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The article discusses the rising importance of value for consumers and the need for convenience store retailers to highlight the value they offer. Many consumers are living within a budget and seeking ways to get the most out of their money. The price of products is cited as the most important factor in defining a positive shopping experience for consumers. Retailers must understand what shoppers want, how they want it, and what they are willing to pay for it. Emphasizing value through pricing, quality, selection, and experience is crucial for convenience store operators. The article also mentions the importance of customer perception and the potential for higher-priced food items to be seen as a value. Retailers should focus on their own brand identity and local market needs when developing promotions. Understanding the customer base is key to unlocking value. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides a summary of the 2024 Convenience Foodservice Exchange event in Tampa, Florida. The event offered networking opportunities and valuable insights for foodservice executives to enhance their businesses. Key topics discussed included finding a unique selling point, transforming food and beverage programs, and developing a digital customer engagement strategy. The article also highlights the journey of Murphy USA Inc. in improving its foodservice program and emphasizes the significance of asking questions and making strategic investments. It further explores the importance of building digital connections and engagement with customers in the convenience store foodservice market, with retailers implementing loyalty programs and personalized offers. The article concludes by mentioning the evolution of convenience store foodservice programs and the need for operators to differentiate themselves in the marketplace, while acknowledging the future changes in shopping habits and technology integration. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights how convenience store retailers are enhancing customer engagement through mobile phone technologies to provide a more convenient shopping experience. Topics discussed include the adoption of seamless digital interactions, the integration of mobile apps with loyalty programs, and the use of push notifications and geofencing to boost customer engagement.

The article explores the intricate process of menu development, highlighting how convenience stores like Twice Daily and Casey's General Stores adapt their offerings based on customer feedback and trends. Topics discussed include Twice Daily's customizable menu expansion, Casey's new sandwich lineup and ingredient improvements, and the role of consistent menu updates and collaborations in driving foodservice success.

Convenience store operators are focusing on the future of foodservice and developing strategies to compete in the coming years. Increasing customer counts, using loyalty programs, and menu innovation are the top priorities for operators. Employee training and operational efficiencies are also important, as operators struggle with hiring and retention. Many operators plan to upgrade their foodservice equipment, with cooking equipment being the highest priority. Convenience stores view other c-stores as their main foodservice competitor, but are also concerned about chain sandwich shops and quick-service restaurants. Operators are enhancing the onsite experience, improving the order process, and making menu improvements to attract customers. Promotions through social media, loyalty programs, and at-pump signage are popular among operators. [Extracted from the article]

The Convenience Store News article discusses the challenges faced by small operators in the convenience store industry in the United States. Despite increasing pressure, small operators are finding ways to adapt and persevere. The article highlights that about two-thirds of participants reported an increase in total sales in 2023, driven more by foodservice and in-store merchandise than motor fuels. The article also discusses the top business challenges for small operators in 2024, including inflation, economic issues, and staffing. Despite these challenges, small operators are investing in technology, store remodeling, and employee training to enhance the customer experience and drive long-term growth. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the data, which underscores the growing emphasis convenience store operators are placing on prepared food offerings, with a notable +12 percent growth in this category observed in 2023. Branded foodservice programs, such as those offered by Sbarro and Krispy Krunchy Chicken, are becoming pivotal for operators seeking to expand their prepared food offerings, as they contribute significantly to in-store sales and margins.

The article discusses three significant mergers and acquisitions, which reshaped the US convenience store industry in 2023, as bp acquired TravelCenters of America Inc., Majors Management Inc. purchased approximately 200 MAPCO Express sites from COPEC, and Maverik acquired Kum and Go LC. These deals caused notable shifts in the 2024 Convenience Store News Top 100 rankings, with bp rising to number 5, Maverik to number 11, and Majors Management to number 19.

The article highlights the flourishing state of the foodservice category within convenience stores, showcasing increased sales and profits alongside investments in technology and menu innovation. Topics include the robust presence of prepared food and dispensed beverages in convenience stores, with significant revenue contributions from these segments.

The article discusses convenience store operators' optimism and long-term investments in prepared food and dispensed beverages. Topics include challenges like economic difficulties, rising costs, and employee retention struggles, alongside insights into menu trends and financial landscapes impacting convenience foodservice.

The article explores the challenges convenience store retailers face in maintaining profitable foodservice programs, emphasizing the importance of operational excellence over menu offerings. Topics include addressing prepared food inconsistency through training, leveraging technology for efficient ordering and inventory management, and optimizing kitchen workflows and equipment for improved execution.

The article discusses the latest trends in the convenience store car wash industry. In-bay automatic, touchless washes are becoming more popular, with many convenience store operators opting for this type of system. Car wash subscriptions are also gaining traction, with operators seeing high margins and a high auto-renewal rate. The article also mentions advancements in car wash equipment, such as customizable lighting and sound features. Additionally, the subscription model is becoming popular, as it not only generates recurring revenue but also encourages customers to make additional purchases at the store. [Extracted from the article]

The general merchandise category in convenience stores has seen a decline in sales and volume, making it important for retailers to develop strategies to differentiate themselves in this category. 7-Eleven, for example, focuses on understanding customer needs and preferences through data analysis and offers unique collections of apparel and accessories. To maximize the potential of the general merchandise category, convenience stores should go beyond selling basic items and consider offering niche products and private label options. Private label growth is also essential for retailers to maintain sales and margin. [Extracted from the article]

Convenience store retailers are increasingly focusing on developing their own private brand products in order to provide quality, value, and differentiation to their customers. This trend is driven by the growing demand for store-brand products in the grocery, mass merchant, and dollar store channels. Retailers like 7-Eleven and TXB are investing in product development and expanding their private label assortments to meet the changing needs of shoppers. They aim to offer high-quality, differentiated products at a better value than national brands. The convenience store channel is expected to continue experiencing growth in private brand products, with retailers introducing new items and entering new categories. [Extracted from the article]

The 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo, held in Indianapolis, addressed the challenges and opportunities in the candy and snacks industry. Consumers are still treating themselves despite economic pressures, with 86% believing it is acceptable to occasionally have a treat. Candy's affordability is changing, with 55% of consumers now perceiving it as affordable compared to 74% in 2023. The snack industry is facing higher prices, supply chain issues, and new diet trends, but U.S. consumers are still snacking, although slightly less frequently. The convenience store channel plays a significant role in consumers' daily lives, with one in three shoppers seeking a snack during their convenience store trips. C-store chain Kwik Trip sees potential in candy and snacks, leveraging its bakery offering, private label line, and loyalty program to drive sales, particularly among Generation Z. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the slow progress of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) programs within the U.S. convenience store industry, as revealed by a new study conducted by Convenience Store News. Topics discussed include the current state of D&I initiatives, the reasons behind the lack of such programs in many organizations, and the future plans and challenges faced by industry players in advancing D&I efforts.

The article focuses on the 2024 Convenience Store News Category Captains awards, highlighting 16 suppliers and distributors recognized for their contributions to the convenience store industry. Topics discussed include product innovation and marketing strategies in various categories such as alternative snacks, beer/malt beverages, and candy.

The article focuses on the importance of strategic marketing for convenience store foodservice offerings, highlighting the need for quality, consistency, and customer engagement to drive sales and profits. Topics discussed include the unique characteristics of foodservice marketing, winning strategies for promoting foodservice items, and the role of sampling, promotions, and limited-time offers in attracting customers and increasing sales.

The article discusses some signs of growing optimism of convenience store retailers in 2024, according to the results of "2024 Forecast Study." Topics include factors that have pluralities of convenience store retailers anticipating sales that are unchanged from the previous year in numerous product categories, positive signs for the convenience channel, and mixed sentiments of retailers regarding the future of motor fuels.

The article focuses on Andrew Clyde, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Murphy USA, a chain of retail gas stations, who has been named the 2023 Convenience Store News Retailer Executive of the Year. It also mentions Clyde's leadership style centers around asking questions, fostering a culture of curiosity within his team, and steering Murphy USA through a decade of impressive growth, strategic expansion, and a commitment to delivering value to customers.

The article evaluates several food products including Bud Light Chelada Tajin Chile Limon soft drink from Anheuser-Busch, Chex Mix Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars from General Mills, and Chester's New Everything Fried Chicken Sandwich from Chester's Chicken.

The article highlights the ongoing acceleration of innovation in the U.S. convenience store industry, emphasizing the industry's shift toward understanding and addressing customer needs. Various convenience store retailers, such as TXB and Casey's General Stores, are implementing digital technology and innovative strategies to enhance the guest experience and operational efficiency.

Thee article focuses on the winners of the 12th annual class of Foodservice Innovators Awards 2023, sponsored by the journal "Convenience Store News" including Kum & Go LC, Dash in Food Stores, and Curby's Express Market.

The article focuses on the increasing role of technology in enhancing operational excellence within the convenience store industry, as highlighted by industry experts and leaders. Topics include the challenges faced by convenience store retailers in prioritizing information technology (IT) requests and integrating technology solutions, the importance of choosing adaptable technology vendors, and the artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and provide innovative solutions.

The article focuses on a convenience store chain Curby's Express Market's emphasis on developing a strong beverage program as a key component of its business strategy. Topics discussed include the expansion of their beverage offerings, the importance of innovation and customization in attracting customers, and the role of promotions and social media in driving beverage sales.

The article discusses the increasing importance of delivery, pickup, and drive-thru services in the convenience store industry, emphasizing how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of these services. Topics include the growth of delivery and pickup, the value proposition of convenience stores, and considerations for implementing drive-thru options.

The article highlights the growing momentum in the convenience store industry towards embracing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as EV adoption increases, with various retailers and travel centers planning to implement EV charging stations. Topics include the significance of owning vs. partnering with third parties for charging stations, the need to consider demand charges, and strategies for capitalizing on the longer dwell times of EV customers to boost in-store sales.

The article discusses the highlights of the 2023 Convenience Foodservice Exchange event in Nashville, focusing on how convenience store chains like Casey's General Stores and Kwik Trip have made foodservice a central aspect of their business strategies. Topics include strategies for instilling a foodservice culture, the success of Casey's General Stores in foodservice, and the importance of fresh, quality ingredients in food offerings.

The article focuses on the Top Women in Convenience (TWIC) awards program, which celebrates its 10th anniversary, highlighting its significance in recognizing female leaders within the convenience store industry. Topics include the purpose and history of TWIC, the categories of honorees (Women of the Year, Senior-Level Leaders, Rising Stars, and Mentors), the evaluation process, the upcoming 2023 TWIC class, and the gala event to honor the winners in Atlanta.

The article focuses on the importance of differentiation in the success of convenience foodservice retailers. Topics include the significance of compelling offerings to drive foot traffic, building loyalty and boosting revenue, the revenue growth in foodservice sales industrywide, the need to stay ahead of trends to create standout food offerings, providing value in pricing, and the emphasis on quality, consistency, and innovation to differentiate foodservice programs.

The article focuses on the importance of technology and improved marketing efforts in building a successful foodservice program in convenience stores. It also include the use of technology for ordering and payment methods, the expansion of competitors in the foodservice industry and the most used promotional channels such as social media and at-pump signage.

Rusty Lantern Markets, a convenience store chain based in Brunswick, Maine, has introduced a new store design aimed at creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for customers. The new stores feature a functional fireplace with plush seating, outdoor seating around firepits, and a revised layout that emphasizes the "theater" of the store. The company also focuses on providing fresh food made onsite, local and craft product selections, and a clean environment. Customers have responded positively to the new design and offerings. Rusty Lantern Markets plans to continue expanding and improving its stores, as well as its digital offerings and loyalty program. [Extracted from the article]

Love's Travel Stops, a family-owned business based in Oklahoma City, has been recognized for its award-winning company culture. The culture is centered around respect and taking care of each other, and it is embraced by top leadership as well as all employees. Love's executives go on culture tours to gather feedback from field employees and ensure that the culture is sustained across the organization's 642 locations. The company also prioritizes inclusion and diversity, with initiatives such as employee resource groups and community partnerships. Love's commitment to its culture has contributed to its success for over 60 years. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of foodservice in convenience stores and the need for these stores to prioritize hospitality and customer treatment. It highlights successful examples of convenience stores that have developed food programs, such as YPF in Argentina, Shell's European division, and PTT in Thailand. The article emphasizes the need for convenience stores to create a professional and clean environment, implement food safety precautions, and provide outstanding customer service. It also suggests that having restaurant seating can enhance the perception of a convenience store as a food provider. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of offering quality food and operating cost-effectively to be successful in the foodservice business. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights the return of the NACS Show to Las Vegas in October 2024, embracing the city's 24/7 culture as it celebrates its deep ties with the convenience store industry. Topics discussed include evolving foodservice trends, the impact of artificial intelligence, and strategies for enhancing customer experience.

The article focuses on the role of technology in the convenience store industry, with insights from the Convenience Store News (CSNews) Technology Leadership Roundtable & Dinner. Topics discussed include the impact of mobile services, the importance of data-driven strategies, and the challenges and tools related to convenience store technology.

The article evaluates several snack foods from General Mills including King Size Peanut Butter Chocolate Chex Mix Bars, Old El PasoTM Fiesta Twists, and DunkaroosTM Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

The article discusses the growing trend of private brand products in convenience stores and their efforts to enhance customer loyalty. Convenience store operators are focusing on branding and marketing their private label products as unique offerings, aiming to differentiate themselves from national brand items. Companies like Texas Born (TXB) and Casey's General Stores are developing private brand assortments, emphasizing quality, unique flavors, and product quality to drive sales.

The article emphasizes the importance of cost-effective technology solutions for small convenience store operators. It highlights the need to find ways to make operations more efficient, save costs, and enhance customer service when investing in technology with limited budgets. Small operators seek a return on investment (ROI) from technology that improves customer satisfaction, labor management, and efficiency.

The article discusses the evolution of convenience store forecourts and the role of technology in improving the customer experience. It emphasizes the importance of integrating various technologies, such as contactless payment, loyalty programs, personalized promotions, and at-the-pump ordering, to create a seamless and convenient experience for customers. It also highlights the significance of remote management systems for fuel pumps and the need for a cohesive digital experience.

The article discusses the lack of significant changes in the convenience store industry's rankings in the 2023 Convenience Store News Top 100 report. The article also highlights the recent increase in mergers and acquisitions, with BP's acquisition of TravelCenters of America Inc. being a notable example, indicating growing interest in the travel center and truck stop space.

The article discusses the record-breaking sales of convenience stores in the United States as the country returns to normalcy post-pandemic. It mentions that the increase in sales is primarily driven by motor fuel sales, which saw a significant annual increase, and in-store sales, which reached a new high. It also mentions that despite the dominance of fuel sales in terms of total sales, in-store sales accounted for a higher proportion of gross profit.

The article focuses on the increasing influence of Millennials and Generation Z on the convenience store industry. Topics include how the generations are visiting convenience stores with the importance of understanding their preferences and buying habits; and the influence of technology such as contactless shopping and mobile ordering, the importance of the overall shopping experience, and the impact of price increases and product availability on customer behavior.

The article highlights the Convenience Store News' 2023 Category Captains awards that honor 15 suppliers and distributors who have developed innovative solutions to overcome the challenges in the c-store landscape such as supply chain issues, labor shortages, and record inflation in commitment to meeting retailer customers' needs. It explores how some of the honorees have worked closely with their c-store customers to come up with solutions to the challenges of the retail environment.

The article focuses on the misconceptions of convenience store industry companies regarding diversity and inclusion (D&I) programs. Topics include corporate responsibility to get involved in D&I issues, concerns about alienating customers, and viewing D&I as a big company initiative; and Industry players who are leading the charge for change as misconceptions, and encourage companies to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, which will lead to better business results.

the article focuses on the importance of data in the convenience store industry and the steps retailers should take to leverage it effectively. Convenience stores need to collect and segment data, create personalized loyalty programs, and use incentives to capture customer information. The initial point of engagement should be frictionless, and maintaining engagement throughout the customer journey is crucial.

The article focuses on Dash In's efforts to redefine the neighborhood store concept by enhancing the guest experience through a new prototype store. Topics include the company's shift towards the neighborhood store concept, the brand strategy review, the introduction of a first-of-its-kind prototype store, and the new elements included in the prototype, such as a new visual identity, an elevated store environment, and an all-new "made for you" menu.

The article focuses on how convenience store retailers are utilizing mobile technology to engage customers and enhance the shopping experience. Topics include the importance of mobile-first websites and dedicated apps, the role of mobile phones in driving convenience, the impact of mobile ordering and rewards programs, and the potential for future mobile opportunities such as in-store navigation and real-time data analysis.

The article offers information on the Conexxus Annual Conference held in Arlington, Texas, from April 28-May 2, 2024. Leaders from Sheetz Inc. and Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. discussed their distinct technology journeys in the convenience store industry, with Sheetz Inc. highlighting their technology infrastructure supporting 725 stores across several states, emphasizing three key areas such as foundational architecture, innovation in automation, and data-driven decision-making.

The article informs that convenience store retailers explore beyond challenges like supply chain woes, the labor shortage and inflation posed by covid-19 pandemic to enhance their future foodservice programs. It is noted that C-store retailers need to take a phased approach to foodservice program development that will set them up for long-term success.