In order to keep up with and surpass competition, a store must do more than properly stocking inventory, offering competitive prices and providing outstanding customer service. They also need to keep up with the latest technology. Funding mechanisms may be needed for new, more efficient equipment and performing necessary renovations to keep the store looking…

As the unanticipated impact of the pandemic magnified the need for online to offline (O2O) solutions and order ahead for convenience stores, so too will the pending cookie apocalypse by Google drive the business case for autonomous check-in and checkout. Verifiable O2O attribution from known users commands the highest trade promotion, placement and slotting fees,…

The pandemic hurt retailers in every channel, including convenience stores — yet the salty snack category has weathered the storm and then some. For example, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) state of the industry report this year, sales of Frito-Lay legacy brands are up over the past several months, with Lay’s…

While large convenience store chains have HR departments, most independents do not. This means that, for owners and managers, hiring the right people and keeping them aboard becomes part of the job. These tips can help independents hire and retain the best candidates and employees: Screen candidates for attitude over skills. People can be taught…

A new study of U.S. hard seltzer drinkers revealed growth opportunities still remain for the alcoholic beverage industry’s trendiest category. Veylinx, a consumer insights platform that uses behavioral research to predict purchasing habits, studied eight hard seltzer brands and eight added benefits to determine which potential product innovations consumers value most, and which will impact…

The need to effectively merchandise tobacco in convenience stores has grown in importance due to what some c-store executives see as industry dynamics that have led them to focus more on three product categories: vaping, cigars and other tobacco products (OTP). Some see selling combustible cigarettes as a challenge requiring large amounts of capital, which…

With so many varieties to choose from, determining how much store space should be allotted to candy (chocolate, non-chocolate, gum and mints) grows more challenging every day. Depending on the size of the store, a minimum of 12 to 18 feet of inline display space should be reserved for sweets, which represent the fifth largest…

As market demand for cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp-related products grows, retailers will have to respond by offering more options for consumers. But choosing a CBD vendor can be more challenging than those for typical food, beverage and topical products retailers are used to – for many, CBD products are uncharted territory. There are ways for…

Delta-8 only recently arrived on the mainstream radar. However, it was actually discovered back in 1965 by cannabis researcher Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. Scientists and researchers have been uncovering benefits ever since. While everyone may experience Delta-8 differently, some report feeling a high similar to Delta-9 THC — with a few key differences, reports ACS Laboratory:…

Every season is beer season, each one with its own opportunities for upselling to larger packages of favorite brews. Window, in-store and at-the-pump signage is a retailer’s best friend for persuading customers to pick up 12- to 18-packs or cases so they will have their preferred refreshment on-hand for all occasions. During the pandemic, larger…