Convenience store operators know just how popular and profitable their health and beauty aids (HBA) section can be, but some remain confused over which types of products they should prioritize. The answer? It depends — on a great many factors. Among them: Competition: The decision about whether or not to stress HBA at all, let…
What Are Foodservice Best Practices?
You’ve decided to take the plunge into foodservice, one of the fastest-growing and most profitable categories in c-stores. Now, it’s time to get your operation up and running using best practices to make sure it is as efficient and safe as it could possibly be. When arranging your menu, plan for your offerings to use…
Is a Hispanic Foodservice Offering Right for My Store?
Hispanic foods are increasingly featured on menus in both ethnic and mainstream quick-service and fast-casual restaurants throughout the country. But are they the right foodservice fit for your convenience store? Many c-stores are serving up Hispanic fare ranging from the ubiquitous taco (including a “walking” version made in a Doritos bag) to quesadillas, tamales, burritos,…
Should I Change My Foodservice Program?
Your foodservice operation has been in place for a while, and you’re not sure it is living up to its profit-making potential. Maybe it’s time for a change. First, check your inventory control. Are you getting the most out of each ingredient? For example, if you sell chicken, do you also offer this protein as…
Should I Implement Order at the Pump?
Convenience store operators have traditionally worked overtime trying to get their gas customers into the store where they could buy additional items. But now, the thinking appears to be expanding. Instead of luring consumers into the store for impulse sales, some operators are considering bringing access to the products out to the pumps. It’s a…
Is Snuff Spitless?
Is snuff spitless? A lot of consumers want to know before they buy. If convenience store employees don’t have the answer, it could be costing the retailer money. And if they give the wrong answer, it could cost them a customer. Snuff is a finely ground smokeless tobacco similar to chewing tobacco. It comes in…
How to Merchandise the HBA Section
One of the things that sets the health and beauty aids (HBA) category apart from others found on convenience store shelves is that it contains both wants and needs. While what’s a want and a need in the HBA section can vary among customers, needs are usually those emergency items that are driving customers to…
How Does Snuff Work?
Snuff is a variety of smokeless tobacco comprised of powdered or finely ground tobacco leaves. Some types of snuff are sniffed or inhaled into the nose, while other types are placed in the mouth between the cheek or lip and gums. Customers might opt for moist snuff or dry snuff, according to their preferences. Moist…
What Are the Benefits of a Spiked Slushie Program?
Spiked slushies — fun frozen drinks that contain alcohol — offer a variety of benefits for the convenience store operators that sell them. The beverages, which are similar to frozen margaritas, are proven traffic drivers, especially during the warmer months, and represent an opportunity for c-store retailers to grab incremental sales. Spiked slushies are still…
Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Still Trending?
Non-alcoholic beer continues to trend. Its staying power is due to the various benefits — not all of which are widely known — that it offers beer lovers, despite a plethora of non-alcoholic beverage options in the market. The non-alcoholic beer market size value was $22 billion in 2022 and is projected to rise at…