Digital Issues

CStore Decisions October 2020 Digital Edition is sponsored by Swisher The family-owned company is growing its network of company-owned stores and ExtraMile locations, while launching a wholesale branch, proprietary delivery service, loyalty program and developing its first cashierless store. H&S Energy has soared to a 112-store operation since its debut in the mid-’90s, and it’s…

CStore Decisions September 2020 Digital Edition is sponsored by Smuckers   At a time when many convenience stores were reeling amid the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chicago-based c-store chain Foxtrot watched its revenues double from January to May. Key to that success was Foxtrot’s ability to elevate its existing digital platform — which has…

Amid a pandemic that’s shifting norms and shopping habits, retailers nationwide must grapple with an economy in flux. As early as February, Raymond Huff predicted COVID-19 would impact his Russell’s Convenience Stores business. What he didn’t anticipate was a whopping 85% drop in sales when states locked down. The president of Denver-based HJB Convenience Corp.,…

CStore Decisions July 2020 Digital Edition is sponsored by Hunt Brothers Pizza CITGO, Charge Up and Dandy Mini Marts head this year’s class of innovative chains energizing and expanding their brands. In just 10 short years, Charge Up has grown from a singlestore operation to a 40-store chain with locations in Texas and Louisiana, with…

Rising sales are boosting retailer optimism across the category, but regulatory hurdles loom. Tobacco sales have proved a bright spot for many convenience stores during the COVID-19 pandemic, but while c-stores anticipate robust tobacco sales for the remainder of 2020, retailers are bracing for the potential chill of regulatory headwinds. As the pandemic first hit…

The tech forward company is crafting a uniform experience across platforms while leading with prepared foods and investing in cutting-edge technology, including its own delivery service and vision-based autonomous checkout. Choice Market isn’t letting a pandemic impede its plans for 2020. If anything, COVID-19 has increased consumer demand for seamless delivery of convenience products, fresh…

The 12th annual CSD/Humetrics HR Benchmarking Survey outlines how c-stores are responding to today’s human resources challenges, as COVID-19 presents never-before-seen obstacles. CStore Decisions’ and Humetrics’ 12th annual Human Resources (HR) Benchmarking Survey polled c-store retailers — between Jan. 5 and March 2, 2020 — on top HR challenges and evolving practices. Already, some c-store…

CStore Decisions outlines extensive insights on top trends and critical headwinds impacting today’s core c-store categories. In 2020, convenience stores are enticing customers with increased category innovation, from new beverage varieties to fresh food to mobile payment options. In the year ahead, c-stores are also set to face ongoing challenges, including increasing tobacco regulations, technological…

As technology continues to evolve, c-stores look to plant-based and international flavors to meet the surging demand for fresh foods in 2020. With foodservice now a core component of the convenience landscape, c-store retailers are watching the abundance of food trends vying for prominence in 2020. Which concepts will dominate menus in the year ahead?…

Leadership for a New Decade 2020 is set to bring new changes and challenges. Partnerships with innovative supplier companies can help convenience retailers differentiate themselves in the year ahead. 2020 welcomes not only a new decade but a smorgasbord of new opportunities for convenience store retailers. Growing disruption is exploding across the industry — from…