Today’s Idea of the Day: Add door clings in the cold vault. What goes better with a cold beverage than a chocolate bar? If you’re not using door clings you’re missing out on cross merchandising opportunities that can grow basket spend. Put door cling displays right on your cooler doors and watch incremental candy sales…
CSD/NAG Idea of the Day: Seasonal Ingredients
Today’s Idea of the Day: Add seasonal ingredients to sandwiches or other food offerings. Not only are seasonal ingredients a great way to communicate freshness and on-trend creativity to customers, but they are also less expensive than non-seasonal ingredients. It can be as simple as adding a cranberry mustard to sandwiches in fall or seasonal…
CSD/NAG Idea of the Day: Prepare for an Aging Population
Today’s Idea of the Day: Prepare for an aging population. Today some 46 million people are 65+, but that number is set to skyrocket to 74 million. Retailers should begin considering adaptations to accommodate the changing set of needs that will come with this age shift. Consider lighting changes—including eliminating blue tones from lighting which…
CSD/NAG Idea of the Day: Bulk Buys
Today’s Idea of the Day: Sell bulk items outdoors. Convenience stores have big parking lots and retailers can put them to use to gain more sales. Consider offering seasonal items like mulch, bottled water, firewood and even Christmas trees—all high margin items that are in demand. The possibilities are endless. If you have an idea…
CSD/NAG Idea of the Day: Curb Appeal
Today’s Idea of the Day: Curb appeal counts. You may not have a budget for shrubbery and mulch, but investing just a little operating capital on your exterior can make a big difference when it comes to attracting new customers. Remember, for any potential customers, all they know about your brand is what they see…
Idea of the Day: Check Social Media Before Hiring
Today’s Idea of the Day: Check social media accounts before hiring new employees. Have you met a candidate that you like for a job opening? Do they seem too good to be true? In addition to standard background checks, search Facebook and other social media platforms to learn more about them. You might be surprised…
CSD/NAG Idea of the Day: Training
Today’s Idea of the Day: Train, train and retrain employees. Training employees isn’t something top quartile c-stores do only once. Training employees must be an ongoing process. Don’t be shy about retraining employees in areas where they are deficient. Re-certify their training when it comes to sales of age-restricted products like alcohol and tobacco. What’s…
CSD/NAG Idea of the Day: Drive-through Alternatives
Today’s Idea of the Day: Consider drive-through alternatives. While drive-throughs remain popular with customers who find it more convenient to stay in their cars, the concept isn’t feasible for every convenience store. But all retailers can consider drive-through alternatives, such as having guests order via their phones and having an employee meet them at the…
CSD/NAG Idea of the Day: Food Variety
Idea of the Day: Showcase food variety on a daily basis. Consumers like routine but they also like variety. Foodservice operators can appeal to both by offering a different themed menu item every day. Think Taco Tuesdays, Pizza Fridays and Meatball Sub Mondays. Not only will it offer customers the variety they crave, but it…
NAG/CSD Idea of the Day: Consider Catering Options
Today’ Idea of the Day: Consider Catering Options. If you have a foodservice menu, consider offering catering to local businesses. If you offer sandwiches, for example, contact the local funeral homes and see if you can be their exclusive sandwich caterer for wakes and visitations. Send your ideas to Erin Rigik Del Conte at [email protected].