By John Lofstock, Editor There is a rather humorous story behind Simon and Garfunkel’s song Mrs. Robinson that goes beyond the art of seduction. In the popular song, the legendary musical duo asks, “Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.” DiMaggio, of course, needed no introduction when the…
e-Swisher Bets Big with World Series of Poker Partnership
Through an exclusive two-year agreement with Caesars Interactive Entertainment, e-Swisher has been named the Official e-Cigarette of the World Series of Poker. Taking place at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas from May 29 to July 15, 2013, the 2013 World Series of Poker will have a record 480 poker tables spread…
Couche-Tard Profits, Revenue Rise
Canadian convenience store Alimentation Couche-Tard reported a profit of $146.4-million (U.S.), up 24% for the fourth quarter, driven mainly by acquisitions, but the results came in below analysts’ expectations. In the U.S., Couche-Tard, which owns and operates the Circle K brand, also saw sales increases. Sales at established stores rose 2%, excluding tobacco products. Same-store…
Kangaroo Express Takes Flight to Support Salute Our Troops
The Pantry Inc., the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern U.S., has named its Kangaroo Express Salute Our Troops Flugtag Team to test gravity’s limits on a custom-made aviation machine in honor of our military service members and their families at the first-ever National Red Bull Flugtag competition in Miami on Sept.…
IRI Identifies Opportunities in the C-Store Channel
The convenience store channel has long been a destination for immediate consumption purchases. However, the channel is undergoing a bit of a metamorphosis these days. Competition is heating up as convenience stores are pitted against other channels, particularly dollar and drug channels, for share of spending. In addition, two major sources of revenue and trip…
Sheetz Breaks Ground on N.C. Distribution Center
Sheetz Convenience Restaurants will break ground on its highly-anticipated new distribution and production center today in Burlington, N.C. A groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the site. Sheetz President and CEO, Stan Sheetz; Executive Vice President of Sheetz Distribution Services, Ray Ryan; and the new Sheetz Director of the Burlington Distribution Center, Frank Scott, will…
Circle K Raises $1.2 Million for Children’s Miracle Network
Three-week campaign benefits 28 children’s hospitals across 14 states. Midwest and Great Lakes Circle K convenience store employees and customers showed their dedication to their community’s kids by raising a total of $1,237,500 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a charity that raises funds and awareness for 170 children’s hospitals. This year’s campaign increased 14% over…
Jack Link’s BBQ Pork Seasoned Jerky
Just in time for summer, Jack Link’s, the leading U.S. meat snacks brand, has introduced its new Jack Link’s BBQ Pork Jerky–a great-tasting, high-protein snack that allows consumers to enjoy the smoky, tangy flavors of authentic American barbecue with a whole new level of convenience. “Summer is right around the corner, and what better way…
Kroger to Acquire Harris Teeter for $2.5 Billion
The Kroger Co. reached a deal yesterday to acquire regional grocer Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc. in a $2.5 billion deal, the latest in a string of grocery industry consolidations. The deal, approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to boost Kroger’s presence in the U.S. southeast. Competitors there include Publix and Wal-Mart Stores…
Canada Cracks Down on Illegal Tobacco Sales
The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) is applauding Canadian police for their recent seizure of cash, an automobile and 220 cartons of illegal cigarettes at a local convenience store in the Windsor, Ontario area. “The OCSA maintains that it is never acceptable to purchase or sell illegal tobacco products, nor do we condone this activity…