Human resources (HR) in the convenience store sector plays a pivotal role in the operational success of a business, especially when there are always new faces to work with and guide. Kate Hannon, director of HR and payroll for The Rutter’s Cos., understands the importance of being dedicated to employees and supporting them with their…
Navigating Tobacco Backbar Trends
The tobacco category remains in the spotlight at c-stores as the industry grapples with marketing denial orders (MDO) for vape products and braces for pending rules from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) around menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. “Regulations continue to challenge the tobacco industry in 2024,” said Tim Greene, director of tobacco and…
AI — From Buzzword to Reality
Every year, technology increasingly progresses, its capabilities and sophistication quickly surpassing that of even a few years ago, let alone that of a decade or more ago when the iPhone was still newer to many of us and Uber was just beginning to gain traction. For convenience store retailers, the technology boom has led to…
Navigating the Tricky Waters of the Tobacco Category
As retailers continue to await legislation and clear guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is more important than ever to stay informed and up to date on the current state of the tobacco category. Recently, CStore Decisions caught up with industry professionals in an exclusive webinar that discussed the topic. Presenters included…
Disney Brings HR Innovation to Weigel’s
As c-stores nationwide continue to face staffing challenges, savvy leaders like Melanie Wilson Disney are proactively seeking and implementing new solutions to attract and retain employees. As director of human resources (HR) for Weigel’s, Disney is responsible for nurturing team members; contributing to the Powell, Tenn.-based c-store chain’s strategic direction; and ensuring HR compliance across…
Driving Customer Satisfaction with Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs have evolved to become an integral part of consumers’ everyday lives. Hubspot, a research firm that tracks loyalty solutions, has estimated that the average American 18 and older are active in at least three loyalty programs ranging from foodservice and gasoline to online retailers like Amazon. Loyalty has become a key factor in…
Tech Trends Forward for Labor Management
As a high-turnover industry, c-stores are constantly looking for ways to combat tight labor markets and support their employees, and investing in technology is one way to reach these goals. “As technology advances, it will be critical that the convenience industry stays on top of its systems and services,” said Terry Hoffman, people operations leader,…
Six Obstacles and Solutions When Growing C-Store Foodservice
There are numerous obstacles to growth in the convenience store foodservice space. Overcoming them starts internally by understanding the type of foodservice program that is best suited for a particular brand. Due to space constraints, availability, quality of labor, quick-service restaurant competition, rising costs and more, a brand’s foodservice program must become something that can…
Banning Menthol and Flavors Is Probably a Waste of Resources
In an old episode of Seinfeld, an annoying character asks Jerry when they might do lunch. Jerry’s classic answer was “How about never? Does never work for you?” Eleven years ago, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) published a detailed announcement seeking commentary on their intent to ban menthol cigarettes. Three years ago, they issued…
Senators Issue Warning Letters to 22 Retailers/Wholesalers for Sale of Unauthorized Vape Products
Earlier this month, five U.S. senators, led by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), issued warning letters to 22 major retailers and distributors for the sale of allegedly unauthorized vape products. Other senators involved in the issuing of the letters include Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Blumenthal (D-Ct.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The…