After rebranding a number of its locations under the CITGO brand, Big Apple Food Stores looks to expand its retail portfolio in 2012. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor C.N. Brown’s Big Apple Food Stores has had a busy 12 months. The 82-store chain with locations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, completed an aggressive push…
Fast Nickels vs.Slow Dimes
When it comes to competing in the fuel business, convenience store retailers must fight to maintain their market share. By Jim Callahan. I received an inquiry from a small retailer in the Northeast recently who had lost a huge chunk of his fuel volume due to some fierce new competition. This is an issue that…
A Simple Tobacco Fable
Alternative products are helping to shape the future of convenience store tobacco sets. By Lou Maiellano. Imagine, if you will, that European explorers land in Africa, North America or South America in the 14th, 15th or 16th centuries. Upon landing, these explorers find the inhabitants of these exotic new lands drinking a strange, energizing brew…
The Evolution of Cash Management
Smart safes are getting smarter and so are the convenience store operators who use them. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor It’s all about the money, so handle it intelligently. Having a smart safe—and training employees to use it effectively—relieves a lot of the traditional headaches associated with handling cash, according to Los Angeles-based retail security…
Smoker Friendly Breaks Ground on New Headquarters
New facility to feature administrative offices, as well as a warehouse, gym, kitchen, 573-square foot humidor and more. Smoker Friendly is set to officially break ground on the build of its new corporate headquarters on March 1 at 11 a.m. Smoker Friendly International is a family-owned cigarette and tobacco store retailer based in Boulder, Colo.…
Country Music Star Trace Adkins To Be Pilot Flying J Spokesperson
“Trace is a natural match; he’s been called the hardest working man in country music, and that aligns well with our work ethic at Pilot Flying J,” says CEO. Pilot Flying J has announced that country music star Trace Adkins will serve as a company spokesperson for the spring launch of its loyalty program, representing…
Chevron Station Goes Green
Cree LED lighting upgrade to deliver an estimated 70% energy savings. Beaverton, Ore.-based Highland Chevron gas station and ExtraMile food market recently underwent extensive eco-renovations, including the installation of energy-efficient interior and exterior LED lighting by Cree Inc. The addition of Cree LED fixtures supports Highland Chevron’s mission of becoming a zero-energy establishment. Rebuilt from…
Sunoco Adds 11 Retail Locations
Latest acquisition strengthens Sunoco’s position as fuels retailer and convenience store operator in Florida. Sunoco Inc. has acquired 11 retail locations in Daytona, Fla., and the surrounding communities in Volusia County from First Coast Energy L.L.P. Each location will be company operated and include an APlus convenience store. “We continue to grow in areas where…
Rotten Robbie Partners With OpenStore by GasBuddy
“The c-store industry is shifting to accommodate the on-the-go customer with mobile coupons, quick alerts to phones, and creating numerous portals to communicate and build loyalty with customers,” says president of Robinson Oil. Rotten Robbie, an independent private brand operator of 34 fueling stations and c-stores throughout the San Francisco Bay area, works hard to…
Ice Machines with QR Codes
Hoshizaki America’s ice machines manufactured in Peachtree City, Ga., now feature a label with QR Codes specific to make, model and serial number. Customers and service technicians can use their smartphone to scan the QR code for convenience. The scan is a direct link that automatically pulls up a mobile Web page specific to equipment…