While a few big gum and mint brands have the cache—and steady sales—to merit prime display space, hordes of newcomers are trying to snare a share of this valuable retail real estate. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor In its “New Product Pacesetters” report, research firm SymphonyIRI Group revealed that the gum and mint sector accounted…
Zarco 66 First To Offer E15 Fuel
Zarco 66 is first U.S. gas station to deliver E15 ethanol fuel to consumers, reducing dependence on gasoline and imported oil. American drivers can now choose to use E15 fuel at the Lawrence, Kan., Zarco 66 gas station. The Zarco 66 is the first U.S. retailer to offer E15 fuel, which is 15% ethanol and…
Meat Snacks Are Getting Hot
Major manufacturers are betting on bolder flavor profiles and textures to help appeal to adventurous and sophisticated palates, and health-conscious lifestyles. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor There is nothing timid about Generations X or Y, especially when it involves their taste buds. And when it comes to flavors, the bigger, bolder, hotter and spicier the…
Healthy Trends Extending to the Cold Vault
New products and core beverages will always drive cold vault sales. So when is the right time—and how often does that right time come—for category managers to reset them? “We do cold vault resets twice a year, which means we’re making fairly minor adjustments all the time,” said Richard Ginther, category manager for Kum &…
Customers Energized About Energy Drinks
The energy drink market has been on an upward growth trajectory since 2010 and with the improvement in the economy is expected to continue on this positive growth path, according to Chicago-based research firm Mintel International. Energy drink sales were up about 16% in 2011 in convenience stores, as well as up about 16% across…
The Impact of Alternative Fuels
The political momentum to bring renewable energy products to the pumps is strong and growing. But with all the added costs to rebuild the nation’s petroleum infrastructure, is it worth it? By John Lofstock, Editor. Preparing for the future is a complex issue retailers should always be pondering. But in the fuel business this question…
Putting the Back-Office to Work
Inside the Numbers: Zarco 66 8 Number of stores. $35 million Total annual systemwide revenue. $20,000 Cost of its new POS/back office system on the front end. $70,000 Cost of its new POS/back office system on the back end. 25% Percentage of store sales from foodservice at the chain’s first store with the new system…
Breaking into Branding
Branded Check List Retailers planning to add a branded foodservice program should consider the start up cost as well what long-term factors will influence profitability such as additional labor and rising food costs. “You have to decide what’s best for you,” said Sandy Arrasmith of J&H Family Stores. “Take a look at the brand you…
Going Green to Reduce Costs
Wanting to help save the world is admirable, but unless a real cost-savings can be realized convenience store operators seem to agree this economy is not the best time to be experimenting with “green” investments. The key to sustainability issues, then, is finding that balance, and that’s where several c-store chains are differentiating themselves. Scott…