Theft in c-stores might be considered a three-pronged issue because there are three main groups that are often responsible: vendors, customers and employees. By Jim Callahan, Contributing Editor There are important topics in convenience retail. Good customer service is an important one. So is implementing effective back-office systems that can help with accounting. Inventory management…
The C-Store Is Your Stage
C-store companies that understand frontline employees are a key cornerstone to any brand’s overall success will always have an edge on the competition. By Jim Callahan, Contributing Editor There are few things more important to the success of a c-store company than making sure each customer leaves the store feeling better than when they arrived.…
Pumping Up the Fuel Volume
By putting fuel volume in the proper light and focusing on growing that fuel capacity, it can boost inside sales. By Jim Callahan, Contributing Editor There’s indeed an important correlation between the gallons of fuel convenience retailers sell and the number of dollars earned as part of their inside sales. Retail gasoline prices are among…
Strengthening Your Store Core
Weak spots in your operation can degrade the whole structure of a c-store. By Jim Callahan, Contributing Editor No matter how elegant or special your store is, whether you are a big retailer or a small-town community c-store, success often lies in paying heed to your weaknesses and capitalizing on your strengths. Weak spots in…
Discipline Is Part of the Job
Communication is always a key motivator. By Jim Callahan, Contributing Editor While it’s never easy to discipline employees under your watch, it’s often necessary. Simply put, discipline is part of the job. It has always been my experience that when it comes to employees, corrective action should be done at the time of the offense.…
Maxing Out Holiday Business
May means the end of spring and the beginning of a highly profitable season for holiday business such as around Memorial Day. By Jim Callahan, Contributing Editor Wow, here it is May already—the month that ushers in summer. It’s the super critical period when motorists hit the road and children are on the fly because…
Weighing Odds and Ends
Within the daily operation of a c-store, small things carry as much weight as the big things. By Jim Callahan April 1 marks my 50th year in the industry—at the time I never gave much thought to the April Fools’ Day legend and would have ignored it anyway. Early on, I had the great fortune…
Promoting the Best of C-Stores
For convenience operators who doubt that effective advertising can be done affordably, just show us a sign. By Jim Callahan, Contributing Editor Ever wonder why Many large corporate brands like Coke and Duracell spend millions on advertising? The answer: It works. The convenience store industry doesn’t spend nearly that amount on advertising as other industries.…
New Year Brings Hope
To make 2018 the best ever, don’t let life get you down. By Jim Callahan, Contributing Editor There is indeed reason to be positive about 2018. In fact, I’m going so far as to label the new year “20-Greateen.” Did I mention that I’m at a public library typing this because the door of my…
Are Bad Breaks Bad Luck or Bad Choices?
By Jim Callahan Who among us has not been bitten by the failure bug? All of us, including me. The question that sometimes lurks in our minds is usually this: Was I a victim of circumstance or did I play an active role in this bad luck incident? I decided a personal theme for this…