Looming regulations may threaten growth. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor The cigar category continues to see solid growth in the face of looming threats of additional regulation aimed squarely at popular flavored varieties. Less-expensive cigarillos continue to move fastest, though premium cigar manufacturers have upped their game by releasing new flavors that have gained in…
Staying Current on Electric Vehicles
It’s too early to speculate if General Motors’ decision to kill the Volt will shock the EV industry at all. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor General Motor’s decision in late November 2018 to cease production of the Chevrolet Volt in 2019 was driven by what some see as U.S. consumers’ latest preference for larger vehicles—spurred…
2019 Looks Clear for Smokeless Sales
As regulators target menthol cigarettes and popular e-cigarette brands, the smokeless segment is expected to thrive in the coming year. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Smokeless remains the largest tobacco category outside of cigarettes.The combination of a loyal adult tobacco consumer base and strong brands continues to make this product category an appealing one for…
Cigars Light Up Category
Cigar sales continue to show positive traction in the c-store channel despite regulatory pressure. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Popular-priced cigars remain strong in c-stores, premium cigars remain promising in at least some markets, and the threat of additional regulation—primarily impacting flavored product—remains a looming threat. Americans still like to buy cigars at c-stores. For…
Coming Clean about Car Washes
There is a vast array of considerations for retailers when they are weighing the best car wash concepts. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Convenience store operators are generating additional revenue both in store and out by selling car washes—and finding that success involves significant planning and a solid strategy that includes more than just stocking…
Smokeless Tobacco Remains Stable
Despite lingering health concerns and the threat of continued regulation, smokeless remains a durable part of c-store tobacco sets. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Smokeless tobacco remains a dependable product category, with popular brands like Copenhagen, Skoal and Grizzly, a plethora of price promotions, and a solid customer base made larger by Americans transitioning from…
Hungry for Dinner
Having solidly staked their claim on the breakfast and lunch dayparts, many convenience store operators are looking to round out their dining experience by tackling dinner service. They do so knowing that they’ve got convenience and speed of service working for them, but also that they are competing against not just c-stores but restaurants of…
RYO Tobacco Earns Irreplaceable Status
Shifting economic issues and changing regulatory tides can’t extinguish consumers’ fondness for roll your own. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco remains one of those categories that doesn’t command a tremendous amount of retailers’ attention—until they run out of stock. RYO’s fortunes have an inverse relationship with the economy: when times are rocky,…
Quick Foods Magnify C-Store Menus
Retailers find that supple chicken and roller grill programs can beef up foodservice offerings. Americans’ love affair with chicken shows no signs of slowing down. Always a versatile ingredient, it appeals to a wide range of customers and is perceived as healthier than other proteins. Throw in the fact that roller grill offerings have become…
Salty Snacks Show Growth
Changing demand for snacks is reflected in c-store offerings. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Americans love chips and other salty snacks, but purchasing preferences seem to be changing at a quicker pace than in the past. Convenience stores should factor in changing tastes when planning store sets. The growth in sales of salty snacks in…