GPM Investments has agreed to acquire 61 convenience stores with gas stations in Michigan and Ohio operating under the Saginaw, Mich.-based ExpressStop banner. This acquisition will complement GPM’s existing 165 stores in Michigan and nine stores in Ohio. GPM is a wholly owned subsidiary of ARKO Corp. “Our model of growing through acquisition while keeping…
Shell Using Battery Power Storage for EV Use in Europe
Shell and Alfen have launched a pilot to trial an on-site battery-powered system to support ultra-fast electric vehicle charging at Shell’s Zaltbommel forecourt in the Netherlands. A Shell first, the battery-powered system offers an alternative solution to costly and time-consuming public grid upgrades by storing electricity in an on-site battery. The increased supply of energy…
Tobacco Loyalty Tools Finding Their Way to Independent C-Stores
Single-site and independently operated c-stores will find it easier, regardless of fuel brand, to use tobacco manufacturer funds and promotions to drive sales. Convenience industry software solutions provider PDI Software has expanded its PDI CStore Essentials tobacco loyalty solution to those smaller operators. For thousands of single-site c-stores in the U.S., access to the latest…
Hand Sanitizers See Biggest HBA Growth
In 2020, the health and beauty aid (HBA) category struggled overall, but sales of hand sanitizers and masks helped compensate for category losses. In a year when people worked and attended school at home, and when social gatherings were discouraged, in-store sales of certain HBAs slacked off substantially, especially cosmetics. There simply weren’t as many…
Anchor Packaging Expands Arkansas Operation
Foodservice packaging company Anchor Packaging, celebrated the groundbreaking of a 90,000 square-foot, $21.5 million expansion to its Paragould, Ark., manufacturing facility, which will bring 45 new jobs over the next 30 months. Attending the celebration were Paragould Mayor Josh Agee, community leaders, and representatives of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Anchor Packaging products include the…
Grants Help Sprankle’s Chain Bring Quality Food to Neediest Neighbors
Food retailers in Pennsylvania like Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market, who make the extra effort to ensure customers in depressed communities have healthy food options, can find help to defray some of the costs of reaching those most needy consumers. Grants are available through the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative (PA FFFI), a program that invests in…
Speedway’s Mtn Dew, Dodge Promotion Runs Through May 2
Speedway and Mtn Dew announced the latest extension of the yearlong platform at the convenience retailer called “Year of Dew” with the introduction of “Charge Your Garage.” Speedway, Mtn Dew and Dodge are charging fans’ garages with epic rewards, among them bumper stickers, travel mugs, fuzzy dice and $50 Speedway gift cards – plus, one…
Salty Snacks Sales Hit a Snag
The salty snack category in the last few years has experienced a resurgence with new products and healthier options. In its “Salty Snacks: U.S. Market Trends and Opportunities” report published prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Packaged Facts forecast that dollar sales of salty snacks in the U.S. will grow at a compound annual rate of…
CITGO Supports American Heart Association, Provides Local High Schools With CPR Kits
The CITGO Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex recently contributed CPR kits to two local high schools through its support of the American Heart Association (AHA). Because the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted nonprofit organizations by limiting volunteer and event participation opportunities, CITGO is working hard to leverage partnership benefits in ways that directly connect with the…
Refuel Partners With Imperial Trading Co.’s S. Abraham & Sons
Charleston, S.C.-based retail and wholesale fuel distribution and convenience store business Refuel Operating Co. announced that Imperial Trading Co.‘s S. Abraham and Sons Inc. will be its exclusive wholesaler for all Refuel stores in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Double Quick stores in Arkansas and Mississippi. The anticipated change over date will be mid-April.…