COUCHE-TARD THROUGH THE YEARS ALAIN BOUCHARD STARTED Alimentation Couche-Tard with one store in 1980. In 1986, with a network of 34 stores, a predecessor of Couche-Tard completed an initial public offering and listed its shares on the Montreal Exchange. After establishing a leading position in Quebec, Couche- Tard expanded through internal growth and acquisitions in…
reaching new heights
Fresh off the acquisition of Cummings Oil, Andrea Jackson leads Jacksons Food Stores’ retail strategy. By Shahla Hebets, Publisher Keeping a low profile hasits advantages, but eventuallya chain’s success starts toattract the attention, and eventhe enmity, of the competitors around it.Jacksons Food Stores is one of the conveniencestore and petroleum industry’sbiggest success stories, yet it…
calling all dirty cars
The precise mix of equipment and marketing can quickly make the car wash one of the most valuable profit centers in the store. By Kim Sharrah, Associate Editor With high gasoline pricessqueezing fuel margins, theaddition of a car wash canturn a major profit for operatorslooking to make up some of therevenue lost at the pumps.…
flavor du jour
Retailers willing to get more daring with their menus stand to attract more adventurous palates and turn a tidy profit. By Kate Quackenbush, Managing Editor An American Express MarketBrief produced byTechnomic Inc. entitled “Ethnic Foods are in Fashion,”showed that more than half of consumers (51%) reportedpurchasing prepared, ready-to-eat foods from conveniencestores. Convenience stores also showed…
focus on foodservice safety
Poor safety methods could sicken customers and bring down an entire organization. Going above and beyond what’s required is the key to a healthy program. By Michael Ferrari, Staff Writer Adding a foodservice programis an excellent way toincrease profitability and developa more loyal, destination-mindedcustomer base. Committing to foodservice,however, opens the door to new dangerssuch as…
smoke screen
With an increase in smoking restrictions and the threat of increased taxes, retailers and analysts express serious concerns for cigarette profitability. Convenience stores, backin the good old days beforethey offered the types foodserviceand products thatcould rival other retail segments, wereknown mostly for three things: Cokes,smokes and gas. But despite the industry’sonce-strong foothold, cigarette salesare slumping.…
service to the fleet
Jim Goldade has had an interest in the grocery andretail business since he was 15 years old. That passionhas fueled his dedication to the Coast Guard Exchangestores, where he
showing off the goods
Finding the right equipment to merchandise products is one key to selling them. Retailers discuss their successes and concerns about foodservice displays and merchandisers. One of the biggest challengesconvenience store owners continueto face is developing aneffective product assortmentthat fits into a small footprint while makingsure it still meets the customers’ needs.To overcome this challenge, more…
the power 25
The Power 25 By Kate Quackenbush, John Lofstock Driving Innovation. CSD
Cutting Credit Card Fees
Credit card processing fees remain one of the top three concerns for convenience retailers—and though it seems reasonable to expect that improving data security at the point of sale would cut charges because it lowers transaction risks,experts say this is not the case. “I don’t know if anyone has ever been successful in presenting improved…