Chocolate candy has remained a relative uncomplicated c-store offering, with the same appeal that keeps customers coming back for more. By David Bennett, Senior Editor Most convenience retailers would agree that one of the most popular impulse buys is chocolate candy. Chocolate accounts for about 60% of the $35 billion U.S. confectionery industry—about $22 billion,…
Fast Phil’s: Speeding Ahead
The North Carolina convenience chain is preparing for 2018 by employing some new retail strategies and sharpening some traditional ones. By David Bennett, Senior Editor The motto, “Whoever said, ‘You can’t have convenience and low prices,’ obviously never shopped at Fast Phil’s” perfectly captures the spirit of this North Carolina convenience retailer. Fast Phil’s, a…
C-Stores Meeting New Fuel Demands
Whether it’s teaming with Tesla to install charging stations or integrating alternative fuel solutions, retailers are part of a changing transportation marketplace. Figuring out what the future of the U.S. transportation industry holds is clear, depending on which expert you ask. Some analysts insist the internal combustion engine has been around more than a century…
Delving Into Industry Issues
Convenience Store Decisions introduces a new format for leaders to share their views. By David Bennett, Senior Editor To ring in the new year, CSD is introducing a new feature entitled the Executive Corner, which will appear quarterly. Within, we explore current issues with a company leader, which are affecting his or her company and…
Cigar Category Skirts Regulation
While federal lawmakers don’t have cigars in their sights now, c-stores must still contend with state and local tobacco laws that threaten to stunt category sales. By David Bennett, Senior Editor As much attention has been paid to new regulatory policies targeting tobacco products, the cigar segment has been relatively immune to federal lawmakers’ sharpest…
Sandwiches Layer on Sales
Once a simple offering, sandwiches are proving to be a mainstay of c-store foodservice. By David Bennett, Senior Editor A processed ham and cheese sandwich in a processed wedge container was once the normal offering in convenience stores. Coupled with a strong cup of coffee, it was a fast meal that kept c-store customers satisfied…
BFY Ice Cream Sales Rise
Even c-store’s most indulgent category isn’t immune to consumer’s preference for healthier snacking options. By David Bennett, Senior Editor The old saying about having your cake and eating it too can be applied to a bevy of things. More and more, the same can be said for ice cream and other frozen treats touted as…
Changes to SNAP Helps C-Stores
NACS session shares important information for retailers that participate in food program. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net. That net becomes a little less tangled with a new final rule, according to Eva Rigamonti, an associate at the international law firm Steptoe & Johnson…
Future Trends Await the C-Store Industry
Digital trends and savvy service solutions are part of the channel’s future landscape. This past April, the global technology and engineering firm Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions partnered with Euromonitor International to generate research-based insights on the grocery, convenience, foodservice and mixed retail markets. Geared toward grocers and restaurants, the report, entitled “Retail and Foodservice…
What is your Processing IQ?
C-stores can take a swipe at interchange fees with savvy service solutions. By David Bennett, Senior Editor In the convenience store industry, distinguishing the ‘big guys’ from the ‘little guys’ can be straightforward. You can pick out a 500-store chain over a five-store operator pretty quickly. Some retailers get by with four fuel dispensers. Some…