As technology continues to change the way we do business, retailers must weigh the benefits of being ahead of the curve versus the risks, and the disadvantages of falling behind. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. In a scene from the futuristic movie “Minority Report,” Tom Cruise’s character walks through a shopping mall while 3-D screens…
Industry Veteran Scott Barrett Joins KSS Fuels
Bringing 20 years of fuels marketing experience from BP, Barrett aims to help customers enhance performance. KSS Fuels announced that Scott Barrett has joined the management team as vice president of customer pricing and planning management. Barrett joins KSS Fuels from BP and brings more than 20 years of retail and wholesale fuels marketing experience…
Walgreens Adds Kronik Energy Drinks
Walgreens is adding KroniCo LLC’s Kronik Energy drink formulas to 261 locations throughout Southern California. Already the fourth best-selling brand in Arizona and officially known as “Chronic Fatigue’s worst nightmare,” Kronik Energy drinks are a major player in the energy category. “We are so honored to be welcomed into the Walgreens family; this is a…
Do You Have the Staff You Deserve?
QC Mart comes under fire after the chain’s owner launched a contest asking employees to guess which employee would be fired next. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. In October, the Iowa Des Moines Register reported on the curious plight of William Ernst, the owner of QC Mart in Bettendorf, Iowa. Faced with employees who were…
Vote Roo
Kangaroo Express’ Roo mascot runs for office—awards fans with free coffee. The Roo, the voice and mascot of Kangaroo Express Convenience Stores, is running for mayor of Charleston and Charlotte, N.C. “The Roo believes every man, woman and child deserves a break in their day. A couple minutes to grab a tasty cup of coffee…
Core-Mark Appoints New Board Member
Rob Gross brings more than 20 years of multi-retail experience to his new role with Core-Mark. Core-Mark Holding Co. Inc., one of the largest marketers of fresh and broad-line supply solutions to the convenience retail industry in North America, has appointed Robert Gross to its Board of Directors. Gross will serve as an independent director…
Operational Excellence
By John Matthews, founder and president of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. Managing a retail store is tough work. Between operations, merchandising, marketing and facility upkeep, retail business owners have their hands full. Managing the details of retail is the difference between making it or not. All too often, retail owners become lax in their operation…
SUPERVALU Sells Bristol Farms Division
SUPERVALU has sold its Bristol Farms division (14 stores) to a company formed through a partnership with the Bristol Farms management team and Endeavour Capital, an investment firm experienced in grocery and retail businesses. Under the terms of the sale, the stores will change ownership effective today, but will continue to operate under the Bristol…
NATO Trade Show Gains Support
The National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported that key manufacturers have formally committed to its 2011 trade show and conference in Las Vegas. Supporters currently include Altadis USA, Swisher International, Swedish Match, Republic Tobacco, National Tobacco Co., King Maker Marketing, Smoker Friendly International and Zippo Lighter Co. During NATO’s annual awards dinner last month,…
Mind Control: The Road to Success and Rewards
Fostering determination, desire and a great attitude in employees is what allows cashiers and middle managers to rise in senior management’s eyes. Saturday is my “honey, I’ll do it today” day. To be candid, though, my wife is much better with home repairs than me. We tackled regrouting an entire bathroom and my task was…