Kevin McIntyre — Online Editor, CStore Decisions and Rick Hynum — Editor-in-Chief, PMQ As convenience store operators continue to elevate their foodservice programs, the pizza parlor and the gas station are beginning to share more similarities. C-store operators are expanding their foodservice menus and, when it comes to a crowd-pleasing meal, there is no better…
Crafting a Corporate Communications Strategy
The art of corporate communications stems around the strategic management of information within an organization and its external stakeholders. It should not be left to chance. So, every internal message, public relations announcement, investor relations communication and overall brand messaging — they all have a cohesive, proactive purpose. The goal is to ensure a consistent,…
Six Tactics to Successfully ‘Do More with Less’
Doing more with less makes it easier to consistently execute a convenience store foodservice program. The mindset of doing more with less makes a lot of sense, but it is surely not easy to accomplish. It involves maximizing efficiency, reducing waste and optimizing resources. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, doing more with less…
Vape Grapples With Shifting Landscape
Looking back over 2023, the vape category has faced many hurdles this past year as retailers adapted to regulations and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) vape product marketing decisions. In May, the FDA issued warning letters to 30 retailers for illegally selling various types of Puff and Hyde disposable e-cigarettes. Shortly after, in June,…
AI Transforms C-Store Operations
Convenience stores have always been keeping an eye on emerging technology and digital trends, but in recent years, digital and tech innovation has advanced at a rapid pace. Daniel Burrus, global futurist and CEO of Burrus Research, has had his finger on the growth of technology for decades, and he understands how c-stores can use…
How Foodservice Will Shape 2024
Restrained economic times and stiff competition across the supply chain make it critical for convenience store operators to have a solid understanding of their customers, particularly high-frequency, high-value shoppers. With clear insights, operators can manage the necessary steps to retain loyal customers and attract new ones. Though store owners continued to face a harsh post-pandemic…
Adapting to New Cigar Trends
Along with keeping an eye on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision regarding the flavored cigar ban, retailers are also finding new ways to keep up with consumers’ demands and the different cigar trends they’re seeing. Last year, the FDA announced the proposed rule to ban all flavors in cigars. As of now, the…
Enhancing Forecourt Marketing Innovations
When most consumers visit a c-store to fuel up, they pump their gas and go, especially if they’re able to pay for gas at the pump. However, to pull those consumers from the pump into the store and increase foot traffic, retailers are finding new and improved tactics to market to those consumers. Retailers are…
Tackling Your Profit & Loss Statement
Most people that know me know that I like to get involved in the details and one area that I really like to dissect is a profit & loss (P&L) statement. In my opinion, this is where many people miss opportunities to “count the pennies” that add up to the real dollars. In addition, when…
Focusing on the Facilities
WINNER: Onvo Onvo’s restrooms provide customers with features such as extra-private stalls and LED lighting, with shower facilities in many, allowing customers restorative restroom breaks. Proper restroom upkeep is a critical component of running a successful convenience store, and retailers looking to draw repeat customers should carefully consider their restroom cleaning schedules and overall restroom…