Earlier this month, five U.S. senators, led by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), issued warning letters to 22 major retailers and distributors for the sale of allegedly unauthorized vape products. Other senators involved in the issuing of the letters include Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Blumenthal (D-Ct.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The…
Elevating the Shopper Experience
The most extraordinary structure is only as strong as its weakest link. The same principle applies in business. The higher up the leadership chain a weakness exists, the more likely the organization is to crumble. Convenience stores’ weaknesses at any level are magnified because we are such a people business. Enter any store, and you…
Discovering My Strengths With the LDP
In my lifetime, I’ve thought about what I believed to be my most obvious personality traits, as I’m sure many others have with theirs, and I’ve considered how they affect my daily life and choices. Never, however, have I probed so deeply into the attributes that make up my most innate strengths like I have…
The 2024 Foodservice Report
Year over year, convenience stores up their competitiveness in the retail market with refreshed store designs, new technology and, noticeably, expanded foodservice programs. C-stores have branched out from the typical roller grill fare of years past. Now, customers can find different takes on the chicken sandwich, a plethora of pizza flavors, Hispanic options and even…
How the $35 Billion Capital One/Discover Acquisition Could Affect Retailers
In late February, credit card behemoth Capital One revealed its plans to acquire Discover Financial Services for $35 billion. Through an all-stock transaction, Discover Financial shareholders would get the chance to receive Capital One shares priced at only $140. Capital One shareholders would own 60% of the newly merged entity, while Discover shareholders would own…
Capitalizing on Emerging Retail Trends
Convenience stores are often at the forefront of retail trends regarding foodservice, snacks and even retail technology. We are amidst a fascinating change in human evolution with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). As technology continues to evolve rapidly, the intersection of big data and AI will be able to predict and anticipate consumer shopping…
Observing the Customer When it Comes to EV
The noise surrounding electric vehicles (EV) is loud, and c-store retailers are asking themselves what, if anything, they need to do about the technology. While many large operators have already begun EV charger implementation, a number of smaller chains are wondering whether or not installing chargers is in the cards for them at this time.…
Just Your Run-of-the-Mill Disco C-Store Bathroom Wedding
Yes, you read that headline correctly. Kentucky-based HOP Shops, a part of Valor Oil, recently hosted a wedding in its viral disco-themed bathroom. For that to make any sense, we will need to take a look back at HOP Shops’ incredibly successful, virally famous and bizarrely effective disco bathroom story. How it Began In January…
How to Meet or Exceed Customers’ Food Expectations
When it comes to foodservice, what is the consumer looking for? The answer is not a simple one. It will vary from market to market and location to location. Regardless of the market or location, consumers’ expectations have dramatically increased. This is mainly due to cost inflation in all aspects of their lives. Where convenience…
2024 Best Foodservice Launch Awards: Twice Daily
Today, more consumers are gravitating toward c-stores that feature made-to-order food. Twice Daily, which operates 82 locations across Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky, took notice of industry shifts and implemented its own made-to-order line in the fall of 2023. CStore Decisions is recognizing Twice Daily’s new made-to-order foodservice program with a Best Foodservice Launch Award for…