When sold responsibly, lighters are a dependable source of revenue, even as the number of smokers declines. Lighters are a much-needed tool for the home grill and candles. Another trend helping push lighter sales in c-stores is flavored cigars, which continues to grow at an impressive rate. “Tobacco accessories are alive and well, evolving with…
Susser Holdings Reports Q4 And 2011 Results
“Our newly built stores continue to perform very well, and as a result, we plan to increase our overall capital budget in 2012 to accelerate new store construction to a planned 25-30 stores,” says Susser Holdings CEO. Susser Holdings Corp. reported strong financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2011.…
Consumer Perceptions Vary About C-Store and Fuel Retailers
Customers guess retailers make 48 cents profit per gallon of fuel sold after expenses, when the reality is closer to 15 cents per gallon. While consumers intellectually understand that the corner store isn’t responsible for high prices at the pump, they still don’t like fuels retailers, according to findings released today from the new 2012…
Sunoco Reports Preliminary Q4 2011 Pretax Results
Retail Marketing earned $40 million pretax in the current quarter versus $1 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Sunoco Inc. has reported a net pretax loss attributable to Sunoco shareholders of $660 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 versus pretax income attributable to Sunoco shareholders of $119 million for the fourth quarter of…
Valero Experiences Most Profitable Year Yet
Breaks earnings records in 2011. Valero Energy Corp., based in San Antonio, Texas, reported its highest full-year earnings since 2008, as the retail segment boasted its most profitable year in the company’s history, the ethanol segment saw its most profitable quarter, and two major acquisitions strengthened the company’s global position, according to statistics from Industrial…
Atlas Oil Hosts First Annual Sammy Awards
The Sammy Awards are voted on by Atlas team members who wish to recognize excellence among their peers. It was a star-studded evening complete with a red carpet and Oscar-esque award statues on Friday, Jan. 27 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich. “Atlas Oil is a company that prides itself on its entrepreneurial spirit…
Walgreens July Sales Up 4.7%
Fiscal 2011 year-to-date sales up 7% from fiscal 2010. Walgreens opened 13 stores during the month of July, including three relocations, and closed one store for a net increase of nine in the month. The drug store chain reported July sales of $5.82 billion, an increase of 4.7% from $5.56 billion for the same month…
Lighting the Way to Profitability
Lighters can be an afterthought. There are relatively few manufacturers, everyone merchandises them near the front counter, liability issues have cut down on cheap products and differentiation is only skin deep. But even given the limited number of companies supplying products, lighters produce an excellent margin—between 40% and 60%—and sales have been steady for the…
Pride & Perseverance
At a Glance: NOCO Express With 32 locations in Western New York and Rochester, NOCO Express is among the most recognized fuel brands in Western New York. The oil company has a 77-year history of providing fuel, lubricants and home heating oil to the market. Founded: 1933 Convenience Store and Fuel Brand: NOCO Express Jobber…
Register Now For CSD’s 2010 Foodservice Webcast Series
There’s a host of potholes marring the road to profitability, and few convenience chains on the market can afford to bankroll a multimillion dollar facility to optimize their foodservice production and profits. What c-stores can do, however, is build an effective foodservice program from the ground up if they learn to nurture the fundamentals and…