The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in March altered plans and beverage resets and impacted sales at convenience stores — for better or worse, depending on a store’s location. “As COVID-19 began to restrict, or entirely eliminate, daily routines, convenience sales and trips declined,” said Greg Doonan, communications manager of Nielsen. “Within the beverage space,…
Candy’s Sweet Reward Still a Big Favorite
While COVID-19 has caused upheaval in multiple product markets across the economic spectrum, consumer demand for candy’s spark of enjoyment has held steady with both chocolate and non-chocolate lovers. “Yeah, chocolate’s doing well,” said Tim Young, category manager, center store, for Holcomb Oil’s Five Star chain with 85 stores in Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee. “Now…
Dandy Mini Marts Embraces Innovation
Amid challenges including a global pandemic, Dandy Mini Marts is not only moving forward but innovating on the daily — opening new stores, adding a loyalty program and app, and continuously updating its foodservice offering. All the while, the chain is staying true to its core values as a family-owned and operated c-store. For all…
CITGO Still Going Strong
Not many retail brands survive for 110 years, but CITGO has not only weathered the competition, it is refreshing its brand image to meet the challenges of a new generation. Today, the Texas-based oil company operates more than 4,600 stores coast-to-coast and has its sights sets on growing its marketer program over the next 12-24…
NAG & YEO Conferences Are Going Virtual!
As the country continues to get back to normal, the National Advisory Group (NAG) and the Young Executives Organization (YEO) are moving forward with the 2020 Conference, but it will have a different look and feel. The virtual format of the conference will include educational sessions, our popular Information Exchanges and best-in-class convenience store tours,…
Marketing to C-Stores’ Strengths
“Loyalty is built through convenience and a sense of appreciation,” said Friendly Express Director of Marketing & Foodservice Gary Sellers. “The challenge is to address both in overall marketing strategies including loyalty platforms.” Friendly Express, which operates 34 stores in southeast Georgia, debuted its new loyalty program integrated with private-label debit in March, developed in…
Love’s Supports Military Families, Donates $125,000 to Operation Homefront
Love’s Travel Stops is donating $125,000 to Operation Homefront, the national nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable and secure military families. Customers can increase the donation amount by purchasing a special-edition Operation Homefront/Love’s 24-ounce mug for $7.99. The mugs can be purchased at any Love’s Travel Stop beginning July 1 while supplies last.…
Dash In Delivers More Than 2,500 Personal Messages and Snacks to Local Heroes
Dash In, a Wills Group company with more than 50 locations across the Mid-Atlantic region, delivered more than 2,500 personal messages and snacks to healthcare and first responder organizations across Delaware, Maryland and Virginia through its Snack-O-Gram program. Dash In’s mission is to lift up the journeys of its neighbors through good food and warm…
Parker’s Named CSD’s 2020 Chain of the Year
Exceptional leadership, great stores and unsurpassed customer service are the hallmarks of the convenience store industry’s extraordinary chains. Following these guiding principles, CStore Decisions is proud to honor Parker’s as the 2020 Convenience Store Chain of the Year. The Chain of the Year Award showcases the best of the best in convenience retailing, and Parker’s…
7-Eleven Pilots Fuel Loyalty Program
To enable customers to fuel their cars with the most value, 7-Eleven is now piloting Fuel Loyalty in participating 7-Eleven stores in North and South Orlando Fla., North Texas and Woodbridge, Va. The Fuel Loyalty program is designed to provide contactless payment options to reduce touch and drive instantaneous savings at the pump. The internally…