Overall consumer sentiment more positive. Generation X, those born after the post World War II baby boomers, generally has a positive outlook on the economy, but that doesn‘t mean they are free spenders. In fact, they are more frugal than baby boomers and seniors, according to SymphonyIRI‘s Q3 2012 MarketPulse, the ongoing survey series that…
Controlling Fuel Volatility
With gasoline prices again soaring, convenience store and petroleum retailers are investing in software solutions that can help them manage the business more effectively. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Convenience store operators are feeling the pinch from skyrocketing gas prices, which makes fuel inventory controls even more critical in helping retailers reduce costs and bolster…
Best Petroleum's Richard Salinsky Enshrined into High School Football Hall of Fame
By John Lofstock, Editor It’s been a busy year filled with accolades for venerable industry icon Richard Salinsky. With more than 50 years of experience and dedication to the industry, Salinsky was honored earlier this year with the prestigious Distinguished Marketer Award from SIGMA, the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA). Now, the…
Thorntons Celebrates Humanitarian Day 2012
Through a partnership with Projects With Purpose, Thorntons’ employees volunteer to help Catholic Charities of Louisville and Henryville tornado victims. As part of its ongoing community giving program, Thorntons Inc. employees will be participating in the company’s annual volunteer Humanitarian Day on Sunday, Nov. 11. This year’s focus is two-fold on behalf of both downtown…
Orion Food Systems Honored by Soldier’s Special Request
Orion goes to great lengths to ship pizzas, calzones, Philly Steak Stuffed Baguettes, BBQ Beef Stuffed Baguettes and cheeseburgers to an Air Force base in Afghanistan after receiving a soldier’s request. Of all the recognition and honors Orion Food Systems has received for the last 30 years, none have meant more than the request they…
Wawa Celebrates 20th Anniversary of ESOP
During National Employee Ownership Month, Wawa celebrates 35 years of sharing ownership. Wawa Inc., this month, is celebrating its commitment to employee ownership through a variety of meaningful activities during October’s National Employee Ownership Month. 2012 is a milestone year for Wawa, marking 35 years since it began sharing ownership with its associates and 20…
Fresh-Brewed 7-Election Poll Results
Obama maintains lead in 7-Eleven coffee cup poll, but cup counts shift in some swing states after first debate. There are 14 days left to vote in 7-Election, 7-Eleven’s presidential coffee cup poll. Before the first debate, President Barack Obama had maintained a steady 20-point lead over Republican challenger Mitt Romney, through the first four…
Higher Profits in the Cards
Technology is making it faster, easier and more convenient for consumers to purchase, manage and reload prepaid cards. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. The direct-to-consumer prepaid market, including general-purpose, reloadable cards, such as Green Dot and NetSpend, phone cards and gift cards of all types, is growing by leaps and bounds. Last year, dollars loaded…
Shifting Smokers Spur Category Evolution
As more cigarette buyers switch to smokeless and electronic tobacco products, convenience store retailers juggle SKUs to drive profit. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Traditional cigarettes—once the mighty margin maker for retailers—continue to face a rocky road as the tobacco market shifts toward increasing consumer interest in moist smokeless, flavored cigars and electronic cigarettes.…
Wholesale Gasoline Costs Slide as Supply Tightness Eases
Brian L. Milne, Refined Fuels Editor, Telvent DTN Wholesale gasoline costs were lower in most metropolitan markets across the U.S. coming into the final full week of October, pressured by rebuilding gasoline supply as refinery processing ramps up after a series of unexpected outages had propelled gasoline costs sharply higher. The total domestic gasoline inventory…