York, Pa.-based Rutter’s launched a brand-new custom mobile app, in partnership with Paytronix, designed to give customers more personalization, such as connecting to their Facebook profile picture, unique VIP offers and the ability to go completely card-less. Over 10 years ago, Rutter’s was the first convenience store chain to launch a mobile app when they…
Majority of Americans Say ‘Flattening the Curve’ Works
One of the biggest catchphrases of the COVID-19 pandemic is “flattening the curve,” which means to slow the spread of the disease through measures such as social distancing. According to CivicScience data, 71% of Americans have heard of the term “flattening the curve,” and 56% believe that it works. Knowing the language of the pandemic is…
PDI Adds Store Clustering Capabilities to Back Office Software
PDI has added store clustering capabilities to its back office software, PDI Envoy. With this addition, multi-store convenience retailers can group their locations into independently operated clusters that feed into a single database at the home office. The feature is a game-changer for convenience retailers who need centralized control, visibility and reporting as well as…
goPuff Launches Health Care Support Initiative
In partnership with Northwestern Medical Center, digital convenience retailer goPuff has committed $1 million in orders of food and daily essentials to hospital and health care professionals across the country. goPuff’s Health Care Support Initiative will directly benefit medical personnel working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis in the form of digital credits for…
C-Stores Hiring Amid COVID-19
Labeled essential businesses by states and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during the COVID-19 pandemic, many convenience stores are now hiring — both to keep up with demand for food and other products and to provide jobs for people who have been laid off. 7-Eleven 7 Eleven is hiring more than 20,000 new store employees…
Salty Snacks Set for Strong 2020
Americans’ craving for salty snacks continues to climb. Dollar sales for the overall salty snacks category grew 6% for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 29, 2019, according to IRI convenience all scan data. Salty snacks perceived as ‘better for you’ (BFY) are trending, but placement is key, as is being first on the street with…
Love’s Provides Pay Increases, Bonuses to Hourly Employees During COVID-19
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores announced that it is giving hourly store employees a pay increase and a bonus in light of their hard work and dedication during COVID-19. All hourly store employees will receive a $100 bonus to be paid on March 30. Love’s is also giving a $2 per hour pay increase…
Chains Adapt, Prioritize Safety and Service During Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, c-stores are doing on a faster track what the convenience industry has done time and again for decades – adapt. Chains, large and small, have implemented safety measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as federal, state and local authorities, as operators juggle long-valued…
Altria Suspends Operations at Philip Morris USA Manufacturing Facility
Altria Group Inc. announced that it is temporarily suspending operations at Philip Morris (PM) USA’s manufacturing facility at Richmond, Va., “out of an abundance of caution” after a second employee tested positive for COVID-19. The company expects the manufacturing center to suspend operations for the next two weeks but will continue to monitor the evolving…
OnCue Donates Food and Supplies in Response to COVID-19
Stillwater, Okla.-based OnCue has donated more than $30,000 of non-perishable food and personal care products to several local food banks, pantries and soup kitchens in response to increased community needs surrounding COVID-19. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma accepted 2,800 pounds of the assorted grocery products this week. “We are so thankful for OnCue’s recent…