Among retailers who tuned in to CSD’s Webcast on hiring foodservice employees, more than 57% said finding part-time workers is one of their biggest hiring challenges. A second Webcast poll showed retailers rely on three primary sources to find the best employees: • Referrals: 50% • Walk-ins: 37.5% • Advertisements: 12.5% Mel Kleiman, of Humetrics…
Filling Up on Food Sales
Five years ago, Open Pantry was poised to move beyond the humdrum in southeast Wisconsin. The 26-store convenience retailer was bracing for big changes inside and out, all part of a mammoth push to polish the chain’s image with new products, programs and brands. A gourmet sandwich line was added. Larger roller grills were installed…
Discovering New Land
The Discovery Trifecta Location: Coolidge, Ariz. Opening: September 2008 Key Features: 2,400-square-foot c-store on one acre; 1,400 square feet for Little Caesars pizza; four pumps offering unbranded standard fuels and E85; a sizable coffee cafe; beer cave and 20-head soda fountain top it off. Details: Positioned within a town of 9,000 residents, the store will…
Chevron Named CSD’s 2008 Chain of the Year
At a time when many industry marketers are struggling with high gas prices, exorbitant credit card fees and few options, one company is shining above all others. Over the past 12 months, San Ramon, Calif.-based Chevron has reduced credit card processing fees for its branded marketers, launched a new “no fee” co-branded Visa credit card…
NATSO Blasts DOT’s Commercialization Proposal
The Bush administration’s recent proposal to commercialize rest areas in 10 states would devastate highway-based businesses, such as travel centers, truckstops, restaurants, gasoline stations, convenience stores and lodging establishments, according to NATSO, the nonprofit organization representing America’s travel plaza and truckstop industry. The Department of Transportation released its proposal this week for reforming federal surface…
Destination Media Launches C-Store TV Network
Destination Media, an industry leader in digital out-of-home television, has launched C-Store TV network in top U.S. media markets, the company said. C-Store TV will initially launch in Boston, New York and Los Angeles with 100 new locations, though the launch will be followed by C-Store TV’s introduction into a number of other leading markets…
Circle K Expands Use Of KSS PriceNet
Circle K, a division of Alimentation Couche-Tard, has expanded its existing licensing agreement for the KSS PriceNet system to include an additional 124 retail locations in the northeastern U.S., KSS said. KSS is a global supplier of fuels pricing analytics, execution and optimization systems for the oil and gas industries, as well as convenience stores,…
7-Eleven Takes Prepaid Wireless Global
Dallas-based c-store leader 7-Eleven Inc. is taking its prepaid wireless program global with the launch of its 7-Connect program in Singapore, the Dallas Business Journal reported. 7-Eleven decided to roll out the private-brand wireless program in Asia after successfully launching a similar program in the U.S. and Canada. The 7-Connect program will give Singapore consumers…
Kroger Teams With Cellfire To Offer Mobile Discounts
Cellfire Inc., a nationwide mobile coupon and discount service, has partnered with grocery giant Kroger Co. to supply consumers with mobile grocery coupons for products made by more than half a dozen leading consumer product manufacturers. The new program will allow consumers to save on individual grocery items using their mobile phone. The program is…
Fresh & Easy Adopts Local Flair
A Fresh & Easy store in Fresno, Calif., will be the chain’s first to include design elements borrowed from the local community and neighborhood, according to various online reports and a Fresh & Easy blog site, freshandeasybuzz.blogspot.com. The Fresno location received approval from council members in that city last week. Located on Tulare Street, the…