By Brian L. Milne, Refined Fuels Editor, Telvent DTN Retail gasoline prices are at seven-month lows which equates to the decline in gasoline futures trading, with the gasoline contract having tumbled to its lowest level since mid-February. Lower wholesale costs are still moving through the supply chain, so the decline in pump prices will continue…
NACS Celebrates the Past, Looks to Redefine the Future
As NACS celebrates the convenience and fuel retailing industry’s remarkable achievements since it was founded 50 years ago, the association is equally looking toward the future, said NACS President and CEO Hank Armour during the NACS Show Opening General Session. It is expected that more than 22,000 attendees from 50 countries will attend the 2011…
The Business of Growing
Overcoming the top nine challenges for effectively growing your retail business requires true leadership and patience. By John Lofstock, Editor. The hardest step entrepreneurs take is getting their startup off the ground once and for all. The second hardest step is growing it into the best business it can be. What today’s entrepreneurs and aspiring…
Negotiating for the Best Cost of Goods
Convenience store owners need to work more closely with suppliers and wholesalers to get better supply contracts and offer consumers more competitive prices. Pat Pape, Contributing Editor. Convenience store owners need to work more closely with suppliers and wholesalers to get better supply contracts and offer consumers more competitive prices. A plaque in Ray Johnson’s…
The Pantry’s Holman Appointed As Interim CEO
As Terrance Marks steps down on Oct. 5, Edwin Holman, chairman of the Pantry’s Board, to take the helm as CEO. On Sept. 14, 2011, the Board of Directors of The Pantry Inc. appointed Edwin Holman to act as interim CEO, effective Oct. 5, 2011, the date of resignation for the current CEO Terrance Marks.…
Preparing for PCI D-Day
As the deadline for PCI DSS 2.0 compliance approaches, chains should make sure they understand the changes— and triple check that they meet the requirements. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. On Jan. 1, 2012 all convenience store retailers must comply with PCI DSS 2.0 standards. While some chains have been ready for more than a…
Gasoline Prices Tumbling Amid Weak Demand, Economic Worry
Wholesale gasoline costs in major metropolitan regions of the country tumbled during the week following Labor Day, pressured by several features including weak consumption of the fuel leading up the holiday weekend, while driving demand consistently slumps in September from August. Historically, gasoline demand and prices move lower in September after the summer driving season.…
Wholesale Gasoline Mostly Higher Through Labor Day
By Brian L. Milne, Refined Fuels Editor for Telvent DTN Still feeling the impact from last month’s Hurricane Irene, wholesale gasoline costs in most metropolitan markets across the United States moved higher Labor Day, the celebrated end to the summer driving season. Irene made a rare appearance by a hurricane in the Northeast, impacting the…
Productivity: Motivating Employees
By John Matthews, president and founder of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. “The productivity of work is not the responsibility of the worker, but of the manager.” – Peter Drucker. I remember my first managerial job in retail foodservice. The year was 1987, and I was a manager trainee for Little Caesars Pizza. I had just…
Heineken USA Introduces Noche Buena Beer
Exclusive Mexican winter brew will be available in key U.S. markets beginning in October. Heineken USA today announced the launch of Noche Buena, a Bock-styled Lager brewed by Cerveceria Moctezuma, S.A., specifically made for the Fall/Winter season. The limited edition traditional Mexican beer will make its way to select markets in the U.S. in October.…