Now more than ever convenience store executives recognize that both survival and prosperity depend on their ability to adapt to changing customer preferences and the evolving business environment. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the changing role of convenience stores as a foodservice provider for budget-conscious, time-sensitive consumers that have scaled back on restaurant…
Breakfast Battle Brewing
Bundling with Bakery Rick Lawlor, vice president of retail sales and marketing for Hess Corp., said his company began growing breakfast sales when it added an old favorite for customers who want a sweet with their coffee: doughnuts. “There are a number of ways we’ve been growing our breakfast business, the most significant being our…
Kum & Go Expands Redbox Kiosks
Kum & Go plans to add Redbox DVD rental kiosks to more than 281 Kum & Go convenience stores nationwide this year. Redbox kiosks are currently installed at 26 Kum & Go stores in Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. “Redbox has made a positive impact on our stores and has been very popular…
Would You Like Wi-Fi With That?
Wi-Fi is a trendy offering customers are clamoring for, and it’s starting to appear at more c-store locations, including BP, Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes and Rutter’s Farm Stores, especially as chains expand their foodservice programs and look for new ways to pull foot traffic into the store. Coffee shops, such as Starbucks have long…
McDonald’s To Cut Fountain Prices
McDonald’s is vying to become a beverage destination for customers with discount fountain deals this summer, the Wall Street Journal reported. In summers past the QSR chain has offered large sweet tea for only $1, with most of its markets participating in the promotion. This summer, McDonald’s wants to go a step further, selling more…
C-stores, Starbuck’s Most Affected By Ongoing Coffee War
As the coffee war continues between QSRs, coffee franchises and c-stores may be feeling the pinch more than the local Dunkin’ Donuts, Reuters reported. Although McDonald’s has tried to undercut competitors on price, Dunkin’s market share in coffee is steady and growing, Mark Nunnelly, managing director at Bain Capital, said at the Reuters Private Equity…
What Do Your Restrooms Say About You?
When it comes to sanitation and store cleanliness, looks speak for themselves. Whether it’s the front counter, the forecourt or the restrooms, convenience store operators must monitor the message they are sending to customers. “If you’re in this business and want to stay in this business your customer is going to tell you what their…
Love’s Opens Store in Tulare, Calif.
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores has opened a new travel stop in Tulare, Calif., The new site is located at 2700 S. Blackstone Street, or (Paige/Blackstone) State Route 99, exit 85. A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 2 p.m., this Thursday, Jan. 28, in partnership with the Tulare Chamber…
McDonald’s Introduces Mac Snack Wrap In Philadelphia
McDonald’s has launched its new Mac Snack Wrap, the latest addition to the Snack Wrap line in the Greater Philadelphia Region. Debuting for just $1.49 [prices and participation may vary], the made-to-order Mac Snack Wrap consists of the same ingredients McDonald’s customers have come to expect in its classic Big Mac sandwich, including half of…
Aztex Buzzing Over Beer Sales
When beer sales were made legal last August in formerly dry Clay County, N.C., Aztex Fuel & Food Centers’ Hayesville location was ready to pounce, becoming the first c-store in the market to supply cold suds. Aztex, an experienced c-store marketer, knew from its other stores that alcohol sales can drive foot traffic and increase…