Proposed rules from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) targeting flavored cigars have retailers considering what such a ban would mean for their business. On April 28, 2022, the FDA announced proposed product standards “to prohibit menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes and prohibit all characterizing flavors (other than tobacco) in cigars.”  The National…

With a majority of Americans favoring the legalization of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use, and with the convenience channel representing the largest number of outlets of any retail class of trade, it would seem rather logical that this channel would have strong potential for the distribution of cannabis. I believe there is current…

Outside of pump prices, few convenience store categories are subjected to external factors as extensively and frequently as tobacco, and now synthetic nicotine, too. Sure, supply chain shortfalls affect other in-store mainstays, but these sectors aren’t submitted to bans that limit product options, the possibility of excise tax hikes or advertising restrictions. Despite all the…

Evening is the preferred time for food delivery from convenience stores, according to a Bounteous+Hathway study conducted in partnership with the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). For c-stores that don’t yet offer delivery options, delivery can present a fresh opportunity to capture sales during the dinner daypart.  Interestingly, the study also showed that 42% of…

Convenience store operators across the U.S. increasingly are stocking cannabidiol (CBD) products on their shelves. These businesses are tapping into this market to boost revenues and attract canna-curious customers — an effective strategy in the short and medium term as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to drag its feet on any meaningful regulatory…

The market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies is estimated to be over $2 trillion. This prepaid reserve has attracted the attention of retailers to help investors with a path to instant liquidity for the highly volatile alternative asset by accepting cryptocurrency directly for purchases. The growth is prompting c-store operators to question how they can tap…

There have been several landmark decisions shaping the tobacco/nicotine category for convenience stores. The 2007 Tobacco Control Act granted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) market authority over tobacco products. In 2016, the agency deemed vape products as tobacco products.  And with the passage of the omnibus budget bill in mid-March, Congress amended the definition of…

Choice Market may be a small chain, with three locations in Denver and three set to open in Colorado, but that hasn’t stopped it from letting technology guide its path since it was founded in 2017. CStore Decisions is recognizing Denver-based Choice Market for its dedication to convenience through frictionless modernization and its omnichannel approach…

Rampant technology innovation continues to inspire c-store chains to offer faster, more convenient and individualized options and platforms for their customers. Early on, Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven questioned how technology innovation could help it grow, and then wasted no time testing and implementing new innovations. Over time, the c-store behemoth has evolved to remain on the…

Offering the market a fresh take on convenience stores, Bakersfield, Calif.-based Samco Food Store is building its brand with new locations and a bold look, giving the local community a destination, not just a convenient spot for a quick bite. Samco operates 10 company-owned locations in the Bakersfield area, with one new location currently under…