an established…
The Importance of Keeping it Clean
Restroom cleanliness may not sound as glamorous as other popular convenience store initiatives like frictionless checkout or proprietary foodservice, but getting the basics of store cleanliness right has a massive impact on a business’s bottom line. This goes double in the c-store channel where restrooms drive traffic, and customer perception of restroom sanitation can make…
Propelling Gum & Mints Forward
Innovative flavors, formats and packaging have increased trial and impulse sales for the c-store gum and mint category. From new flavors to different formats, unique textures and creative packaging and even functional varieties such as products geared toward increasing energy or enhancing nutrition, the gum and mints category is changing quickly. Chicago-based market research firm…
Foodservice Favorites Radiate
Convenience store pizza programs have become more extensive in the convenience channel, as the roller grill segment continues to evolve. When Ryan Krebs, director of foodservice at York, Pa.-based Rutter’s Farm Stores, joined the 69-store chain three years ago, each location offered a standard personal pan pizza, ordered from a made-to-order kiosk. “Sales were declining,…
Latest in ATM Technology
From incorporating wireless technology to remote monitoring, today’s ATM technology offers more benefits for c-stores. Team Oil Travel Center’s ATM is one of the Spring Valley, Wis. Store’s best profit margin items per square foot. This wasn’t the case back in 2005, when the c-store’s ATM was contracted out. “We realized we weren’t making any…
Prepaid Card Potential
Although retailers report prepaid cards are targeted to a specific customer segment in the convenience channel, there is potential for growth with these money makers. With credit card and identity theft on the rise, prepaid cards have become a safer alternative for those seeking more disposable, anonymous payment options. Unlike big box and drug stores,…
Tea Craze Refreshes Sales
The growing ready-to-drink tea segment is spurring more retailers to expand their cold vault selections while employing their own lines of flavorful, fresh-brewed teas. It wasn’t that long ago that juice and tea beverages were being overshadowed by the hard-charging introduction of energy drinks, thirst-quenching ‘ades’ such as Powerade and Gatorade and the ever-evolving lines…
Cigarettes Remain On Top
Although smoking rates have been on the decline, cigarettes remain a leading performer for convenience stores. In 2016, convenience stores captured 85% of all sales through sales from just six categories: Cigarettes, packaged beverages, candy, beer, salty snacks and other tobacco products (OTP), based on the latest research data from the Nielsen Co. According to…
Pairing Menus and Automation
Technology for menu boards and kiosks is quickly revamping how foodservice is being delivered in the convenience channel. Utilizing traditional back-lit LED frames for menu boards, Pride Stores, a St. Charles, Ill.-based retailer with 12 stores, wanted to step its foodservice program up a notch. The opportunity arose when the chain built its first free-standing…
Boosting Beer & Wine Sales
With an increasing number of c-stores investing in enhanced beer and wine programs, it pays to be aware of the stop-start journey bound to occur. The convenience channel has made great strides in the beer and wine segments, not only in catering to customers looking for ways to save time when picking up these items,…