Zhane Isom Associate EditorCStore Decisions Thought Leaders See More >
Zhane Isom Associate Editor
Today on CStore Decisions
How Does Snus Work?
There are a lot more people who know what snus is than how snus works. But for convenience stores, knowing both can prove essential to maximizing sales. Doing everything possible to move merchandise in any category is imperative. The global market for snus is expected to rise from $1 billion in 2022 to $2.4 billion…
Smokeless Leads OTPs
Without a doubt, modern oral nicotine products, especially pouches, shone the brightest within the tobacco/nicotine category for convenience stores throughout 2022. According to IRI, a Chicago-based market research firm, units of spitless tobacco grew by more than 31% for the 52 weeks ending Jan. 1, 2023. Consequently, dollar sales also jumped nearly 34%, while the…
NAG Speaks on Private Labels
The 2023 National Advisory Group (NAG) Conference will feature an educational session on private-label branding. During the pandemic, private-label products have been made considerably more appealing due to high availability and low price. These products can be more profitable for retailers, especially since high-quality private labels can gain a devoted following. In this session, three…
Tech-Savvy C-Store Chain Launches EV Network
A prominent c-store chain has announced its new proprietary electric vehicle (EV) charging network and app. It delivers a convenient and reliable fast charging experience at select stores in the U.S. and coming soon to Canada. The chain intends to build one of the largest and most compatible EV fast charging networks of any retailer…
FDA Issues MDOs to Two Vuse Solo Menthol E-Cigarette Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) for two products under the Vuse Solo brand. Currently marketed by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co., the two menthol e-cigarette products are the Vuse Replacement Cartridge Menthol 4.8% G1 and the Vuse Replacement Cartridge Menthol 4.8% G2. The company must not market or distribute…
Indulgence Drives Packaged Sweet Snacks
Indulgence still reigns supreme with sweet snacks, but low-sugar options could see more traction in 2023. “Triple chocolate, chocolate chunk, red velvet, snickerdoodle, Oreo, s’mores and birthday cake flavors continue to perform well in options like snack cakes, brownies and cookies,” said Mike Kostyo, trendologist and associate director for market research firm Datassential. New product…
NRS Joins Out of Home Network With PerView
National Retail Solutions (NRS) announced that it is now leveraging the Place Exchange PerView offering to deliver reach, frequency and impression measurement for its entire network of over 22,000 Digital Out of Home (DOOH) displays. Place Exchange’s PerView measurement solution, developed in line with the OAAA OOH Impression Measurement Guidelines, offer media owners like NRS…
Yesway Exceeds $1 Million Fundraising Mark
Yesway has officially exceeded its $1 Million charitable fundraising mark during its annual Golf & Clays Classic charitable fundraising tournaments. Held annually at the Cowboys Golf Club and Elm Fork Shooting Sports in Dallas, beneficiaries of the 2022 event included Operation Homefront, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to help build strong, stable and secure…
Couche-Tard to Acquire 2,000-Plus Gas Stations in Europe
Alimentation Couche-Tard has announced its agreement to acquire 2,193 gas stations in Europe from TotalEnergies. The proposed acquisition would comprise 100% of TotalEnergies retail assets in Germany and the Netherlands, as well as a 60% controlling interest in the Belgium and Luxembourg entities. The proposed acquisition will be submitted to the relevant employee representative bodies and remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.…
Growth Energy Begins Annual Executive Leadership Conference
Growth Energy began its 14th annual Executive Leadership Conference (ELC). This is a marquee event for the biofuels industry where top ethanol industry leaders and innovators will participate in panel discussions, networking and charity fundraising events. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor kicked off the three-day event with a speech that emphasized the hard-won progress made…
Beverages & Cold Vault See More >
Limited-Time Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake
Classic. Delicious. Dreamy. And for a limited time only. Customers can revisit the unfinished business of their childhood with f’real’s throwback limited-time flavor, Strawberry Shortcake. Made with real milk, real strawberry and a rich cake base, this nostalgic flavor is a rising star in flavor profile concepts. Retailers are able to stock freezers now. f’real […]
Sponsored Content See More >
On-demand labeling delivers more than convenience
By Dan Lydigsen, Director, Retail & Hospitality Sales For competitive retailers, digital tools like POS, ERP, and EDI software systems are integral for automation, real-time visibility, and an improved customer experience. However, the technology needed to execute these systems—like labeling and printing tools—are just as necessary when it comes to improving ROI and operational efficiency.…
Tobacco See More >
How Does Snus Work?
There are a lot more people who know what snus is than how snus works. But for convenience stores, knowing both can prove essential to maximizing sales. Doing everything possible to move merchandise in any category is imperative. The global market for snus is expected to rise from $1 billion in 2022 to $2.4 billion…
Videos See More >
February Snack & Beverage RoundupCStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte taste tests new products including Boxed Water’s new Jurassic World-Inspired six pack, Fulfil…
Snacks and Spiked PunchAssociate Editor of CStore Decisions Emmy Boes tries A.M. RXBAR Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, Supreme Beef Jerky Western Teriyaki and…
Snacks and Candy ReviewZhane Isom, associate editor for CStore Decisions, reviews Kettle Brand Air Fried Sea Salt & Vinegar Chips, Haribo’s Berry Clouds…
Sweet Treats and Zero-Sugar Energy RoundupErin Del Conte, executive editor of CStore Decisions, kicks off 2023 with a new product review. On the tasting menu:…
Snacks for the Sweet ToothEmmy Boes, associate editor of CStore Decisions, tries Kind Soft Baked Granola, SweeTARTS Gummies Fruity Splitz and Labatt Blue Light…
January Taste TestCStore Decisions’ Associate Editor Zhane Isom tries different snacks and candy, including Twizzlers Gummies, Doritos Cool Ranch Jalapeño Dip and…
How Artificial Intelligence is Impacting Convenience StoresArtificial Intelligence (AI) can provide a wide range of powerful, impactful opportunities to improve the management of modern convenience stores…
Impulse Buy RoundupCStore Decisions’ Executive Editor Erin Del Conte reviews some delicious impulse buys, including a Hot Coca Set with melting snowman…
Snacks and Beverage ReviewZhane Isom, associate editor for CStore Decisions reviews Kellogg’s Chocolate A.M. RXBAR, Lay’s Wavy Carnitas Street Tacos and Monster Reserve…
Snacks and Wine TastingCStore Decisions Associate Editor Emmy Boes tries Ben’s Original Ready Rice Cheese Risotto, Quaker Rice Thins Cocoa Crunch, Rich Products’…
November Candy & Snack RoundupErin Del Conte, executive editor, CStore Decisions, taste tests Reese’s Big Cup With Reese’s Puff, Cherry ICEE Sugar Cookie and…
November Taste TestZhane Isom, associate editor for CStore Decisions reviews Dove Holiday Brownie Batter, Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry and Kellogg’s Cinnabon Jumbo…
C-Store Resources See More >
The 2023 Social Media AwardsFor the 11th consecutive year, CStore Decisions is celebrating convenience store chains standing out on social media for their creativity…
CStore Decisions’ 2022 40 Under 40 Leaders to WatchC-store retailers have faced several challenges in 2022, from labor shortages, continued supply chain issues, a lingering pandemic, mounting inflation,…
Navigating Staffing Challenges in Today’s Labor MarketAfter two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply challenges and labor shortages, c-store retailers are evaluating labor management practices in…
The 2022 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the 10th consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains standing out on social media. For the second…
CStore Decisions’ 2021 40 Under 40 Leaders to WatchThroughout 2021, c-store retailers have grappled with ongoing challenges due to the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain issues, labor…
Labor Management in the Age of COVID-19CStore Decisions and Humetrics, for the 13th consecutive year, have collaborated on the annual Human Resources (HR) Benchmarking Survey, which…
The 2021 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the ninth consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains standing out on social media. If there was…
CStore Decisions’ 2020 40 Under 40 C-Store Leaders to Watch2020 has brought challenges to the c-store industry like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic arrived in spring, changing the way…
C-Stores Conquer New HR ChallengesCStore Decisions’ and Humetrics’ 12th annual Human Resources (HR) Benchmarking Survey polled c-store retailers — between Jan. 5 and March…
The 2020 Social Media AwardsCStore Decisions, for the eighth consecutive year, is recognizing convenience store chains leading the way on social media and mobile…
2019 40 Under 40Today’s retail environment is changing faster than ever before as technological disruption pushes c-stores to adapt for the future while…
C-Stores Rally in Tight Labor MarketBy Mel Kleiman, President, Humetrics and Erin Del Conte, Executive Editor Convenience Store Decisions and Humetrics recently collaborated on our…
New Products! See More >
Limited-Time Strawberry Shortcake MilkshakeClassic. Delicious. Dreamy. And for a limited time only. Customers can revisit the unfinished business of their childhood with f’real’s…
Chocolate Cookies and Dip SnackGeneral Mills Convenience announced the launch of a new flavor of Dunkaroos, Triple Chocolate, hitting convenience store shelves this month.…
Plant-Based Protein ChipsPure Protein has launched a new line of savory snacks, Popped Crisps, in two tasty flavors: Hickory Barbecue and Sour…
Strawberry and Lemonade SpriteThe Coca-Cola Co. is launching new beverage innovations this year, including Sprite Lymonade Strawberry. Launching in the summer for a…
Oat Milk Varietiesnatural bliss is expanding beyond the creamer aisle with the introduction of its first-ever plant-based milk beverage: natural bliss Oat…
Women-Inspired Chocolate BarTo celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, the Hershey’s brand brought back its empowering, limited-edition Hershey’s SHE bars…
CMA-Approved Clamshell ContainerOne of Eco-Products’ nine-inch, three-compartment Vanguard clamshells has earned CMA-W approval from the Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA), making it the…
Bloody Mary Mix and RTDZing Zang just introduced the first new Bloody Mary mix line extension in the company’s 25-year history, Zing Zang Blazing…
Thermal Receipt PrintersEpson has announced its new m-Series OmniLink TM-m30III and TM-m30III-H thermal receipt printers, which are available through Epson Authorized Partners.…
Oreo-Themed FreezersIn honor of National Oreo Day, Oreo Frozen Treats will be releasing the new Oreo & Chill Freezer. Wrapped in…
Spicy, Honey Chicken and Mild, Sweet HamDietz & Watson’s new Hot & Honey Chicken Breast features premium white meat chicken breast made with real clover honey…
Extra-Large Candy Bars for EasterCadbury released new Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milk XL Chocolate Bars in a 3.5-ounce size and Cadbury Dairy Milk Caramello XL…
Independent Operators See More >
How to Expand into Mult-Unit OperationsEvery retail operator starts with that first single store. The management hones their operational skills; develops a “how-to-go-to-market” strategy; and…
Neighborhood C-Stores Deemed Important to ConsumersSurgePays recently conducted a survey focusing on the underbanked and underserved communities looking at consumers’ perspectives and attitudes toward independent…
How Can C-Stores Cope With Supply Chain Issues?How can convenience stores cope with lingering supply chain issues? The answer is to take several commonsense steps that can…
Restaurants Add Thanksgiving Items to MenuRestaurants have been welcoming customers this holiday season by adding Thanksgiving items to their menus. SpotOn, a restaurant software and…
Restroom Sanitation Rises in SignificanceWINNER: High’s of Baltimore High’s continues to upgrade its restroom features and value the importance of sanitation as an influence…
Fast Break Promotes Outdoor RecreationIn a distinctive twist on the typical convenience store, Fast Break Bait & Tackle houses a fisherman’s paradise, ideally situated…
Corner Store Cements Its Place in the Seminole, Texas AreaIn an area where business is still done with a handshake, c-store chain Corner Store brings customer service to a…
Independent Operators PersevereSmall independent convenience store retailers are not only grappling with the same inflation, supply chain issues and labor shortages as…
Fuel City Adds Chester’s ChickenFuel City has announced the opening of a Chester’s Chicken in its Haltom City location in the Dallas Fort-Worth region.…
How to Freshen Up Your Business to Increase RevenueMany small businesses, old and new, find themselves wondering how to stay up-to-date in a market that is constantly evolving.…
Corner Store Celebrates Grand OpeningHeadquartered in Seminole, Texas, Corner Store is celebrating the opening of its third location — a travel center. More than…
How Can I Find New Employees for My Business?Prior to a store’s grand opening, a small to mid-sized business owner newbie must recruit, hire, and train ideal workers.…