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…
2024 Best Foodservice Launch Awards: Sheetz
Consumers today are on the lookout for a sweet treat, and if they spot a new flavor, trend or something they saw on social media, they’re likely to buy it. Sheetz, which operates 700 locations across Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland, took notice of this trend, and it inspired the chain…
2024 Best Store Design Awards: Rutter’s
CStore Decisions is recognizing Rutter’s with a Best Store Design Award for its redesigned York, Pa.-based store that features a second-floor mezzanine and a kitchen. Rutter’s completed the remodel of its convenience store at 1450 Mt Zion Rd, York, Pa., on Dec. 1, 2023, nearly doubling the size of the store from 4,300 square feet…
Grow or Get Out of the Way
CStore Decisions recently sat down with industry professionals Travis Smith and Terry Monroe in an exclusive webinar to discuss the ins and out of mergers and acquisitions (M&As). The webinar was moderated by CStore Decisions’ editor-in-chief Erin Del Conte. Travis Smith is the co-founder and co-president of FR Refuel LLC, a Charleston, S.C.-based company that…
Embracing Future Changes in Retail
Competition is driving rapid changes and spurring innovation across all retail channels. Convenience stores are no exception. The convenience store space continues evolving to meet industry trends and consumer demands. Today, some retailers are expanding their footprints, others are narrowing their focus to niche markets, and some may even be doing both. All adapt to…
2024 Best Store Design Awards: Red Barn Market
CStore Decisions is recognizing Red Barn Market with a Best Store Design Award for its visually engaging, upscale and modern design that integrates a contemporary interpretation of barn architecture, employs unique ceiling elements and helps the c-store chain stand out in Michigan. Red Barn Market’s new prototype design debuted at its new-to-industry store in Sterling…