As the economy slowing recovers, customers are still adapting. With that in mind, Mintel has predicted nine key consumer trends for the year ahead, examining how long term behavior has been implicated. In 2011, consumers are living for the long term with attitudes inspired by a changed value set. “The effects of the global economic…
Shopping for POS Solutions
Convenience to customers today means one-stop shopping, short lines at the counter and the ability to get in and out of a store fast. New integrated point-of-sale (POS) solutions are speeding up service and offering customers the convenience they demand thanks to faster processing times. What’s more, they’re saving operators money, labor and time. Finding…
Electronic Wallet: The New Way to Pay
The thirsty teenager steps up to a bright red vending machine and takes out her mobile phone. She places the phone near a reader attached to the machine and a cold can of cola is immediately dispensed. This scene is repeated thousands of times each day for thirsty consumers—in Japan. For almost six years, Japanese…
Processing PCI Confusion
Many retailers are breathing a sigh of relief in regard to PCI, after this summer’s deadline for software compliance was relaxed after a request by the major oil companies, giving scrambling retailers a little more time to comply. But retailers be warned: chains that face a breach could still get hit with huge fines. “Some…
Hands free water and ice dispenser
Hoshizaki America Inc. offers the new hands-free water and ice dispenser, models DT-400-AR and DT-400BAH-OS. The former features a drop-in replacement refrigeration circuit, ease of serviceability for maintaining ice making/dispensing operation and simple disconnects for removal and installation. DT-400BAH-OS features a self-contained space saving design (21w x 22.5d x72.5h with 6-inch legs) and front in…
Superior Surveillance Helps Bolster the Bottom Line
In today’s difficult economy, most convenience store owners are turning their focus to profit driving initiatives to give business a boost. When dollars are tight, allotting extra funds to upgrade security equipment might seem a lower priority or even a frivolous expense, but experts note investing in security and surveillance measures can be a retailer’s…
The Future of Retail Technology
Imagine a day when your customers pay for coffee by scanning a cell phone, and play their favorite music at the gas pump with a quick swipe of a loyalty card. Well, ready or not, such technology is already out there and it’s coming for c-stores—the only question is how soon. As the Millennial generation…
Keeping C-Stores Secure
When he thinks of PCI compliance, Ed Freels, director of information systems for Honey Farms Inc. recalls an old t-shirt slogan from the 1970s, “It showed the AC130 gun ship from the Vietnam era and it said, ‘You can run, but you’ll just die tired,’ and PCI compliance is no different. The most dangerous merchant…
Would You Like Wi-Fi With That?
Wi-Fi is a trendy offering customers are clamoring for, and it’s starting to appear at more c-store locations, including BP, Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes and Rutter’s Farm Stores, especially as chains expand their foodservice programs and look for new ways to pull foot traffic into the store. Coffee shops, such as Starbucks have long…
Social Networking Takes Retail by Storm
Speedy Personalized DealsChristianna Frizzell, customer relationship manager for Speedway SuperAmerica, said the best online responses will come from email blasts and text message campaigns if you know your demographic and keep contact timely and relevant. It can also be helpful to look at how customers are contacting you. For example, are they emailing or calling…