The 2023 National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference kicked off Sunday, March 26, with a keynote speech from Captain Chad Fleming, executive vice president of the builder division and VA division for a national mortgage company. Additionally, he is on the board of directors for LEO Technologies. Fleming was introduced by Scot Fleck with McLane Co.…
Retailers Investing in POS Solutions
The point-of-sale (POS) and back-office infrastructure at convenience stores continues to evolve with a shift to cloud computing on the backend and a move toward software upgrades at the POS. Mike Wilson, chief operating officer at Cubby’s Inc., which operates 41 c-stores in South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska, continues to see “a push toward cloud…
Authentic Hispanic Food Is in Demand
Customers are starting to demand more authenticity when it comes to Hispanic food offerings at c-stores. Hispanic food offerings have become very popular in c-stores because they allow customers to customize their meal. For instance, customers can add different meats, cheeses and toppings to their tacos and burritos. However, customers are starting to want more…
Expanding Electronic Payments
C-stores are expanding mobile and contactless payment options for customers in 2023 as they look to stay at the forefront of electronic payment innovation. “Currently, we are witnessing a rise in contactless payments and biometric technology in the c-store industry,” said Suraz Kayastha, information officer for Quick Track, which operates more than 114 stores across…
Car Washes Continue to Thrive
With consumers back on the go and needing a clean vehicle, car washes are expected to be popular with drivers in 2023. C-store chains are looking to grow their car wash operations in the year ahead, in terms of both new locations and services, to meet growing customer demand. After the COVID-19 pandemic caused many…
Building Relationships for Success
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…
Fresh Is Key for Sandwiches
Sandwiches give c-stores opportunities for innovation, with multiple options available in terms of sandwich types and toppings. At Neon Marketplace, which has seven sites in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, customers can choose from customizable grinders, signature sandwiches, grilled or fried chicken sandwiches and burgers. “I’m really seeing (sandwiches) expand to things that you might get…
Spice, Flavor Combinations Saturate the Salty Set
Salty snack sales have grown in the c-store space despite out-of-stocks. 2023 is expected to continue the trend with innovations and exploration into popular flavors. “Spicy continues to trend, which we do not anticipate going away with 2023,” said Rebecca Gregory, center store category manager, Weigel’s, which operates 73 stores in east Tennessee. Randy Adams,…
C-Stores See Rise in Gift Card Sales
Customers are increasingly turning to gift cards and prepaid cards. The global gift card market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030, according to Next Move Strategy Consulting. Still, the recent “Gift Solutions: 20th Annual Prepaid Consumer Insights Survey” by…
Brooks Bolsters Success at Nouria
What started as a part-time position at a gas station in high school turned into a successful and vital role as a category manager at Worcester, Mass.-based Nouria Energy for Ben Brooks, whose convenience store/petroleum industry career spans roughly 25 years. As Nouria’s category manager of cigarettes, other tobacco products (OTP), automotive, lottery and store…