C-store executives charged with marketing to the Hispanic community may be chagrined to find that there is, when all is said and done, no Hispanic community. Instead, there are many Hispanic communities. According to Chicago-based Doyle Research Associates Inc., “Hispanics possess many cultural similarities like common language, Spaniard ancestry and common religion. On the other…
The Economic Reality of Recruiting
Just 24 months ago, anyone who wanted a frontline, hourly worker’s job only needed a pulse to get hired. Now, we are faced with staggering unemployment, massive underemployment and tremendous job dissatisfaction. A new report releases from The Conference Board found that just 45% of workers in the U.S. were satisfied with their jobs, the…
Lighting the Way
Best Practices for Reducing Operating Costs There is a lengthy list of general maintenance items retailers should have to maximize cooler efficiency. Jerry Lawson, national manager for Energy Star Small Business and Congregations Network, a division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, recommended the following no-cost tips that are designed to help reduce…
Churro Fries
Looking for an innovative, versatile new product feature on your appetizer and dessert menus? J&J Snack Foods introduces TIO PEPE’S Churro Fries—authentic churros in a fun, new shape. Rolled in cinnamon sugar, TIO PEPE’S Churro Fries offer the perfect anytime item. Bite-size/mini offerings were ranked the No. 4 trend on the “What’s Hot” Chef’s Survey…
Impulse Buy Books
“Thin Threads—Real Stories of Life Changing Moments” is a unique book series published and distributed by Kiwi Publishing. Thin Threads Special Editions are now available with a customized point-of-purchase (P-O-P) display. The P-O-P has a small footprint (11-inches by 11-inches) and can fit well close to the coffee station, a counter or a shelf. The…
Citrus Mints
Sunkist Citrus Burst is a line of citrus mints that combines all-natural fruit flavors with a low-calorie, sugar-free formulation. Key selling features include high profile Sunkist branding; a natural, sugar-free option for health-conscious consumers with no aspartame or aftertaste; a pocket-friendly custom design with attractive graphics. The product is priced for a strong unit profit…
Quiet Commercial Blender
Vitamix has introduced The Quiet One, a powerful, premium blender that offers sound reduction and improved speed of service. According to independent third party testing by OnSpeX, the blender operates at 18 decibels below its closest competitor when blending a milkshake. An innovative door seal design, coupled with patent-pending floating technology significantly reduces vibration transmission…
Feel the Squeeze
Made with real fruit to retain all of the fiber and nutrients nature intended, Jolly Llama Real Whole Fruit Sorbet Squeezups are a convenient, great-tasting frozen treat. The family-friendly Sorbet Squeezups are all-natural, gluten-free, dairy-free and fat-free, and are sweetened with pure cane sugar and fortified with vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.…
Home Recipe Favorite
General Mills has introduced Chex Mix Muddy Buddies to convenience store retailers. Inspired by the popular homemade recipe, Chex Mix Muddy Buddies is a combination of chocolate and peanut butter Corn Chex cereal pieces tossed in a sweet powdery coating. Each 4.5-ounce bag has a suggested retail price of $2.19. The snack mix aims to…
Gas Island Vending
The first gas island vending solution now is available at selected WilcoHess locations in North Carolina. WilcoHess LLC, an operator of travel plazas and convenience stores in the Southeastern U.S., has collaborated with Allied Electronics, a provider of service station automation systems, The Pinnacle Corp., an automation technology and software supplier, and Vendgogh LLC, a…