Whether to use cannabidiol (CBD) topicals or edibles can come down to personal preference. The numbers reveal that edibles are the most popular with customers. For one, the edibles segment is a broad category encompassing gummies, capsules, and food and snack products containing CBD. Because most customers are familiar with taking a pill or eating…

As long as convenience stores are selling convenience, delivery will be an important — and for the foreseeable future, growing — part of the equation. The ante was raised during the COVID-19 pandemic when stores added delivery to reach customers despite social distancing measures. In the wake of the pandemic with c-store, supermarket, restaurant and…

Fast-food and fast-casual restaurants are reaping the benefits of order-taking kiosks — and so can convenience stores. The kiosks reduce labor cost, redirect staffers to other tasks, increase order accuracy, shorten lines, make service faster and, at least for the time being, give customers a novelty they may enjoy tinkering with. By using a kiosk,…

As more convenience stores are evaluating the CBD market, they’re questions which products they need to offer to best attract customers to the segment. Pet CBD may be an ideal product for the convenience channel to consider adding to their CBD inventory. Pet CBD is a growing product segment expected to hit $500 million in…

More convenience stores are taking an omnichannel approach to retail, and more customers have come to expect it. An omnichannel approach involves creating a seamless shopping experience across integrated channels, such as online, in-store and via a mobile app. Today, we’re seeing more c-stores add the ability to order ahead foodservice online or in-app. To…

Convenience store retailers are growing wine sales by tapping into the latest trends and merchandising the category for success. These days alternative packaging is all the rage with customers reaching for cans of wine and boxed wine. Savvy c-stores are updating their wine selections to include both options. In October, Wawa stores in Florida began…

Due to residual impact of the pandemic, increased gas prices and the requirement to become EMV compliant, small gas station owners have been struggling. Many gas station owners are unsure whether they can survive. With less customers filling up less frequently due to budget concerns, gas stations are feeling the burn. Their profit margin on…

Convenience stores are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the cannabidiol (CBD) market. C-stores already carry most of the product categories that now feature CBD-infused options, and they’re already a one-stop shop for customers fueling up or buying cigarettes and energy drinks. Still, CBD sales have faced challenges in the past year at convenience stores. At…

When it comes to flavors, Americans like them hot — but they’ll always be stuck on their traditional favorites, too. This is certainly the case when it comes to jerky. Across the nation, convenience store operators report that hot and spicy flavors are generating much of the excitement, but traditional jerky flavor shows no sign…

The cannabidiol (CBD) market is forecast to reach $449 million by 2026, representing a 21% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2021 to 2026, according to Brightfield Group. As the popularity of CBD and the market continues to grow, more retailers are offering CBD products to customers. When customers think about CBD, many think of…