When the American Public Health Association highlighted a December 2009 study on candy, snack and sweetened beverage availability in non-food retailers, it was worried about obesity. Convenience store retailers are only worried about thin margins. The Tulane University researchers found snack food in 41% of all stores whose primary merchandise was not food. Candy was…
Building Relationships at the National Advisory Group
Throughout my 15 years of covering the convenience store industry, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing people, develop lifelong friendships and watch in awe as otherwise ordinary people learned to work together to produce extraordinary results. Throughout that time I’ve also seen countless people come and go. For some, the industry was a…
Walmart Infiltrates Chicago
Chicago retailers could face increased big box competition now that Walmart has announced its goal to build several dozen stores in the city over the next five years. Part of a long-term initiative called the “Chicago Community Investment Partnership,” the new plan between the city of Chicago and Walmart would help eradicate food deserts and…
Wawa Ventures North In New Jersey
Wawa with many locations in southern New Jersey, is heading north to Morris County where it will compete directly with Quick Chek and 7-Eleven, The Daily Record reported. Wawa plans to build and open its first Morris County store in mid- to late November at the corner of New and Edwards roads in the eastern…
Preparing for the Fountain Wars
McDonald’s is preparing an aggressive summer promotion targeting core c-store customers. Another month, another challenge for convenience store operators. Where is the legendary Charles Atlas when the big bad bully tries to kick sand in our collective faces? As I’m sure you’ve heard by now this summer’s bully is, once again, McDonald’s. The hamburger chain…
Pride & Perseverance
At a Glance: NOCO Express With 32 locations in Western New York and Rochester, NOCO Express is among the most recognized fuel brands in Western New York. The oil company has a 77-year history of providing fuel, lubricants and home heating oil to the market. Founded: 1933 Convenience Store and Fuel Brand: NOCO Express Jobber…
Marathon Oil Recognizes Everbrite
Marathon Oil Corp. recently recognized Everbrite LLC., a visual identification supplier for Marathon’s Speedway SuperAmerica LLC retail organization, as the company’s Supplier Diversity Vendor of the Year. The annual “Living Our Values Award and Recognition Program” recognizes employees and vendors who best exemplify Marathon’s guiding corporate principles. Everbrite, a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) company, won…
Taking Back Breakfast
Hot Stuff Foods has launched an initiative to help retailers “Take Back Breakfast” from the QSR competition. “Fast food restaurants have amped up their efforts to take the traditionally strong breakfast business from convenience stores,” said Craig VanHyfte, vice president of marketing for Hot Stuff Foods. “And Hot Stuff Foods is arming our retailer partners…
Welcome Back NAG
As the industry continues its rapid evolution, CSD is stepping up its efforts to provide convenience store operators with the tools they need to be successful. To that end, CSD is proud to announce two premiere events in the coming months. First and foremost, the National Advisory Group (NAG) begins its rise back to prominence…
C-store Foodservice 101
Those new to the c-store foodservice channel can get up to speed with a one-day program in Chicago this June that covers important essentials from operator challenges and consumer priorities, to hot concepts and competitive issues. Conducted by experts from foodservice industry consultants Technomic, this program aims to jumpstart retailer efforts to tap opportunities in…