More convenience retailers are investing in new forecourt amenities that are bigger, brighter and potentially more profitable. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor The convenience store forecourt has traditionally been an area with a limited number of fuel pumps and parking spaces, and perhaps a few retail items such as fireplace logs or bagged ice for…
Suppliers Part of Winning Team
When developing a successful supply and distribution arrangement, finding the right vendors is part of the process. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor Rutter’s Farm Stores, a 62-store chain based in York, Pa., is currently rebidding the company’s foodservice contract despite the fact that management is completely satisfied with the supplier it uses now. The regular…
War of the Wages
Demand for a higher minimum wage has sparked controversy and generated questions among U.S businesses. Wages will continue to be a point of interest for the c-store industry in 2016. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor In November 2015, fast food workers demonstrated in more than 270 U.S. cities, demanding a national minimum wage hike to…
How To Bring Fuel Customers Inside Your Store
Between technical advances and effective forecourt strategies, retailers are able to prompt patrons from the pump to points inside their stores. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor Thanks to pay-at-the-pump technology, the average convenience store fuel customer spends five minutes or less filling up a gas tank. Some of them will come into the store and…
How To Prepare For A Breach
Convenience stores should incorporate data violations into their operational crisis response plans. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor Crises in business are common. They range from public management blunders and workplace crime to employee dissent and data breaches. One of the best things a retail management team can do to handle these problems is to prepare…
How to Ensure Successful Cash Management
More convenience stores are combining proven practices with the latest technology to keep a handle on their money. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor Back in the 1970s, armed robbery was rampant in convenience stores. 7-Eleven Inc., one of the first retailers to stay open 24 hours per day, hired consultants to investigate ways to thwart…
How to Choose Quality Vendors
When reviewing vendors to meet your retail needs, it’s not always about saving a buck, but ensuring quality service. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor Every few years, convenience retailers often find themselves sitting at the negotiating table, talking with grocery wholesalers or direct store delivery (DSD) vendors in an effort to work out an acceptable…
How to Transition to Prepaid Cards
As it relates to prepaid platforms and the American consumer, the user profile has gone mass market. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor Sharon Neal is the dream customer for any retailer selling prepaid cards. As manager of an educational foundation, Neal spent $10,000 on AMEX prepaid cards in 2014. Neal purchased numerous $25 cards and…
How to Pick a Loyalty Program
Whether the scope of a prospective loyalty package is small, medium or extra-large, ensure it includes everything to meet your needs. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor Retail loyalty programs come in a variety of sizes, but there is only one goal: to keep customers returning to the store and buying more products. Whether you prefer…
How To Unlock EMV Rules
Convenience retailers are working ahead of EMV deadline to meet compliance standards. By Pat Pape, Contributing Editor A monumental change to the retailing industry will occur in October when merchants who are not EMV compliant will become responsible for any fraudulent purchases made with non-EMV credit or debit cards at their outlets. It’s a change…