Driving fuel customers from the gas pump into the convenience store remains one of the greatest marketing challenges for c-store retailers. That challenge is growing even more complex today given evolving technology such as video and mobile payments at the pump, changes to customer habits brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and now skyrocketing gas prices.…

As summer arrives and more customers return to their pre-pandemic routines, candy sales at convenience stores are reaping the rewards. Candy dollar sales in every subcategory are trending upward, from gum and mints to chocolate and confection. According to NielsenIQ Total Convenience data, confection, gum and mints sales growth is outpacing that of chocolate, with…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) plans to develop a proposed product standard that would establish a maximum nicotine level to reduce the addictiveness of cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products is part of published plans by the Biden-Harris Administration for future potential regulatory actions. The goal of the potential rule would be…

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outlined its proposed rules to ban menthol cigarettes and characterizing flavors in cigars last month, all eyes are turning to cigarettes and cigars, allowing smokeless tobacco to fly under the radar. Smokeless tobacco has so far remained unscathed by FDA flavor bans. However, some state and local legislatures…

Convenience store loyalty programs are doing more than just tracking the number of store visits and repeat purchases. C-store retailers are also using the data to personalize the customers’ experience, making for long-term relationships. Since Casey’s convenience stores launched its Casey’s Rewards mobile app loyalty program in January 2020 in its 2,400 stores in 16 states,…

Displays and sales of tobacco accessories at convenience stores are shifting as c-stores incorporate new items to meet customer demands. The evolution mirrors the changing algebra of the tobacco category as a whole. A nationwide drop in cigarette smoking; the growth of smoke shops, dollar stores and cannabis-related products; rising taxes; increasingly restrictive legislation; and…

High gas prices, increased legislation and inflationary pressure will continue to have a negative impact on cigarette sales, but despite these external factors, cigarettes continue to hold strong and remain a key driver of in-store sales. Cigarette dollar sales dropped 5.8% to $4.2 billion for the four weeks ending April 17, 2022, according to total…

How ‘The Great Resignation’ has affected the c-store industry was pointedly brought home in the results of this year’s 14th annual CSD/Humetrics’ HR Benchmarking Survey.  When asked: “What are the three most significant challenges your organization will face in 2022,” more than 83% of respondents singled out “staffing” as their paramount concern — far ahead…

C-store retailers continue to wait in suspense for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decisions on pre-market tobacco applications (PMTAs) to trickle in, revealing the future direction of the category and which products can legally be sold under FDA’s ongoing regulations. Despite the uncertainty, vape sales maintained steady growth. Dollar sales for electronic smoking devices increased…

As c-store retailers grow their foodservice category, many are expanding with tried-and-true customer favorites like chicken, pizza and roller grill items. These foodservice basics bring high appeal, and by offering a variety of options and promotional pricing, retailers are further driving sales and repeat purchases. Double hand-breaded for extra crunch, cooked in small batches and always…