The iconic fuel brand is expanding into new markets with a fresh image and a renewed focus on operations. By John Lofstock, Editor. There was a time several decades ago when Gulf wasn’t just a downstream oil company—it was an integrated powerhouse with operations across several continents, from upstream to downstream, and with a heavy…
Saluting the Thorntons Team
By John Lofstock, Editor. August is typically one of my favorite issues of the year because it gives us here at Convenience Store Decisions an opportunity to give something back to the industry for its tremendous support throughout the year. In August we announce our annual Convenience Store Chain of the Year, and this year…
Are You Prepared for FDA Tobacco Inspections?
As the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) begins to implement tobacco regulations, the tumult surrounding tobacco at retail shows no sign of abating. In fact, the future of cigarette retailing will depend largely on retailers themselves. This issue and more will be addressed at the National Advisory Group (NAG) conference, September 10-13th in Savannah,…
Valero Launches Mystery Shopper Program
Stores will be evaluated three times a year to ensure customer needs are met and employees are providing a positive retail experience. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. Valero has partnered with Maritz Research to launch a new mystery shopping program, called Commitment to Excellence. As part of the new program, each of the company’s Valero,…
EZ Energy Bolsters the Easy Trip Brand
Fresh after moving into its new headquarters, the Ohio chain is reimaging company-owned stores, enhancing its foodservice program and signed a deal to acquire 30 more properties this fall. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. In conjunction with its fourth anniversary year, EZ Energy USA Inc. is prepped for an aggressive expansion of both its store…
Frozen Beverages Appealing to Younger Consumers
New products, flavors and sweeteners have helped energize sales. ew market research from Y-Pulse LLC shows that today’s preteens and teens are interested in more sophisticated and trendy beverages, including those served up in convenience stores and even their school cafeteria. In a recent online survey, Y-Pulse asked middle and junior high school students to…
Sheetz Expands Pennsylvania Operations
Sheetz adds a new store to the Pittsburgh community. Sheetz opened a new store in the Pittsburgh area on Aug. 11. This new location sits at 3457 William Penn Highway. Excitement for this store has been heightened with a contest for the first 50 people in line when the doors open. These lucky customers won…
Traveling With 7-Eleven
7-Eleven expands its line of travel-size products to help vacationers this season. In today’s world of baggage fees, long security lines and restrictions on what can be carried onto the airplane, few U.S. travelers would use the words “travel” and “convenience” in the same sentence. But to make life on-the-go a little easier, 7-Eleven Inc.…
Rutter’s Trains Through the Web
Rutter’s Farm Stores now trains its new employees through online training services having teamed with both Ready Training Inc. and Targeted Solutions. Rutter’s Farm Stores has launched a new partnership to bring online training services to its employees. The company will work with Ready Training, Inc, a full-service online training company, and Targeted Solutions, a…
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.…