The advantages that independently owned convenience stores enjoy that allow them to sell more snacks are the same ones that enable them to outflank their larger rivals in general. The greatest is added freedom and flexibility, the ability to make changes — new products, merchandising, promotions, etc. — on a dime without having to wait…
Why It’s Important for the Independent C-Store Owner to do a Diagnostic Store Assessment
Conducting a diagnostic store assessment is an excellent way to gain opportunistic perspectives for your location. Walking through and evaluating your store — from the eyes of the customer — can provide both strategic and tactical ideas for improvement. Whether it’s the exterior appeal of your location or the interior product assortment, layout and merchandising,…
Heas Energy Awarded Safe Shop Certification
Heas Energy, a family owned and operated convenience store chain with 10 Stores in Virginia, has completed the requirements for the Safe Shop Assured program making each of its stores Safe Shop Certified. Implementation of Safe Shop branding will highlight the company having met and exceeded a 10-point checklist of essential safety measures at its…
How Can Independent Marketers Achieve a Work-Personal Life Balance?
Opening your own new store is an enthralling experience. From the planning stages, to cutting the ribbon, through the first few years, a new business owner is full of unbridled energy, working countless hours and six – maybe seven – days a week to build their establishment’s success. Unfortunately, only the strongest and most organized…
Refuel Acquires Nine Buck’s C-Stores
Refuel Operating Co., a Charleston, S.C.-based retail and wholesale fuel distribution and convenience store business, has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Action Fuels, a Texas-based wholesale and retail fuel distribution and convenience store chain. Refuel is a portfolio company of First Reserve, a leading global private equity investment firm exclusively focused…
The Power of One
If you’re like most folks in the convenience store business, you browse through a variety of publications each month and spend some time reading articles that are interesting to whatever your role in this dynamic retail segment might be. Usually, there’s some articles regarding government regulation, trade shows, segment results and other relevant pieces of…
How Can Independent C-Stores More Effectively Compete With Chains?
Famed slugger Pete Rose always maintained that while he wasn’t the most naturally gifted player in the big leagues, he achieved greatness by out-hustling other players — earning the nickname “Charlie Hustle.” Independent convenience store operators can follow Rose’s formula for success to better compete with the big chains. And the easiest, most cost-effective place…
How Independent C-Store Operators Maintain Master Store-By-Store Databases
There comes a time in every multi-unit retailer’s business cycle that they want to launch a new product that requires a reconfiguration to their store. The challenges arise when the equipment goes to the store, and the manager asks, “where does this go?” and proceeds to find a home for it. Over time with each…
Urban Value Corner Store Tests Delivery Robot
Vroom Delivery has partnered with last-mile delivery robot operator Tortoise and Dallas convenience retailer Urban Value Corner Store to bring on-demand delivery of thousands of products to consumers’ doors in the coming months. Products will include grocery staples such as milk and eggs, as well as beverages, ice cream, snacks and more, all delivered in…
How Can You Design an Independent C-Store to Attract Repeat Customers?
It may not make sense at first, but did you know your convenience store can attract repeat customers, even if your prices aren’t the lowest in town. Conversely, you might have the lowest prices and yet, see many ‘one-and-done’ customers. People remember a store by how the shopping experience made them feel. It’s about way…