NACSTech, an event that brings together c-store and fuel retailers and supplier IT professionals, kicked off May 21 in Nashville at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center and concluded today, May 23. At the conclusion of the event, came an announcement that next year’s technology convention is set to look quite different. NACS, the Association of…
Jacksons Food Stores Works With Acumera for Information Security
Jackson’s Food Stores turns to Acumera for all of its network integration and management, says Patrick Abernathy. Meridian, Idaho-based Jacksons Food Stores Inc. chose Acumera to manage its network and connections with the chain’s 200 retail locations with more than 1,900 store systems. With Acumera, Jackson’s Food Stores will have more information security, connectivity and…
Maximizing A Convention
By John Matthews, founder and president of Gray Cat Enterprises Inc. Whether this is your first industry convention or you are a seasoned pro, I am a firm believer that establishing a well-thought out plan in advance of attending an industry convention is key for maximizing results. Many conventions can be daunting with thousands of…
The National Advisory Group: Building Profits and Relationships
Only one more week to capitalize on early bird registration for the 2011 NAG Ideas Conference in Savannah, Ga. There is more pressure than ever on convenience store chains to not only exceed customers’ expectations, but to stay ahead of the competition, navigate legislative issues and still be good corporate citizens in the communities they…
Tracking the Trends
While the convenience store industry is in a much better position to withstand the strains of the current economic recession, one thing is painfully clear. Customers are changing the way they buy goods and services and retailers must keep up with those changes to avoid becoming obsolete. A new generation of Millennials, those born between…
Networking at the NAG Ideas Conference
David Johnson named group chairman as the National Advisory Group concludes its 2010 meeting focused on building profits and relationships. The National Advisory Group’s (NAG) 2010 Ideas Conference wrapped up in Charleston, S.C., offering convenience store owners a much better understanding of the issues facing small and mid-sized businesses and family-owned companies. Whether it’s dealing…
Marketing and Social Media
In 2011, look for cause marketing to be a bigger trend. An expert panel at the U.S. Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) annual meeting revealed that the trend toward cause marketing is the next step in engaging customers and increasing loyalty. But it’s not enough just to pick a cause and throw together a promotion. Customers…
Three Loyalty Trends to Take Hold by 2030
COLLOQUY magazine has predicted three loyalty trends expected to shape the future of marketing two decades down the road. It calls the three trends, “The Next New Normal,” “The New I-Network” and “The New Marketing Reality.” The Next New NormalCOLLOQUY predicts that multi-generational households will place a stronger focus on localism in coming years, and…
Rutter’s Debuts Mobile Coupon iPhone App
Now the iPhone not only can point customers to the nearest Rutter’s, but now it can save them money once they arrive. Rutter’s Farm Stores is rolling out mobile couponing via its iPhone application, which is available as a free download from www.rutters.com. Customers who already have the Rutter’s app can download an update to…
Kum & Go Debuts ‘Name Our Cup’ Contest
Kum & Go L.C. has kicked off its summer fountain drink contest dubbed the ‘Name Our Cup Contest’ where customers get a free soda with purchase. The contest, which started on May 1, is a first of its kind for the convenience store chain. Customers will submit names at the beginning of the summer for Kum…