Circle K convenience store chain is rolling out a new, state-of-the-art check cashing program to its company-owned locations, anchored by VALID’s decisioning and identification technology. Some 750 of Circle K’s 3,000+ stores currently have added the check cashing program. The new system integrates existing hardware alongside new technologies. The verification and approval process is fully-automated;…
Defend Your Hot Beverage Business
Tips for protecting sales and profits in today’s climate. Intensifying competition for the morning daypart and escalating commodity costs for coffee drinks have forced convenience retailers to make trade-offs between pricing and profits. This is no small issue as hot dispensed beverages are strategically vital to a retailer’s morning business segment and fresh foods program.…
Health-Sports Bands Rollout At C-stores
Circle K is among U.S. c-store chains adding Ampli5’s health-sports bands Florida-based 386 Warehouse LLC has announced that Ampli5, its line of health and sports wristbands, is now available for purchase at major retail outlets and convenient stores nationwide. Ampli5’s Health-Sports bands are designed to increase one’s performance by balancing the natural energy field…
Circle K, XYIENCE Award Harley-Davidson Prize
Circle K and XYIENCE, maker of Xenergy, announced that Dolly Charley of Akron, Ohio is the lucky winner of their Harley-Davidson sweepstakes. The text-message based contest, which took place in partnership between XYIENCE and Circle K Great Lakes Division stores in nine states, offered shoppers the opportunity to win a Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Low. “Our…
Couche-Tard Acquires 12 Stores in Indiana
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., through its wholly-owned indirect subsidiary, Mac’s Convenience Stores LLC, is set to acquire 12 stores in the Indianapolis, Ind., area from Crystal Flash Petroleum LLC, which operates under the “Crystal Flash” banner. The transaction is anticipated to close in September 2010 and is subject to standard regulatory approvals and closing conditions. According…
Superior Surveillance Helps Bolster the Bottom Line
In today’s difficult economy, most convenience store owners are turning their focus to profit driving initiatives to give business a boost. When dollars are tight, allotting extra funds to upgrade security equipment might seem a lower priority or even a frivolous expense, but experts note investing in security and surveillance measures can be a retailer’s…
Circle K Offers Harley-Davidson Sweepstakes
XYIENCE is offering Circle K convenience store shoppers in select states the chance to win a new Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Low in a text message sweepstakes contest. The contest, which launches Sept. 1 and runs through Oct.31, includes participating stores in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts. Legal residents of…
Sweet Success
There’s little doubt that bakeries are big. Bakeries, pastry shops and bagel sellers are growing at a rate of 5%, according to AnythingResearch.com. When launching a bakery program, convenience store retailers are urged to start with an in-depth market study that profiles the target customer base, current sales in the market area for the product…
Couche-Tard Reports Strong Fourth Quarter, Fiscal 2010
Recent financial reports from Quebec-based Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. might make it harder for Casey’s General Stores Inc. to convince shareholders to look the other way on Couche-Tard’s bid to buy Casey’s for $36 per U.S. share. Couche-Tard, owner of Mac’s corner store in Canada and Circle K in the U.S., surpassed financial expectations for its…
Indiana Retailers Seek Sunday Beer Sales
The Alliance of Responsible Alcohol Retailers has started a new campaign called, “Change It Indiana” that seeks to build public support to allow Sunday carryout alcohol sales in Indiana, the Chicago Tribune reported. The group, which includes Kroger, Marsh, Meijer, CVS and Circle K stores, argues that 47 states allow Sunday carryout sales and that…