NATO Executive Director Tom Briant provides insights and analysis on the latest tobacco legislative activity and FDA regulatory actions. By John Lofstock, Editor It has been another tough year for the tobacco industry as legislators at the local, state and federal levels have targeted both tax increases and new smoking regulations on all forms of…
Employing a Special Workforce
In following through with its unique hiring policy, VERC Enterprises has positively impacted surrounding communities. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Most convenience stores strive diligently to create a working environment where employees feel wanted and useful. VERC Enterprises Inc. has taken that page and written its own book, which began more than a dozen years…
Regulators Chew on Cigars
While federal officials weigh new standards for the tobacco industry, retailers hope cigar sales don’t go up in smoke. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took a big step towards regulating other tobacco products (OTP), including cigars, by proposing to assert deeming regulations under the 2009 Family Smoking…
Choosing the Right Foodservice Partner
Today, quality foodservice is a key ingredient in profitable convenience store operations. Just how key? Foodservice accounted for 18% of total c-store sales in 2013, which also included tobacco; packaged beverages (soda, alternative beverages, sports drinks, juices, water and teas); center of the store (candy; sweet, salty and alternative snacks); and beer, according to an…
Wawa Celebrates 50 Years of Retail Excellence
From loyal customers to prominent politicians, the community joined together in Philadelphia last month to commemorate the landmark anniversary for one of the convenience store industry’s most iconic brands. By John Lofstock and Erin Rigik While many retail brands these days tend to focus solely on the bottom line, Wawa serves as a reminder that…
New Rules For Repair Costs
Convenience store operators could be in line for tax deductions for building repairs and property depreciation. By Mark Battersby, Contributing Editor Since the inception of the Internal Revenue Code, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and convenience store businesses have been at odds over whether expenditures made are currently deductible or whether they must be capitalized…
Are C-Store Customers Ready For Ethnic Foods?
As the “foodie” culture skyrockets in the U.S., convenience stores are looking for innovative ways to implement new retail trends. By Erin Rigik, Senior Editor Ethnic foods and flavors are booming in popularity, but are your convenience store customers ready for these exotic and trendy tastes? According to the market research firm Mintel Group, some…
Getting Gum Back on Track
While it’s still an important category in convenience stores, the bubble has burst on gum sales over the past two years. The good news is manufacturers are doubling down on their efforts to grow the category with new products and better pricing. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Gum continues to prove something of an enigma…
Snacks Remain A Mainstay
Salty snacks again are grabbing a lion’s share of c-store snack sales, but healthier offerings are making noise. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Convenience stores represent five times their fair share when it comes to grab-and-go snacking occasions, beating out grocery stores and even discount stores, according to a 2013 study by market research firm…
Aligning Loyalty Programs
There’s a simplified approach to loyalty that offers a good fit for today’s convenience customer. By David Bishop, Contributing Editor. Retail loyalty programs take various forms, ranging from the simple paper punch card to sophisticated shopper cards linked to purchases. While technology has evolved over the years, customer loyalty strategies continue to focus on engaging,…