As consumer demand for touchless and frictionless experiences has risen rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, convenience retailers — on the average — are encountering greater challenges in meeting these needs than retailers in other verticals. These outsized challenges facing c-stores are in large part due to technology debt that the convenience vertical still bears and…
Why Do I Have to Praise Someone for Doing Their Job?
Do you ever feel like there is way too much appreciation going on in your workplace? If you said no, you’re not alone. Your team would probably say the same thing. A recent Gallup survey revealed 65% of employees haven’t received recognition in the last year. This directly correlates to the studies that consistently report…
New Safe Shop Program Offers Consumers Certified-Safe Retail
With the COVID-19 pandemic forever changing the way consumers shop, a new third-party certification program aims to help retailers offer a safe space and customers to shop with confidence. In all retail environments, consumers and employees have developed new and lasting expectations regarding safety. The newly formed Safe Shop Assured certification program provides retailers…
BAT Strengthens Portfolio With Acquisition of Dryft Modern Oral
British American Tobacco (BAT) announced that it has acquired the nicotine pouch product assets of Dryft Sciences LLC (Dryft), a U.S.-based Modern Oral nicotine product company. BAT will rebrand Dryft’s U.S. portfolio under its global Modern Oral brand, VELO, and expects to accelerate growth through superior distribution, marketing and channel capabilities. “We’re proud of the…
Preparing for Post-Pandemic Headwinds
By Brandon Lawrence, Fuel Consultant, and Frank Beard, CStore Decisions’ Director of Special Projects Discussions of disruption often create a perception of all or nothing. This is of course a false dichotomy as reality is more nuanced. In the near future, the real question facing retailers is ‘Can your business survive if revenue drops by…
Adapting the Menu Amid Changing Customer Demands
Customer food preferences have changed during COVID-19, with more customers looking for takeout and delivery options. Savvy c-store retailers like Kwik Chek are listening to their customers and transforming their food offerings to fit the needs of today. CStore Decisions recently caught up with Benjamin Hoffmeyer, vice president of marketing and food service for Spicewood,…
Q&A With Heather Schott, Kum & Go’s New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager
Kum & Go parent company Krause Group recently appointed Heather Schott as its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager. Schott graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Business with an emphasis on management from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Prior to her new role, Schott worked for Principal Financial Group for 23 years.…
Soapy Joe’s Suds It Up in SoCal
Soapy Joe’s has been soaping up cars and trucks in Southern California’s San Diego County for nearly a decade, growing from one car wash to today’s 13 locations. The company also operates two 7-Eleven franchises and an unbranded convenience store, each co-located with a car wash. One car wash location also performs auto service. Soapy…
Has COVID-19 Burst Candy’s Bubble?
Not only has the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life for customers, and with it their shopping habits and needs, but it’s also affecting their priorities when it comes to candy selection. “It’s interesting, the moment mask-wearing became part of everyday life, the need and demand for fresh breath declines,” said Joe Bortner, category manager for…
MAPCO Names Tony Harris Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer
MAPCO, which operates more than 340 convenience stores throughout the Southeastern region of the U.S., has appointed Tony Harris as its chief marketing and merchandising officer. Harris enters the role with more than 25 years of experience in the convenience store space. Before joining MAPCO, Harris served as the senior vice president of Cumberland Farms,…