Ferrellgas Partners recently acquired California-based Eastern Sierra Propane. The company is one of the premier propane retailers in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range, serving both residential and commercial customers. Eastern Sierra Propane was founded in 1993 in Bishop, Calif., by Tom Sigler and Rudy Forster. Initially, Eastern Sierra was run out of Tom Sigler’s…
How Can I Create a Loyalty Program?
Independent convenience store operators who aren’t yet taking full advantage of customer loyalty programs are missing multiple opportunities that could easily be theirs and provide long-lasting benefits. Loyalty programs — rewarding customers for their repeat business with exclusive benefits — enhance relationships between retailers and their shoppers and aid significantly in customer retention and building…
PDI Technologies Launches New Solutions and Programs
PDI Technologies recently announced the launch of brand-new solutions and programs to connect operations and address industry challenges. “The convenience industry is in the midst of rapid transformation, and our customers are seeking innovative solutions to help navigate these changes,” said Linnea Geiss, chief operating officer, PDI. “PDI is committed to fostering continuous progress by…
Neon CEO Talks Forward Progress
Neon Marketplace, which operates seven locations in New England, recently announced new leadership. Adi Dhandhania has taken the helm as CEO of the Cranston, R.I.-based convenience store chain. He brings a background in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and leadership to the role. He was previously the chief operating officer for North America at Bally’s Interactive,…
How To Launch an Independent C-Store Business
Starting an independent convenience store or grocery business can be both exciting and challenging. Aspiring entrepreneurs in the retail industry must navigate many factors to ensure their store’s successful launch and long-term viability. From choosing a catchy business name that captures the essence of their offerings to registering the business, researching insurance options, selecting the…
Road Ranger Commits to Everyday Consumers
Road Ranger has partnered with retail technology company Upside to attract more customers to its stations and provide them with an enhanced customer experience. Through the partnership, 33 of Road Ranger’s 47 stations will be added to the Upside platform. “As Road Ranger continues to evolve and expand our fuel network, we wanted to ensure…
How to Expand into Mult-Unit Operations
Every retail operator starts with that first single store. The management hones their operational skills; develops a “how-to-go-to-market” strategy; and hopefully finds success for years to come. Then they wonder if they could replicate this success in a second location? A third? Or more? How do they make that happen and what are the key…
Neighborhood C-Stores Deemed Important to Consumers
SurgePays recently conducted a survey focusing on the underbanked and underserved communities looking at consumers’ perspectives and attitudes toward independent local convenience stores. According to the survey, American consumers regard their local, independent convenience stores and bodegas in near unanimous high regard, with 94% of them calling the stores somewhat important (34%), very important (34%)…
How Can C-Stores Cope With Supply Chain Issues?
How can convenience stores cope with lingering supply chain issues? The answer is to take several commonsense steps that can help to minimize — but sadly, probably not end any time soon — the disruption. Here are some strategies: Communicate: The first step is the simplest — talking with current suppliers, in person if need…
Restaurants Add Thanksgiving Items to Menu
Restaurants have been welcoming customers this holiday season by adding Thanksgiving items to their menus. SpotOn, a restaurant software and payment provider, reported a list of Thanksgiving meal trends it is seeing from the independent and small chain restaurants it serves across the U.S. Some of the trends include: Thanksgiving Menu Items A majority of…