Selling electrons is not something that can directly produce profitability to replace fuel margins, at least in today’s environment, and that is no secret to convenience retailers. Barriers to entry into the electric vehicle (EV) charging market include not just the cost of infrastructure but also demand charges from utility providers, where commercial customers are…

Smokeless tobacco continues to be a steady favorite among convenience store customers, with retailers stocking popular items and offering promotions when available. Smokeless tobacco dollar sales at convenience stores increased by 5.1% to reach $7 million for the latest four weeks ending July 10, 2022, according to Chicago-based market research firm IRI.  Chewing tobacco/snuff decreased…

When Americans are craving something crunchy, nothing satisfies like a bag of chips, pretzels or other salty snacks. Even the more health-conscious consumers are finding better-for-you versions of their favorite munchies to suit their tastebuds and lifestyles. Over the past year, total salty snack dollar sales have risen 13% from $7.4 billion to $8.3 billion,…

In an area where business is still done with a handshake, c-store chain Corner Store brings customer service to a new level while offering a well-known, proprietary foodservice program to Seminole, Texas. With a brand-new loyalty program, customers can find deals and discounts on Corner Store products with a physical rewards card. Corner Store began…

The pandemic made people rethink a number of things, including their desire to try new products. In the convenience store industry, this became apparent among alcoholic beverage purchases, where consumers were interested in trying new flavors, segments and types of beverages. But with gas and other prices going up, is another change on the horizon…

Businesses are increasingly turning to more advanced modes of operation. C-stores are using LED lighting and energy-efficient technology to update their locations and realizing financial and maintenance benefits with the switch. The largest benefit (to LED) is energy savings,” said Tara Hughes, senior energy & sustainability analyst, RaceTrac. “After transitioning stores to LED lighting, we…

September heralds the return of pumpkin latte fanaticism. Of course, any motivation that compels people to pop into your store is a welcome event. But can the hot coffee category rely so heavily on seasonal trends when cold brew and nitro keep turning up the heat? “Seasonal trends help, but I think they are getting…

C-store operators are reporting increases in overall sales, with cold and frozen dispensed beverage demand among the factors influencing the surge as thirsty customers flock to stores. In fact, c-store operators are currently faring much better than retailers overall, noted Mike Kostyo, associate director and trendologist at market research firm Datassential. “Nearly half — or…

Small independent convenience store retailers are not only grappling with the same inflation, supply chain issues and labor shortages as the rest of the industry, but they’re also having to compete against larger chains with fewer resources. Still, small family chains are the backbone of this industry and many independent c-stores are succeeding today despite…

Many convenience and fuel retailers have yet to realize the value of researching, developing and implementing a digital marketing strategy that specifically drives customer engagement. Since few of these retailers have built a dedicated, fully capable marketing team — and the IT resources to support it — most brands are limited in the level of…