International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association report shows demographics are changing, impacting the way retailers market. A new cultural mix is shaping the retail food market, according to the “What’s In Store 2012” report from the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA). The burgeoning U.S. Hispanic population, in addition to single-person households, are steadfast forces in the grocery aisle. Active…
Is Groupon Right for Your Business?
A growing debate continues as to whether Groupon, and other daily deal sites like Living Socialare good for businesses or are they a quick-fix marketing solution in a sluggish economy yielding short-lived, expensive, false hope. While the jury is still out, there is no debating that the daily deal phenomenon continues to grow in popularity.…
Marketing and Social Media
In 2011, look for cause marketing to be a bigger trend. An expert panel at the U.S. Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) annual meeting revealed that the trend toward cause marketing is the next step in engaging customers and increasing loyalty. But it’s not enough just to pick a cause and throw together a promotion. Customers…
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Convenience store operators must take the time to observe how their competitors are marketing tobacco. In most of the presentations I have given over the past few years, I challenge my participants to take the time to understand how their business is doing, but to also make sure to check on the competition. After all,…
Raising the Bar on Automotive Accessories
Car care merchandise is delivering incremental sales with the help of private labels and impulse purchases. Customers have long ventured into local convenience stores to grab a bottle of windshield washer fluid or oil for their cars. Years ago, a small display would hold a few bottles of automotive fluids in case of an emergency.…
BP Outlines Plan to Move Brand Forward
BP Products North America Inc. recently reaffirmed its commitment to the BP retail brand in Gaylord, Md., at the 2010 BP Amoco Marketers Association (BPAMA) Convention and Business Expo, an annual gathering of BP marketers. A record number of marketers attended this year’s event to hear from several top BP executives how the company plans…
CSD Exclusive: WPMCA Hails Legislative Victory
By Jennifer Badeau, WPMCA Director of Regulatory Affairs The Wisconsin Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association (WPMCA) is pleased with its recent legal victory: The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Wisconsin’s Unfair Sales Act is constitutional. The decision marks the 10th time an appellate court has ruled in favor of keeping the law…
Outsite Partners with Catalina
Norfolk, Va.-based Outsite Networks, a loyalty solutions provider for the c-store industry, and Catalina Marketing, a provider of precision marketing and shopper-focused media, have partnered to develop a c-store network that brings manufacturer-sponsored coupons to c-store consumers. The partnership leverages Catalina Marketing’s understanding of how purchase behavior can be used to design and execute successful…