Convenience stores have always been keeping an eye on emerging technology and digital trends, but in recent years, digital and tech innovation has advanced at a rapid pace. Daniel Burrus, global futurist and CEO of Burrus Research, has had his finger on the growth of technology for decades, and he understands how c-stores can use…
How Foodservice Will Shape 2024
Restrained economic times and stiff competition across the supply chain make it critical for convenience store operators to have a solid understanding of their customers, particularly high-frequency, high-value shoppers. With clear insights, operators can manage the necessary steps to retain loyal customers and attract new ones. Though store owners continued to face a harsh post-pandemic…
Adapting to New Cigar Trends
Along with keeping an eye on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision regarding the flavored cigar ban, retailers are also finding new ways to keep up with consumers’ demands and the different cigar trends they’re seeing. Last year, the FDA announced the proposed rule to ban all flavors in cigars. As of now, the…
Enhancing Forecourt Marketing Innovations
When most consumers visit a c-store to fuel up, they pump their gas and go, especially if they’re able to pay for gas at the pump. However, to pull those consumers from the pump into the store and increase foot traffic, retailers are finding new and improved tactics to market to those consumers. Retailers are…
Tackling Your Profit & Loss Statement
Most people that know me know that I like to get involved in the details and one area that I really like to dissect is a profit & loss (P&L) statement. In my opinion, this is where many people miss opportunities to “count the pennies” that add up to the real dollars. In addition, when…
Focusing on the Facilities
WINNER: Onvo Onvo’s restrooms provide customers with features such as extra-private stalls and LED lighting, with shower facilities in many, allowing customers restorative restroom breaks. Proper restroom upkeep is a critical component of running a successful convenience store, and retailers looking to draw repeat customers should carefully consider their restroom cleaning schedules and overall restroom…
Unlocking the Power of Loyalty Programs
As technology continues to evolve in c-stores, retailers are finding that if they don’t want to be left behind, they will need to invest in an effective loyalty program, which has proven to be an excellent tool that can be used to increase in-store sales and retain customers. To dive into this topic, CStore Decisions…
Retailers Weigh in on Bean-to-Cup Transition
As c-stores gravitate toward bean-to-cup (BTC) coffee dispensers, they’re seeing an uptick in sales. Meanwhile, cold coffee is simultaneously rising as a trend and customization remains a top demand from customers. Brunswick, Maine-based Rusty Lantern Market is one chain that has seen success with the shift to BTC. As of 2022, 25 out of the…
Spirited Frozen Dispensed Drinks Spike Sales
Alcoholic frozen beverages are becoming more popular with each passing year, and convenience stores are helping to pave the way for the drink with new innovations and flavors. York, Pa.-based Rutter’s, for instance, has been offering alcoholic frozen dispensed beverages — called Spiked Slushies — since 2018, according to Adam Long, category manager for Rutter’s.…
Monitoring Congressional and FDA Tobacco Developments
With most state legislatures adjourned until January, recent tobacco regulatory and legislative developments have centered around Congress and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). Congressional Bills Two separate bills have been introduced that would substantially increase the federal excise tax on all tobacco products. The “Care for Moms Act” and…