As c-stores nationwide continue to face staffing challenges, savvy leaders like Melanie Wilson Disney are proactively seeking and implementing new solutions to attract and retain employees. As director of human resources (HR) for Weigel’s, Disney is responsible for nurturing team members; contributing to the Powell, Tenn.-based c-store chain’s strategic direction; and ensuring HR compliance across…
Chocolate Succeeds Despite Setbacks
Chocolate remains a popular pick-me-up for customers, but recent price hikes have more customers looking for value, while new launches and a variety of options buoy impulse buys. Overall, category sales are expected to grow in 2024. Chocolate candy dollar sales reached $3.67 billion, a 7.9% increase for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 31, 2023,…
CBD Awaits Clear Regulations
Almost immediately after the 2018 Farm Bill was enacted, legalizing retail sales of cannabis-derived products, there was a deluge of cannabidiol (CBD) products. Today, CBD-curious consumers have plenty of options, as do c-stores looking to add the category. In fact, IBIS World stated CBD manufacturing in the U.S. grew an annual average of more than…
NAG Wraps Up in Tampa Bay
The 2024 NAG Conference has come to a close in Tampa Bay, Fla. The conference wrapped up with an educational session titled “Electrification of Fuel,” led by panelists Harman Aulakh, vice president of marketing, Onvo; Raina Shoemaker Fromm, owner of Shoemaker’s Travel Centers; and LeeAnn Goheen, director of NATSO’s Government Affairs. Where EV Stands Onvo…
Investing in HBA Diversity
The health and beauty aids (HBA) category offers something for everyone. Of course, there’s the convenience of picking up emergency pain relievers, first aid items or cold medicine. People also grab makeup products for last-minute touchups or buy haircare products on the way home after a busy day. That breadth of the HBA product selection…
NAG Announces Rebranding of Conference, Talks Next Gen Leadership
The third day of the NAG Conference kicked off in Tampa Bay, Fla., with educational sessions covering a variety of hot topics facing the industry today. In the first session of the day, attendees sat in on a panel discussion titled “Preparing for the Next Generation of Leadership.” Panelists included Brent Mouton, president and CEO,…
Flavors Trend in Dairy Products
At this time last year, dairy milk unit sales were falling, but plant-based milk appeared to be a bright spot for the category, offering large sales gains. Now, however, both plant-based and dairy milk sales are struggling at convenience stores. Dairy milk dollar sales totaled $1.31 billion, a 6.9% decrease, while unit sales dropped 9.6%…
NAG Session Covers 2024 Election and its Implications
On day two of the 2024 NAG Conference in Tampa Bay, Fla., attendees from across the country sat in on an educational session titled “Elections and the Industry: How will the results impact your business?” Panelists at the session included Ashley Walker, partner, Mercury Public Affairs; Matt Mowers, president, Valcour; and Mark Braden, senior director…
Customers Seek Novelty from Non-Chocolate Segment
Non-chocolate candy, gum and mints are expected to continue to see strong sales in 2024, powered by old favorites, novelty candy and seasonal items. Non-chocolate candy saw dollar sales of $3.34 billion, up 13.4%, for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 31, 2023, per Circana. Unit volume dipped 3.1% to 1.41 billion. Novelty candy stood out…
Variety is Vital for Dispensed
Cold and frozen dispensed beverages are oftentimes viewed synonymously with c-stores, and in 2024, retailers are looking to drive sales with a focus on frozen and flavor variety. “We have increased (in sales) over the previous year; shockingly, our frozen is trending really well for this time of the year,” said Jessica Russell, food service…