The need to effectively merchandise tobacco in convenience stores has grown in importance due to what some c-store executives see as industry dynamics that have led them to focus more on three product categories: vaping, cigars and other tobacco products (OTP). Some see selling combustible cigarettes as a challenge requiring large amounts of capital, which…
Justin Jeffers Joins Beck Suppliers
Beck Suppliers announced the addition of Justin Jeffers as its vice president of fuel supply and logistics. He will be leading the company’s fuel transportation division as well as its propane and fuel oil division. The fuel transportation division is responsible for delivering approximately 200 million gallons of motor fuel annually to Beck Branded Fuel…
Mirabito Stores Go Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
Mirabito Convenience Stores today announced that it will kick off its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month coffee campaign on Oct. 1. Throughout the month of October, if you’re drinking Mirabito coffee, the lid will be PINK to signify that a portion of each coffee sale goes directly toward breast cancer research and support. “By putting…
How Do You Find the Right Mix of Tobacco Products?
It has long been a given that American consumers not only want but expect basically everything – which makes finding the right mix of tobacco products all the more challenging for convenience store operators. Tobacco is already as diverse a category as there is, including everything from cigarettes (both traditional and natural), smokeless tobacco (chewing…
Kevin Smartt Wraps Up Busy Year as NACS Chairman
Providing great leadership during the best of times can make or break a business. Leadership during a global pandemic is downright daunting. People look to leaders for guidance on what to do, what to expect and how to act. During uncertain and fluid times, the need for strong, calm, trustworthy leadership is more important than…
NATSO, SIGMA Urge Lawmakers to Extend Biodiesel Tax Credit
NATSO, the national association representing truckstops, travel plazas, and SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers, and representatives of the trucking and convenience store industries, urged lawmakers to extend the $1 per gallon biodiesel tax credit in the upcoming budget reconciliation package and ensure tax parity for any new credits awarded for transportation fuels that compete for…
How Can E-Gift Cards and Digital Gift Cards Grow C-Store Sales?
Digital gift card usage is on the rise, and convenience stores that haven’t explored them yet would be wise to take a look. Digital gift cards — also called virtual gift cards or egifts — are simply electronic versions of standard gift cards that can be sent directly to an email address and used online…
Smoker Friendly Raises $62K for JDRF
The Cigarette Store Corp. doing business as Smoker Friendly, participates, raised $62,oo for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Smoker Friendly has long been a supporter of finding a cure for juvenile diabetes. This year, the Boulder, Colo.-based chain launched two different campaigns run during July and August to support the cause. The first was…
Maverik Raises More Than $255K for Feeding America
Guests at Maverik — Adventure’s First Stop, were especially kind this summer, rounding up their cash transactions to the nearest dollar at Maverik stores across 11 states. Generous customer donations raised $255,348 that will be donated to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. The funds will strengthen Maverik’s $180,767 donation to Feeding America in Feb.…
How Can Convenience Stores Protect Tobacco Sales?
Convenience stores can protect their tobacco sales by doing everything they are probably already doing. Protecting them from over-zealous politicians, unfortunately, remains a whole other matter. Experienced c-store retailers know how to make the most of this essential category. Most of it has to do with adroitly managing the basics: * Know the best-selling items…