Snack cakes are individual-sized cakes and cream- or jelly-filled rolls, cupcakes, coffee cakes, pound cake slices and mini doughnuts that are prepackaged for grab and go. Some are frosted and some are enrobed in chocolate. The cake rolls and cupcakes usually come two or three to a package. Some also come in boxes of multiple…
How Can Independent C-Store Operators Use Key Performance Indicators?
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are a vital resource to managing your operation. Rather than relying on old adages and “I think” statements, KPIs help identify the key drivers of your store and focus your go-forward actions to address specific needs. This simple shift can make a big difference in the bottom line for small, independent…
How Do I Justify the Cost of a Beer Cave in My C-Store?
Beer caves can offer convenience store customers a more upscale shopping experience, while positioning a convenience store as a destination for beer. Beer caves come in various shapes and sizes and can be fitted to your space requirements. Beer caves can help drive alcoholic beverage sales with the help of bright lighting, attractive signage and…
How did the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact C-Stores’ Roller Grill Sales?
Like all aspects of foodservice and the convenience retail business, the pandemic affected c-stores’ roller grill offers. Amid shutdowns and heightened concerns over food safety, along with regional regulations, some retailers paused roller grill sales altogether. Meanwhile, others were able to bring the segment behind the counter as a way to meet COVID-19 safety requirements…
How Can C-Stores Grow Their Loyalty Programs?
Across all retail segments, including convenience stores, loyalty programs are big business, and it’s no wonder. They’re proven to boost growth, they are not expensive for the retailer to implement, and they enhance your relationship with your customers. U.S. consumers have 3.8 billion memberships in consumer loyalty programs, according to Hubspot’s 2020 Loyalty Marketing Trends…
How Can C-Stores Drive Gum & Mint Sales?
Driving gum and mint sales may not be quite as simple as it once was, but this tried-and-true category is likely headed for a rebound. Sales of gum and mints struggled during the pandemic — mask mandates during COVID-19 no doubt have caused fewer Americans to worry about their breath. Retail strategies moving forward should…
How Independent C-Stores Can Jump Into Foodservice
Starting a foodservice program in your convenience store requires attention to detail in store-operation areas that may be new to you. Food preparation on site requires specific safety, operational management and cost control measures — and in most cases, greater customer service. By mastering foodservice basics, your new foodservice program has the best opportunity for…
Who Is Buying Pet CBD?
Market research firm Brightfield Group’s CBD Consumer Insights Q1 2021 report reveals new information about the CBD consumer — specifically, the “Pet CBD Buyer.” Pet CBD turned out to be more than a passing fad, the report shows. Consumers spent $426 million on pet CBD in 2020, and Brightfield Group expects it to reach…
Why Are Legislatures Banning Flavored Tobacco?
Back in 2009, the federal government issued its first flavored tobacco restriction by prohibiting the sale of flavored combustible cigarettes other than menthol and traditional tobacco. Since then, cities, states and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) all have enacted bans of varying degrees on flavored tobacco. Why are lawmakers so determined to pull these…
What Are the Different Types of CBD Products?
With the rise in acceptance and consumption of CBD products, the number of manufacturers, forms and flavors has grown. Market competition has fostered a creative atmosphere among CBD product makers looking for easier, more familiar and tastier ways to deliver CBD, and also coax hesitant consumers to take advantage of CBD’s benefits. Many products…