Now that the days of wearing face masks and using large amounts of hand sanitizer are over, consumers are getting back to their normal routines of using self-care products and over-the-counter medication when needed. With demand rising for self-care products and medicine, retailers are finding new ways to rearrange their store shelves to meet these…
Big Mike’s Celebrates 15th Anniversary, Eyes Expansion
Big Mike’s Gas N Go is celebrating 15 years in business. Headquartered in Lebanon, Ohio, Big Mike’s recently opened its fifth convenience store in the state and plans to continue expanding its footprint. The independent c-store chain features a proprietary foodservice program and drive-throughs and is eyeing opportunities in loyalty programs and delivery. Owner Mike…
May Delivers Delicious Eats at Kwik Stop
Mastering foodservice in a small space like a convenience store is no easy feat, but c-store foodservice directors and chefs continue to make it look easy as they cook up innovative menu items. CStore Decisions caught up with M. David May, foodservice director at Kwik Stop, which operates 27 stores in Nebraska and Colorado, to…
Frictionless Is Here to Stay
C-store chains across the globe have begun deploying versions of frictionless checkout solutions, from scan-and-pay apps to Just Walk Out technology, but the concept is still underutilized in convenience stores today. While many c-store retailers report having their eye on frictionless checkout trends and technology, some aren’t sure where to start or why they should…
Candy — Still Reliable Mainstay
Candy has managed to retain the loyalty of c-store customers as 2023 continues forward despite inflation dogging consumers’ steps. Although unit sales might be subsiding marginally, sales dollars are elevated across all channels, noted Dan Sadler, principal, client insights at Circana, a market research firm. “Before, probably eight to 12 months ago, we really saw…
A Slice of Advice About Delis
Whether proprietary or partnered with a co-brand, deli programs are playing a major role in making convenience stores top-of-mind fresh-food destinations. Englefield Oil’s Duchess convenience stores, with 120 locations throughout Ohio and West Virginia, have been seeing double-digit growth in their deli sales, according to Nathan Arnold, the chain’s director of marketing. “Focusing in on…
Neon CEO Talks Forward Progress
Neon Marketplace, which operates seven locations in New England, recently announced new leadership. Adi Dhandhania has taken the helm as CEO of the Cranston, R.I.-based convenience store chain. He brings a background in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and leadership to the role. He was previously the chief operating officer for North America at Bally’s Interactive,…
Energy North Poised for Expansion
Energy North (EN) has had its sights set on growth since Jeff Black officially took the helm as CEO in 2022. Black, the second generation of the family business, has been busy developing the company culture, growing the leadership team and expanding the company. This spring EN debuted a new flagship Haffner’s site that features…
Assortment Drives Beverage Sales
Now that summer has arrived, consumers are gravitating toward the cold vault at their local c-store, and they’re reaching for the latest trends as they look to experiment with new flavors and varieties. Retailers are responding by increasing their beverage selection. Energy drinks and water are among the segments retailers have seen flying out of…
Advancing Northdale Oil
Family-owned Northdale Oil is currently in acquisition mode, with a goal to acquire 10 more locations by year’s end to expand its current footprint of 25 convenience stores in North Dakota and Minnesota. Having recently acquired eight Brother’s Market stores and two liquor stores, the Grand Forks, N.D. based chain greets each new addition with…