2024 might prove to be a better year for c-store sales than many had anticipated. As this month’s Category Management Handbook points out, recession fears have quieted, and inflation appears to finally be on a downward trend. The economy and customer sentiment are looking up, and category dollar sales are flying high, thanks to…
Dix Drums Up Success at Dandy
The success of a convenience store relies on managing personnel recognizing the products that customers want and catering to the trends that arise in purchasing habits in a timely manner. Without the most appealing merchandise array, c-stores will lose potential opportunities and sales. Category managers are essential for knowing the correct assortment for each store.…
The 16th Annual HR Benchmarking Report
In 2024, staffing issues and inflation both remain top challenges at convenience stores. As retailers look to better recruitment, hiring and retention practices, they’re continuing to raise starting wages and improve benefits to best appeal to employees who are feeling squeezed by the rising cost of living. For the 16th consecutive year, CStore Decisions and…
Nuzum Drives Hot and Cold Foods at Casey’s
As the senior category manager for hot and cold foods at Casey’s, Brian Nuzum has the busy job of driving category performance for the hot and cold prepared food business (excluding pizza) and the refrigerated food business across the chain’s more than 2,600 stores in 17 states. His responsibilities include managing assortment, price, cost negotiation,…
Improving HR Practices
It’s time again for CStore Decisions’ annual HR issue, where we deep-dive into the trends impacting labor management at convenience stores. As costs rise and the labor market continues to tighten, c-stores are facing steep competition for employees from adjacent industries that are raising the bar on what attractive wages and benefits can look like…
Battling Today’s Staffing Challenges
In 2024, staffing issues and inflation both remain top challenges at convenience stores. As retailers look to better recruitment, hiring and retention practices, they’re continuing to raise starting wages and improve benefits to best appeal to employees who are feeling squeezed by the rising cost of living. For the 16th consecutive year, CStore Decisions and…
Do Your People Feel That They Belong?
In my 30 years of working in human resources, I have never met an employee that I wanted to keep, develop, promote, etc. that did not want to BELONG to something good. What I mean by “something good” is an organization that does good things for its associates, its customers and its community. Back in…
Hannon Supports Others at Rutter’s
Human resources (HR) in the convenience store sector plays a pivotal role in the operational success of a business, especially when there are always new faces to work with and guide. Kate Hannon, director of HR and payroll for The Rutter’s Cos., understands the importance of being dedicated to employees and supporting them with their…
Navigating Tobacco Backbar Trends
The tobacco category remains in the spotlight at c-stores as the industry grapples with marketing denial orders (MDO) for vape products and braces for pending rules from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) around menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. “Regulations continue to challenge the tobacco industry in 2024,” said Tim Greene, director of tobacco and…
Refreshing Dispensed Beverages for Spring
As spring arrives, c-store retailers are updating their cold and frozen dispensed beverage flavors to meet evolving customer demands in preparation for the surge in beverage traffic that warmer weather traditionally brings. Today, more consumers are favoring healthier dispensed drinks, preferably in a variety of exciting flavors. Convenience store customers are showing marked preferences for…