With convenience stores putting so much focus on the coffee category, consumers stop to buy coffee at c-stores more than they fill up their cars. Can your stores compete with industry leaders? By David Bishop, Managing Partner, Balvor LLC Most convenience store retailers appreciate the value that hot dispensed beverages provide. Retailers also recognize the…
Aligning Loyalty Programs
There’s a simplified approach to loyalty that offers a good fit for today’s convenience customer. By David Bishop, Contributing Editor. Retail loyalty programs take various forms, ranging from the simple paper punch card to sophisticated shopper cards linked to purchases. While technology has evolved over the years, customer loyalty strategies continue to focus on engaging,…
The 2013 Convenience Foodservice Outlook
Thanks to an increasingly busy lifestyle, today’s c-store customers regard food prepared away from home as a necessity, and the industry’s top-quartile retailers have benefited handsomely from meeting the growing demand for fresh foods. By David Bishop, Managing Partner, Balvor LLC Convenience store retailers are battling even harder for their share of the retail foodservice…
The 2012 Convenience Store Foodservice Report
Top-quartile chains continue to post strong sales across all food segments, while retailers express confidence for healthy category growth throughout 2012. By David Bishop, Contributing Editor. We all know times are tough. The consumer is looking for greater value at a time when retailers are focusing on being competitive without losing their shirts. Retailers recognize…
The 2012 Convenience Retail Outlook
Economic uncertainty is causing retailers to be cautious as they plan for the upcoming year, but investments in technology, social media and foodservice appear to be expanding. By David Bishop, Contributing Editor. The outlook for 2012 depends largely on the focus of the question. What is clear based on the CSD/Balvor 2012 Convenience Retail Outlook…
Defend Your Hot Beverage Business
Tips for protecting sales and profits in today’s climate. Intensifying competition for the morning daypart and escalating commodity costs for coffee drinks have forced convenience retailers to make trade-offs between pricing and profits. This is no small issue as hot dispensed beverages are strategically vital to a retailer’s morning business segment and fresh foods program.…