I just returned from the CStore Connections conference in Charlotte, N.C., an event dedicated to fostering meaningful connections. Not only was it rewarding to reconnect with familiar faces in the industry and meet new ones, but the energy and enthusiasm in the room were truly contagious. It was inspiring to hear one up-and-coming retailer attending the event for the first time note that he felt the conference paid for itself within the first hour because of a valuable connection he made with a veteran retailer upon arrival.
Many retailers shared that this is their favorite event due to the genuine relationship building, information sharing and industry camaraderie they experience at CStore Connections. From our ample networking events and educational sessions to our breakout sessions where retailers discuss key topics with peers facing similar challenges, the conference is designed to help retailers enhance their business and learn from each other. Mark your calendars now for CStore Connections 2026, taking place April 19-22 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Refining Our Voice
As we continue to prioritize connections as an organization, you’ll start to see our magazine voice begin to progress toward highlighting the human element in our stories as we work to both inspire and inform our readership.
It’s been two full years since I stepped into the role of editor-in-chief at CStore Decisions and 16 years since I wrote my first article for the brand as an associate editor. After decades of prioritizing a hard-news approach to our articles, you’ll begin to notice more of a storytelling voice that helps our articles remain focused on what truly matters — the firsthand experiences of retailers in the trenches. What does this mean? Well, moving forward, you’ll see more anecdotes woven into our content as we continue delivering expert-level industry insights. Our stories will blend high-level information you can trust with aspirational accounts from retailers. Of course, we’ll continue to provide the key trends, actionable solutions and in-depth analysis that support strategic decision-making that you’re accustomed to reading in our publication.
As it has for 35 years, CStore Decisions remains the trusted platform for convenience store decision makers. Our promise to you is that we’ll never talk down to our readers, who know this business inside and out. Our coverage will continue to meet your expertise with high-level insights and analysis. By prioritizing feature articles and reports that showcase strategic insights from c-store retailers regarding their challenges and solutions — rather than focusing on product pitches — our readers can rely on us for honest, expert coverage they won’t find anywhere else. We’ll customize our content to address the unique needs of convenience store chains ranging from small-chain operators to mid-sized regional and family-owned chains to national players with thousands of stores. Our audience remains focused on growth within the channel, and we aim to provide the insights they need to succeed.
Digital Evolution
We’re also evolving digitally. While we’ll continue to serve our audience with our best-in-class monthly print edition, you can also read this magazine online. Looking ahead, CStore Decisions is prioritizing more timely digital content on breaking news topics at CStoreDecisions.com. Be sure to check out our redesigned website, which offers improved navigation, making it easier to find key feature articles and special reports right from the homepage. If you haven’t already, sign up for our daily newsletter or explore our specialty newsletters on new products, foodservice and technology here.
At its core, everything we do — from our events to our editorial approach across digital and print — is designed to build connections that empower convenience store retailers. By sharing firsthand accounts and insights to creating opportunities to collaborate, we aspire to strengthen this industry and help c-store retailers thrive.
