Save the date for the 2013 NAG Conference! This Sept. 15-17 the National Advisory Group (NAG) is hosting its 2013 Conference in Nashville, Tenn. at the Loews Vanderbilt. Registration is now open for the annual conference, which presents an opportunity for retailers to gather and explore the issues that are driving the c-store industry and…
Political Debate Set For NACS Show Closing Session
Democrat Howard Dean and Republican Rick Santorum to debate issues impacting the industry. A political debate between Republican Rick Santorum and Democrat Howard Dean is set for part of the NACS Show closing general session on Oct. 10. “NACS Show attendees will get an insider’s perspective into the political process and what to look for…
Local Store Marketing: Overcoming Retail Wallpaper
By John Matthews, founder and president of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. Ever drive down the road and out of the corner of your eye you catch a glimpse of a 20-foot pink gorilla in a bathing suit on top of a store? That is a retailer attempting to overcome what I call the “retail wallpaper…
Walmart’s Reign Fading?
“How America Shops” survey shows Walmart shoppers find lowest prices elsewhere. The Walmart shopper’s value perception has dramatically changed, according to a new research report that surveyed nearly 1,500 Walmart Shoppers. A continuing recessionary mindset, coupled with lower priced competitors are driving shoppers to other retail destinations, according to WSL/Strategic Retail’s How America Shops…
7-Eleven Adds Promotion Optimization Solution
7-Eleven Inc. has selected KSS Retail for its price modeling, forecasting and optimization solution for 7-Eleven stores in the U.S. and Canada. 7-Eleven plans to use KSS Retail’s PriceStrat and Heartbeat systems to conduct extensive market-basket analytics and affinity analysis to drive more effective promotions. It also plans to deploy PriceStrat’s cigarette buy-down capabilities to…
Core-Mark To Acquire Finkle Distributors Inc.
Core-Mark Holding Co. Inc., a marketer of fresh and broad-line supply solutions to the convenience retail industry in North America, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Finkle Distributors Inc. (FDI) for approximately $43 million. FDI is a regional convenience wholesaler servicing customers in New York, Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Dan Finkle,…
Financial Reform Faces Crucial Vote
As the House and Senate prepare to vote on the financial reform bill—containing the Durbin amendment on interchange fees—this week, NACS’ message to retailers is that the battle is far from won. Three hurdles remain: passing the House, passing the Senate and getting signed into law by President Obama. “Until all three happen, actually, until…
Vermont Passes Interchange Law
Vermont has passed legislation governing interchange fees on credit and debit card transactions, becoming the first state to take such action, the Washington Post reported. The move comes just one week after the U.S. Senate approved an amendment that would address interchange fees to the financial overhaul bill. “What Vermont has done is a first…
Finding Financing in a Tight Market
Money is tight, but some convenience store operators are finding the means to finance remodels or even acquisitions. Generally speaking, the availability of money depends on the size of the operator, according to Mark Radosevich, president of PetroProperties & Finance LLC in Miami. “The guys who are moderate size to large generally have relationships with…