Last year, hard seltzer experienced such a surge in sales that some c-stores were selling 12- and 18-packs out of their beer caves. Since then, sales have flattened out, according to the Hartman Group market research firm, but retailers still have ample opportunity to build their sales in this $4.5 billion category. With large and…

Famed slugger Pete Rose always maintained that while he wasn’t the most naturally gifted player in the big leagues, he achieved greatness by out-hustling other players — earning the nickname “Charlie Hustle.” Independent convenience store operators can follow Rose’s formula for success to better compete with the big chains. And the easiest, most cost-effective place…

Delta-8 is a variant of the delta-9-THC cannabinoid. Though still considered to be psychoactive, delta-8 is less potent than delta-9, according to market research firm Brightfield Group. However, effects may vary for each person as well as how it’s administered. Because it is mainly derived from hemp CBD — which is federally legal — delta-8…

Pizza has repeatedly ranked in the top foods ordered at U.S. restaurants. According to The NPD Group, in the quarter ending June 2021, there were 1.2 billion servings of pizza ordered, up 4% from the same quarter last year. An aspect of pizza’s popularity is that it can be customized to serve many different tastes…

With c-store customers accustomed to enjoying their favorite flavors year after year, seasonal candies are ready-made opportunities for strong sales. The emotional connections between holidays and specific candies are so universal nearly everyone can name them. For instance, the cornucopia of fall candies for Halloween and Thanksgiving includes jellybeans, caramel apple lollipops, candy corn and…

There comes a time in every multi-unit retailer’s business cycle that they want to launch a new product that requires a reconfiguration to their store. The challenges arise when the equipment goes to the store, and the manager asks, “where does this go?” and proceeds to find a home for it. Over time with each…

Happy hour has always rolled around at the end of the work day, ranging from 4 p.m. to early evening. It’s when bars and pubs catch people as they transition from professional to personal time. The question is, are these the happiest hours for convenience stores to sell adult beverages, too? Each state, and in…

Optimizing any aisle in a convenience store — but especially candy — means weighing a wide variety of factors and leaving no stone unturned in order to maximize sales. That’s admittedly a tall order, as a category like candy has so many moving parts — from different types of candy, limited-time offers, local demographics, sales…

Cannabis ingestibles are products that come in an oil or tincture form that are administered under the tongue or added to foods or beverages. The cannabinoids are absorbed – or ingested – through the thin tissue in the mouth or the stomach and other organs. Ingesting oils and tinctures is a much more efficient method…

It may not make sense at first, but did you know your convenience store can attract repeat customers, even if your prices aren’t the lowest in town. Conversely, you might have the lowest prices and yet, see many ‘one-and-done’ customers. People remember a store by how the shopping experience made them feel. It’s about way…