It’s a difficult hiring market. Standing out isn’t easy, and sometimes it takes more than competitive wages for retailers to attract and retain top talent. I’ve always been fascinated by those who succeed in creating truly exceptional work environments. That’s why, at a time when brands are scrambling to figure out what they can do,…
Elevating Foodservice Packaging
As the pandemic continues, many retailers are doubling down on foodservice as they take the opportunity to update menus, introduce online and/or mobile ordering, as well as delivery and curbside pickup. Savvy c-stores are also considering ways to improve their foodservice packaging, from maximizing branding to upgrading packaging appearance and efficiency. Here are some best…
What Comes After Outdoor EMV?
The April 2021 deadline for implementing EMV at the pump is now in the rearview mirror. Ahead of the final deadline, which was extended from October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the c-store industry substantially grew its ability to offer outdoor EMV acceptance. Now, retailers now must turn their focus to implementing another technology…
Post-Pandemic Hiring: Are You Ready?
Since the height of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a shortage of skilled workers across all industries in the country. You’ve likely experienced this shortage within your own organization — usually it’s a scarcity of frontline employees needed to man the registers, prepare food and keep shelves stocked. And if you’re a business owner,…
Weigel’s Celebrates 90th Anniversary
Powell, Tenn.-based Weigel’s, CStore Decisions’ 2019 Chain of the Year, is celebrating its 90th anniversary. The c-store chain is hosting a “90 Years for Us, 90 Days for You” campaign from May 3 through Aug. 1. It will highlight daily prizes for Weigel’s guests and employees, with a special birthday celebration on June 18 storewide.…
GPM Receives $1 Billion Real Property Commitment From Chicago-Based Real Estate Investment Firm
Richmond, Va.-based GPM Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of ARKO Corp., entered into an agreement with Chicago-based real estate investment firm Oak Street Real Estate Capital. Oak Street has agreed to purchase and lease to GPM real estate associated with acquisitions of convenience store brands and fueling stations. Oak Street is committing up to $1…
Circle K to Hire 20,000 New Employees Ahead of Summer Season
Circle K announced that it will look to add 20,000 new employees in the U.S. to its current team ahead of the summer season. “Business is coming back, traffic is getting back on the road, and we are preparing for the future by growing our Circle K team,” said Brian Hannasch, the company president and…
Can You See the ROI Through the Looking Glass?
Each year, it seems a new retail technology arrives on the scene ready to change everything. The challenge is sorting through the hype to determine if it has the potential to deliver a return on investment (ROI). Remember beacons? When they became popular beginning in 2013, beacons promised robust business intelligence and the ability to…
Rebel’s Refreshed Design Propels Brand Toward Expansion
Six years after acquiring the Rebel convenience store brand, Upland, Calif.-based Anabi Oil is embarking on an ambitious remodel, with plans to revamp half of its 400-plus convenience stores in California and Nevada in under five years, bringing them under a refreshed Rebel design. Simultaneously, it’s preparing to expand its footprint outside of California and…
Fountain Beverage Sales Heat Up
Around this time last year, as the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, c-store retailers found themselves scrambling to implement changes to keep dispensed beverage sales flowing, despite local lockdown orders. Now, many locations are again making adjustments as rules and regulations ease. Pilot Flying J stores temporarily modified their self-serve stations into crew-served ones to satisfy state…