A record setting 11 charities awarded grants this year. The Miller Oil Foundation (Miller’s) distributed nearly $30,000 to charities in the Hampton Roads area this fall. The Foundation’s mission is to help people help themselves and those around them through the meaningful and enthusiastic involvement of the Miller family members, and staff and supporters of…
RaceTrac’s Industry Roots Run Deep
Outstanding retail programs, a people-focused culture, an elegant new store design and a growing presence in the foodservice business earn RaceTrac Petroleum CSD‘s Chain of the Year honors for 2014. By John Lofstock, Editor RaceTrac Petroleum Inc. has long been regarded as one of the fiercest competitors in the convenience store and petroleum industry. It…
Hoping to Ignite
C-stores search for the key to unlocking the marketability of e-cigars. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Electronic cigarette sales are soaring and the vapor tank-mods business is growing. But when it comes to e-cigars, convenience store operators may find unlocking their untapped potential a challenge. While e-cigarettes are sometimes used as a buffer against traditional…
Cigar Issues Still Fresh
For convenience stores that sell cigars, it’s business as usual—at least until regulators say otherwise. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Now that the comment period on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) deeming regulations has passed, only time will tell what restrictions might affect the cigar segment, which is still alive and well. A…
Craving Meat Snack Sales
Consumers are finding the protein and satisfaction they want in dried meat snacks. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor An increasing number of American consumers are looking for snacks that do more than taste good. In a recent survey conducted by Nielsen, a consumer research organization, over half of the respondents said it was “very important”…
Innovation by the Cup
Retailers are investing more in hot dispensed beverage programs that reflect the consumers’ growing penchant for espresso-based coffee offerings, flavorful teas and more choices. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Wawa Inc. is known for its proprietary coffee, especially to its customers—one of every two are said to purchase a hot beverage every time they enter…
Grill Items Remain Hot
Roller grill food offerings can always be improved, but never at the expense of freshness and quality. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Lunch and dinner programs that present convenience store customers with a variety of roller grill options and more meal options are effective ways to build foodservice sales. In fact, fresh, savory items, such…
Altria/ Philip Morris Raising Cigarette Prices
“We expect the tobacco stocks to react favorably tomorrow to news of this list price increase,” says a Wells Fargo analyst. Altria/ Philip Morris USA is increasing cigarette prices on its core brands by $0.07 per pack (approximately a 2-3% increase), or 70 cents per carton on all brands except L&M, according to a report…
GPM Investments Selling 16 Properties
Bid deadline set for Dec. 11. GPM Investments LLC is offering to sell its interest (leasehold or fee) in 16 properties located in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia by sealed bid sale. GPM has retained NRC Realty & Capital Advisors LLC (NRC) to coordinate the offering and sale. Sealed bids are required to…
Rutter’s Donates $200,000 in Scholarship Money
“Our focus is improving the lives of local children,” says Rutter’s CEO. Rutter’s Farm Stores will give $200,000 to 12 preschools to fund scholarship opportunities for children throughout south central Pennsylvania, the company announced this week. York County, Pa.-based Rutter’s has donated more than $404,000 to local children’s charities so far this year and over…