The advantages that independently owned convenience stores enjoy that allow them to sell more snacks are the same ones that enable them to outflank their larger rivals in general. The greatest is added freedom and flexibility, the ability to make changes — new products, merchandising, promotions, etc. — on a dime without having to wait…

It has long been a given that American consumers not only want but expect basically everything – which makes finding the right mix of tobacco products all the more challenging for convenience store operators. Tobacco is already as diverse a category as there is, including everything from cigarettes (both traditional and natural), smokeless tobacco (chewing…

Conducting a diagnostic store assessment is an excellent way to gain opportunistic perspectives for your location. Walking through and evaluating your store — from the eyes of the customer — can provide both strategic and tactical ideas for improvement. Whether it’s the exterior appeal of your location or the interior product assortment, layout and merchandising,…

When potential profit margins for frozen dispensed beverages (FDBs) exceed 20% on top of what fountain drinks produce, it’s no wonder more than 80% of convenience stores worldwide have installed equipment to pour out slushies, shakes and blended iced coffees. A favorable return on investment, however, depends on taking all equipment choices and decisions into…

Digital gift card usage is on the rise, and convenience stores that haven’t explored them yet would be wise to take a look. Digital gift cards — also called virtual gift cards or egifts — are simply electronic versions of standard gift cards that can be sent directly to an email address and used online…

Convenience stores can grow their frozen dispensed beverage business by sticking to basics, which today includes instilling consumer confidence on the sanitation of the machines. Cold and frozen beverages both took a major hit due to the pandemic, but the section can be re-established — and sales built back up to pre-COVID levels. First, the…

  Factors that often go into a consumer’s decision on which type of CBD product to buy include format, brand, dosage strength and the type of CBD (full spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate). According to market research firm Brightfield Group’s CBD consumer insights, full-spectrum is the preferred type of CBD for 54% of CBD consumers.…

Convenience stores can protect their tobacco sales by doing everything they are probably already doing. Protecting them from over-zealous politicians, unfortunately, remains a whole other matter. Experienced c-store retailers know how to make the most of this essential category. Most of it has to do with adroitly managing the basics: * Know the best-selling items…

For many convenience store retailers, beer caves can help make your convenience store a destination for beer and allow space for increased cold inventory. Many retailers found their beer caves to be an asset during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when customers were opting to stock up on big packs and cases of…

From slushies to smoothies and shakes to blended iced coffees, there’s a favorite frozen dispensed beverage (FDB) for everyone. But not everyone wants to deal with the hassle and mess of making them at home. That’s where convenience stores have an advantage. Customers pop in to indulge without ever breaking out a blender. However, c-stores…