Casey’s has been implementing resource groups to connect team members as part of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiative. The chain’s “Casey’s CARES” culture has been created around the values of commitment, authenticity, respect, evolving and service. The Ankeny, Iowa-based company puts service first as it cares for its guests, communities and its more…
Hispanic Foods Heat Up
Retailers and experts are finding that Hispanic foods appeal to a wider range of customers for meals and snacks than ever before. Tacos and burritos are familiar fare in most parts of the country, while more adventurous customers are craving new and creative ingredients and flavor combinations. The demand for Hispanic foods is growing throughout…
Considering New Tactics for C-Store Security
Theft continues to pose a significant challenge for retailers in 2023. In response, retailers are finding new ways to reduce shoplifting and to keep customers and employees safe. In a recent Coresight Research survey, customers expressed concern about how increases in theft could impact their local stores. The survey found that 48% of consumers are…
Finding Success as an Independent Operator
Family-owned and independent c-store businesses are the backbone of the convenience store industry. But running a family-owned c-store chain and successfully integrating second-generation leadership into the company all while scaling the business isn’t for the faint of heart. When the convenience store chain is family owned, the owners also have to find ways to separate…
Building Dynamic Foodservice Dayparts
Which daypart drives the most sales for a c-store often depends on the market, but innovation, promotions and offering hot-ticket items throughout the day can help retailers lift foodservice sales across breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast daypart in particular offers a big opportunity for c-stores, and operators are finding ways to capitalize on this…
Lifting Beverage Sales Into Autumn
Summer came early for much of the nation this year when heat domes settled over cities from the Pacific Northwest to the Eastern Seaboard as early as May and stuck around for most of the season. For convenience stores, hot temperatures typically translate into increased sales of cold beverages — packaged from the cold vault…
Why Your Tech Should Be as Craveable as Your Snacks
Convenience stores have a long track record of providing high-quality, craveable products that are easy to grab and go. Certain products, which are different for different people, provide customers with an instantaneous feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. When we finally get that thing we’ve been craving — whether it’s a favorite snack, a lottery ticket…
Keeping an Eye on Vape, Cigars
Concern for the tobacco category isn’t new among retailers, and as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposes regulations and issues marketing decisions, c-store operators are continuously assessing inventory. Cigars in particular are a question mark with c-stores as they wait on the FDA to make a decision regarding a flavor ban this fall and…
Yatco Celebrates 30 Years
As Yatco celebrates 30 years in business, the family-owned, second-generation c-store chain has aggressive plans to double its company-operated stores and grow its franchising program. The Marlborough, Mass.-based company is currently building four new-to-industry (NTI) stores, updating its exterior branding and investing in technology from mobile payment to self-checkout kiosks. “Currently, we are in a…
Improving Supply Chain Practices
A few years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply chain proved a constant source of stress for convenience store retailers. With out-of-stocks aplenty and hardships maintaining inventory in a timely manner, c-store operators had to be creative with solutions. “Overall, the pandemic brought about significant changes in the supply chain, prompting…