Kyle’s Kwik Stop Corner Markets in east Texas is testing a new business model by emphasizing the local community. By Megan Wilkinson, Assistant Editor. On the outside, Kyle’s Kwik Stop’s latest store looks like a simple c-store. Yet, step inside the Longview, Texas unit and customers get a taste of the neighborhood from its breakfast…
Freezing Out the Competition
Establishing an effective frozen beverage offering helps drive customers across all demographics. Megan Wilkinson, Assistant Editor. Frozen beverages have been helping convenience store operators create stronger relationships with younger consumers, but there is an opportunity in this category with all age groups. According to Mintel’s 2012 Convenience Store Foodservice report, frozen beverages ranked as the…
Worth The ‘Hassel’
Cumberland Farms turns a unique theft problem into a marketing campaign on its social media sites. By Megan Wilkinson, Assistant Editor Cumberland Farms stores launched a promotion of its iced coffee featuring David Hasselhoff as its spokesman last month, and it garnered instant attention from its customers…maybe too much attention. The chain decided to place…
Customer Service Is Key
SavOn convenience stores score exceptionally high on mystery shop reviews for its customer service skills. The convenience store industry has changed its customer service standards the past couple years. Customers expect more out of convenience store employees than ever before, and want some sort of “experience” when they stop by their favorite location. More c-stores…
Bone Free Ham
Tyson Deli, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods Inc. introduces both Russer and Wilson Ham Off the Bone meats for convenience store operators to add to their deli sections. The product comes in both regular and honey ham forms. The deli hams can be sold either hot or cold at any time during the day. They…
Speedway and Costco Rank High On Services
American consumers rate Speedway, Costco, Walgreens and Target high in Harris Poll’s latest study. While some retailers have been challenged this year by the U.S. economy, some retail brands managed to keep business steady, partly due to their brand equity. The 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend (EQ) study surveyed American consumers about brands across several retail…
Rutter’s Golf Outing Raises Money for Children’s Charities
Rutter’s 10th annual golf outing sets records by raising $110,000 to local Pennsylvania charities. Rutter’s raised more than $100,000 in its Rutter’s Children’s Charity golf outing, played May 7-8 at the Out Door Country Club in York, Pa. For the past 10 years, Rutter’s golf outing raised more than $800,000 for organizations whose work is…
Nutty Energy Bars
LÄRABAR über is now available from General Mills Convenience. The sweet and salty LÄRABAR über is filled with fruits, nuts and spices. The 1.42 ounce bar comes in an Apple Turnover or Roasted Nut Roll flavor for a suggested retail price of $2.05. The new energy bar category is growing in convenience stores. Recent reports…
Sandwich Cracker Snacks
General Mills introduces the Gardetto Sandwich Crackers to retailers in the convenience store industry. The new product is available in two flavors, Cheddar Bacon and Garlic Cream Cheese, and comes in a 1.3 ounce package. The suggested retail price is $1.09. The crackers offer a strong taste that could be popular among adult consumers. …
Light Summer Teas
The Community Coffee Co. debuts two new iced tea flavors for convenience store operators to sell in their stores. The Community Green Tea with Lemon is light and refreshing with naturally occurring antioxidants. The Community Skinny Sweet iced tea contains fewer calories than traditional sweet tea, and is made of orange pekoe and cut black…