Independent Operators

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…

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…

It’s a difficult hiring market. Standing out isn’t easy, and sometimes it takes more than competitive wages for retailers to attract and retain top talent. I’ve always been fascinated by those who succeed in creating truly exceptional work environments. That’s why, at a time when brands are scrambling to figure out what they can do,…

Small and medium independent convenience store chains may not have the buying power of large chains, but that doesn’t mean they can’t negotiate for the best deals possible. The key is to make win-win deals, where those on both sides of the table walk away with something that they want, while working to create beneficial…

Labor management is perhaps one of the most fundamental aspects of running a profitable business. Servicing the customer with too few people on staff and sales will be negatively impacted as customers will shop elsewhere. Staff the business with too many people and the profits of the products are quickly lost due to labor expense.…

Few operators take the time to better understand both revenue projections as well as variable and fixed expenses so they can see what contributes or detracts from store profitability. A profit and loss (P&L) analysis provides a simple yet effective way of managing both revenue and expenses. When conducting a P&L analysis, small tweaks can…

Creating an exciting retail grand opening or anniversary event requires work upfront, but in the long run will make your store drive sales. Still, this can often be a challenge for small, independent convenience store chains who often lack the promotional power of huge chains. But with some careful planning and strategic attention to detail,…

Discussing cleanliness and safety isn’t always easy for retailers.  Much of their hard work happens behind the scenes in ways that aren’t apparent to consumers, and there has never been a simple and effective way to communicate brand standards. This was apparent over the past year as retailers worked to maintain brand trust during the…

Single-site and independently operated c-stores will find it easier, regardless of fuel brand, to use tobacco manufacturer funds and promotions to drive sales. Convenience industry software solutions provider PDI Software has expanded its PDI CStore Essentials tobacco loyalty solution to those smaller operators. For thousands of single-site c-stores in the U.S., access to the latest…

StrasGlobal, provider of contract operations for gas stations and convenience stores around the country, has announced the addition of two industry leaders to the Resources for Retailers (RfR) team. Introduced in December of last year, RfR provides solutions for the challenges that are common to single store and small chain convenience store operators. “We are…