June marks CStore Decisions’ annual Big Tobacco issue, but the major winner in the tobacco category this year isn’t tobacco at all — it’s the modern oral nicotine segment, which is seeing a continued rise, boosted by health-conscious and price-conscious shoppers.
Cigarette customers are increasingly seeking alternatives and value as manufacturers raise product prices and shoppers grapple with inflation and economic uncertainty due to on-again, off-again tariffs. More tobacco customers are trading down to fourth-tier cigarettes as well as modern oral and vape. Savvy retailers are updating their backbars to keep pace with changing trends, as the category undergoes a new transition.
Celebrating Stinker Stores
Transition is a good word for what’s happening in the industry at large today as retailers focus on elevating foodservice, upgrading store designs, investing in cutting-edge technology and adapting to rapidly shifting customer preferences. As c-stores look to adapt, some chains are standing out from the crowd.
CStore Decisions is proud to announce Boise, Idaho-based Stinker Stores as our 2025 Chain of the Year. Stinker Stores joins our elite list as the 36th Chain of the Year, the oldest and most prestigious honor in convenience retailing. Following a nomination and vetting process, Stinker Stores was selected for operational excellence, innovation and future-focused growth.
C-store retailers are invited to join us at Roof on theWit in Chicago on the evening of Oct. 15 during the NACS Show as we celebrate Stinker Stores. Retailers must RSVP here to secure their spot. Suppliers must sponsor to attend and should reach out to Pat McIntyre at [email protected].
Gathering Momentum
To stay on top of a rapidly changing industry, honing young talent is a key investment for convenience stores as they plan for the future. That’s why CStore Decisions hosts CStore Momentum, a conference for young-executive and next-generation leaders.
CStore Momentum isn’t your parents’ conference. This is an event that’s specifically built for the next generation of convenience retail leaders: ambitious, forward-thinking individuals like you who are ready to connect, grow and shape the future of the c-store industry. This year, the conference will be held Aug. 6-8 at Weigel’s in Knoxville, Tenn., where we’ll get a behind-the-curtain look at Weigel’s operations and their new commissary. It’s a key opportunity for young executives in their early 40s and under to learn more about the industry, network and join in roundtable discussions about leadership with their peers who are facing similar challenges as they prepare to lead their companies into tomorrow.
Register now and join us as we help you build the momentum needed to propel you forward in your c-store career. And, if you’re an established professional well beyond your 40s, consider encouraging promising up-and-comers at your chain to take advantage of this event. Register here.
Retailers today have an opportunity to help shape the future of the c-store industry, adapt the tobacco category within it and invest in growing the next generation of executive talent — all through intention, innovation and a clear vision for what’s next.
