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…
Lessening the Gap Between QSRs and C-Stores
The convenience store industry is moving closer and closer, in terms of offerings, to traditional quick-service restaurants (QSRs). As retailers try to further lessen that gap, it is incredibly important to understand how to know, select and implement foodservice practices that will attract and retain loyal customers. CStore Decisions was able to catch up with…
The Tobacco Flavor Ban Means More than Resetting the Backbar
The FDA has restricted consumer visibility and access to tobacco for 14 years. During that time, cigarette consumption has declined more than 35%; down more than 4% in 2023 vs. last year (8% according to the Wall Street Journal). The bans will rearrange everything starting in mid-2024. It will be smaller. Chain managers are already…