Health Essist Inc. manufactures and develops a unique line of all-natural, zero-calorie, caffeine-free Edible Strips. The current product line consists of Alcohol Defender to help with the “morning after feeling,” X-Energy-Boost and Apple-A-Day strips that provide a boost to your immune system. The products are FDA approved for food use and are kosher approved. Each…
Rutter’s Farm Stores Named CSD’s Chain Of The Year
Exceptional leadership, great stores and unsurpassed customer service are the hallmarks of the convenience store industry’s extraordinary chains. Following these guiding principles, Convenience Store Decisions is proud to announce Rutter’s Farm Stores as the 2010 Convenience Store Chain of the Year. At a time when many industry marketers are struggling with exorbitant credit card fees…
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…
Lessons in Leadership
As the director of real estate for High’s of Baltimore and a member of the Darnell family, which owns the Hanover, Md., chain of 69 stores in Maryland and Delaware, Briana Darnell knows first hand the importance of being a strong leader and how it can impact a company’s success. In her current role, she…
Convenience on Campus
At a Glance: The University of Northern Colorado Located in Greeley, Colo., the University of Northern Colorado was founded in 1889. The university features students from 38 states and five countries. Other highlights include: • College nickname: The Bears. • A 2009 enrollment of 9,973 undergraduate and 2,175 graduate students. • Student population: 60% female,…
Pricing, Promotions Key for Salty Snacks
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…
Energizing Beverage Sales
Thirteen years after the energy drink market emerged in the U.S. with the introduction of Red Bull, the category remains popular with consumers, who are willing to pay higher prices in a difficult economy for an extra jolt. But while Mintel reported in July 2009 that the energy drink market had climbed to an estimated…
Ethnic Fare Adds Foodservice Flair
Sushi in the c-store cooler? Burritos in the food warmer? Mediterranean sandwiches on the menu? Exotic foods are here to stay and becoming more mainstream, spicing up the foodservice section and appealing to a wide audience. With the growth of the Internet consumers today are exposed to new foods they may not be used to…
Vying for Customers with Value Meals
McDonald’s has it. Dunkin’ Donuts has it. And if your c-store doesn’t have it, you’re likely losing customers to the QSR down the street. In 2010, featuring a value meal with your foodservice offering is essential to driving new customers through your doors and securing them as regular visitors. C-stores with foodservice programs are facing…
Brands, Packaging Benefit HBC
With healthcare capturing so many headlines these days, the health and beauty category (HBC) has taken on added importance in the c-store set. Fueling much of the growth: smaller package sizes that save shoppers money and stimulate impulse sales. Medford, Ore.-based Minute Market has jumpstarted its HBC sales by mixing in smaller-sized packaging, according to…