Jul 17, 2018
NACS Show Keynote Speaker Line-up Announced
An impressive roster for this year’s NACS Show includes disruptors, unmarketers and a skilled trade advocate.
NACS Comments on Proposed Tobacco Regulations
FDA proposals would limit the nicotine level in cigarettes and flavorings in tobacco products.
Albertsons Launches Instacart-Powered Virtual Store
O Organics Market will showcase grocer’s organic and natural private brands, offer same-day delivery.
Kroger Debuts OptUP App
Data-driven app aims to encourage shoppers to make healthier decisions.
Califia Farms Receives $50 Million Investment
The plant-based milk company seeks to expand manufacturing and promotion.
Consumers Want Smart Labels
70% of consumers want to know more about a product then the ingredients on the label.
Jul 16, 2018
QSRs To End ‘No Poaching’ Policies
Seven chains will stop practices that could limit employee wages and chance of advancement.
McDonald’s Salads Suspected in Outbreak of Illnesses
Two state health departments are investigating health problems caused by the cyclospora parasite.
Walmart Granted a Patent for Employee Audio Surveillance System
Company could listen in on employee conversations as part of performance evaluations.
Robot Barista Flies Into Texas Airport
Travelers to and from Austin can perk up at Briggo’s Coffee Haus with a robotic server, without ever talking with a human barista.
Jul 13, 2018
Coca-Cola Debuts Reverse Vending Machines
Pilot vending machines support Coke’s “World Without Waste” initiative.
NACS Resource Helps Retailers Tell Their Story
PR Toolkit offers guidelines for building goodwill and establishing positive relationships within the community.
Chick-fil-A Experiments with Electronic Butler Bell
Three Texas locations have seen a boost in sales and hospitality scores after installing the tabletop device.
The Value of Premium Gas
Changes in the marketplace have eroded premium gasoline’s sales, but the grade still accounts for roughly 13% of all gasoline sales.
Tim Hortons Tests Delivery in Canada
Delivery will begin in Vancouver, Edmonton and Ottawa.
Rutter’s Helps Environment Through Coffee Purchase
Convenience store chain recently debuted the second blend of its sustainable coffee program.
Jul 12, 2018
C-Store Sales Up for the First Six Months of 2018
Healthy food and drink sales expected to drive summer in-store sales at U.S. convenience stores.
Seattle Soda Tax Collection Exceeds Expectations
Added tax on sweetened beverages may not be reducing consumption.
Investigation: Possible 'No-Poach' Employee Agreements
Fast-food restaurants probed about restricting competition for employees and keeping hourly wages low.
Digital Coupons Influence QSR and Fast-Casual Diners
Study shows that customers will shift brands or try something new if offered digital coupons.
Walmart to Open More Dallas-Fort Worth Convenience Stores
Four new Walmart c-stores to open in the area this year.
Amazon Gears Up for Prime Day
For the first time, Prime Day will offer deals at Whole Foods Markets.
Jul 11, 2018
Protests Against Cashless Restaurants Grow
As the number of restaurants that eschew cash increases in Washington, D.C., city council members introduce a bill to make retailers accept cash.
Happy 7-Eleven Day!
Once again, the retailer is celebrating its birthday with free Slurpee drinks and a “seven deals in seven days” promo.
Amazon Acquisition Upends Meal-Kit Industry
While the online retailer hasn’t started bringing meal kits to Prime members, meal-kit companies have started to change their business model to stay competitive.
Drive-Thrus Outperform Dining Rooms
For fast-food restaurants, more sales are happening outside the stores, which has led chains to expand their ability to take drive-thru orders.
Looking Into Fuel’s Crystal Ball
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast offers a few predictions about the future of fueling.
Unique Gas Stations Take Center Stage
A new photography book with a preface by Jay Leno showcases the world’s quirkiest gasoline stations—and why we love them.
Jul 10, 2018
Hartford, Conn., Says No to Most 24-Hour C-Stores
The city is severely limiting the number of convenience stores open all night in an effort to curb crime.
Starbucks Will Ditch Plastic Straws
By 2020, the company will replace plastic straws with straw-free lids or alternative-material straws as part of its initiative to lower waste worldwide.
Hundreds Sickened by Del Monte Vegetable Trays
The CDC has been notified of 212 cases of cyclosporiasis in persons who reportedly consumed the recalled prepackaged Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable trays.
C-Stores Give People With Disabilities a Chance
With a tight labor market developing in many parts of the United States, businesses are finding success with hiring people who have disabilities.
Lidl Re-evaluates Its U.S. Expansion
The German grocer has opened 53 stores so far but has yet to achieve a strong foothold in the United States.
Don’t Assume You Know Your Customers, Study Them
Free webcast offers simple methods to boost digital adoption, while reducing time to market and upfront costs.
Jul 9, 2018
Make Way for On-Demand Gasoline
New trends may alter the future of gas stations.
Walmart Announces Supplier Inclusion Effort
Showcase focuses on diverse suppliers from throughout the United States.
Selling Stuff to Gen Z
Keeping up with sophisticated Z shoppers will challenge retailers.
Vendors Underwriting Amazon Prime Discounts
Supplier claims of 10% ‘scanback charge’ and other fees.
Who Hacked the Gas Pumps?
Hackers steal more than 600 gallons of fuel from Detroit gas station.
Taco Bell Celebrates Wedding Anniversary
One year and 60 weddings later, Taco Bell is renewing vows for bigger and better weddings at the Las Vegas Cantina.
Jul 6, 2018
California Groups Push for Soda Tax
In response to a 12-year ban, two health-care associations announced a statewide soda tax ballot initiative for 2020.
Is Casual Dining Staging a Comeback?
Sales at chains such as Ruby Tuesday and Applebee’s have been rebounding.
Amazon Go to Open Second Seattle Location
The city will have two cashier-less convenience stores.
Five Facts About Diesel
NACS explains why diesel historically costs more than gasoline and provides other key takeaways.
Jul 5, 2018
Gas Pump Skimming on the Rise
The U.S. Secret Service issues skimmer warning during one of the summer’s busiest travel weeks.
Miami Food Truck Delivers Convenience
The truck stocks groceries and other convenience items aimed at a Hispanic audience.
Loop Neighborhood Stores Launches ‘Loop Back’ Rewards
The program offers customers points for purchases, dollars-off coupons and other exclusive rewards.
What Makes a Business Successful?
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast features Scott Hartman, president and CEO of Rutter’s, who shares his insights about how his company stays current.
Jul 3, 2018
Seattle Straw Ban Takes Effect
City is largest U.S. locality to prohibit plastic utensils and straws in restaurants.
Amazon Helps Entrepreneurs Start Delivery Service
Participants must invest in the new business and handle Amazon shipments.
Convenience, Health Drive Sales of Frozen Food
Millennials are attracted to new innovations and time-saving options of frozen foods.
NACS Wins Nine Prestigious EXCEL Awards
NACS Magazine and “Convenience Matters” podcast each racked up multiple honors from Association Media & Publishing.
Jul 2, 2018
Kroger and Robomart to Pilot Driverless Delivery
Stores will test unmanned vehicles for same-day grocery deliveries later this year.
Consumer Demand Grows for Plant-based Proteins
Whether it’s eggs, beef or chicken, plant-based versions are available.
McDonald’s Introduces Globe-Trotting Menu
But it’s only a treat for employees at the company’s Chicago headquarters.
Soda Companies Experience Sales Increase
PepsiCo, Dr Pepper Snapple and the Coca-Cola Company posted positive sales growth during the four weeks that ended on June 16.
Jun 29, 2018
Will California Prohibit Taxes on Soda?
Bills at the state level could ban localities from enacting their own tax on soft drinks.
Senate Passes Legislation to Reauthorize SNAP
Farm Bill passes the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.
AmEx, Amazon Partner on Small Business Credit Card
The credit card company beat other banks to issue the co-branded card.
BP to Acquire U.K.’s Largest EV Charging Company
The purchase is an important step in scaling up and deploying a fast and ultra-fast charging network on BP’s U.K. forecourts.
Twin City Caps Tobacco Licenses
St. Paul, Minnesota, City Council approved a measure that would not allow for any new licenses to be issued beyond the current number.
Why Gas Mileage Improves in the Summer
There are significant environmental benefits to summer-blend fuel, as well as increased fuel efficiency.
Jun 28, 2018
10 Top Companies Working on Food-Tracking Blockchain
Innovative technology will help the food industry know where food has traveled.
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Advanced Biofuels
Travel center and fuel retailing executive testifies and shares insights on advanced biofuels and the RFS.
Millennials Cook Less, Order More Delivery
Current millennial eating habits could impact U.S. food producers negatively in the future, UBS reports.
South Korea to Funnel Funds to Hydrogen Fueling
Government partners with private businesses to put more hydrogen vehicles on the road.
Dunkin’ Donuts to Launch ‘Donut Fries’
New LTO snack pops into stores to celebrate Independence Day.
Data for Your Business
The U.S. Census has tools available to help retailers boost their business.
Jun 27, 2018
U.S. EPA Releases Proposed Renewable Fuel Volumes
2019 draft volumes are less than statutory targets.
U.S. Supreme Court Closes Sales Tax Loophole for Online Stores
The ruling means that states can require Internet retailers to collect sales tax without having a physical presence in that state.
Californians Will Vote on Repealing Gas Tax
The November ballot proposition would kill the state’s new tax on gasoline and repeal vehicle fees.
What Will Influence American Food?
Latin America, Middle East and the Mediterranean are the top three regions that will impact American food this year.
Convenience Stores Embrace Payment Apps
Cumberland Farms’ SmartPay mobile app has helped the regional chain connect with customers.
An Industry Reflection
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast features industry icon Roy Strasburger.
Jun 26, 2018
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of American Express
Implications for other card networks unclear following 5-4 decision.
2017 State of the Industry Report Released
NACS report of 2017 data provides valuable information for retailer benchmarking and decision-making.
Early Bird Deadline Extended for NACS Show
Save $300 when you register by Wednesday.
Fuel Retailing: It’s Not Just About Price
Why lighting, cleanliness and the overall customer experience matter for fuel sales.
Jun 25, 2018
Coca-Cola China Testing AI-Enabled Retail Freezer
‘Smart’ store attracts customers, simplifies management and supports female entrepreneurship.
U.S. States Pressure Automakers on EVs
California and eight other states unveil an ambitious plan to boost sales of electric cars.
California Legislators Could Restrict Kids’ Meals
Proposed bill would make California the first U.S. state to regulate restaurant meals for youngsters.
Wingstop Restaurants to Expand U.S. Delivery Service
More chicken wings will fly out the door with the addition of new technology.
Jun 22, 2018
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Farm Bill
Legislation to reauthorize SNAP passes by a narrow, party-line vote.
Massachusetts Approves $15-per-hour Minimum Wage
The bill passed both House and Senate by a vast majority.
Starbucks to Shutter 150 Stores
The coffeehouse chain, while having more locations than McDonald’s, will be closing around three times as many units as it usually does.
Gaining Fans, One Bite at a Time
Krispy Krunchy Chicken has been winning converts with its fried chicken franchises in gas stations and convenience stores.
Dollar General Tests App-based Checkout
The discount chain is the latest retailer to dip its toes into mobile checkout.
How BMI Affects Consumer Behavior and Attitudes
Study suggests c-stores can be a positive force in changing behavior and helping reverse obesity levels.
Jun 21, 2018
McDonald’s Eliminating Plastic Straws in U.K. and Ireland
More foodservice providers are moving away from one-use, plastic products.
Rosé Grows and Two Companies Turn Wine into Water
Latest trends in the wine and water categories.
Retailers Use Tax Benefits to Hire Employees
Some retailers are using tax cut savings to offer better salaries and benefits.
Publix Wants to Park Your Car
Complimentary valet service now available to shoppers at Tampa Bay stores.
Jun 20, 2018
Walmart Develops New Sam’s Club Concept
The store will be smaller than its usual warehouse size and will focus on fresh foods and digital technology.
EPA Approves Air Quality Implementation Plans for Pennsylvania
The agency also has issued proposed rules to relax federal volatility requirements in five Louisiana parishes.
Ban on Artificial Trans Fats in Effect
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially bans trans fats after they were ruled unsafe to eat three years ago.
Adding Fresh Fruit to Menus
From juices to bowls to smoothies, fresh fruit is appearing on more menus.
Where Have All the Home Cooks Gone?
Meal kits, takeout and drive-thrus are squeezing out grocers and food makers as fewer people cook at home.
Don’t Let Disasters Derail Your Business
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast discusses the important role convenience stores play in emergencies and why preparation is key to weathering any storm.
Jun 19, 2018
Ontario C-Stores Wait for Beer, Wine Sales
Retailers across the province are struggling, and hope that adding wine and beer will boost their bottom line.
Tyson Creates Snack Crisps from Food Waste
One man’s trash is another man’s snack treasure.
Text Recruiting Gives Employers Competitive Edge
Mobile-first strategy can broaden recruiting outreach and cut time to fill open positions.
GasBuddy Recognizes Top Restrooms
Weigel’s was voted cleanest c-store bathroom in Tennessee and fifth-cleanest in the United States.
Jun 18, 2018
Four Food Trends for Summer
Vegan offerings, low-cal ice cream, bold snacks and flavored sparkling waters are in.
Dollar General Gets Fresh With In-store Produce
Dollar store shoppers to find fruits and veggies in 450 stores.
Philadelphia Eyes New Scheduling Law
Law would require retail and fast-food businesses to be more flexible in assigning work shifts to employees.
How to Improve Retail Data Security
Free Conexxus webinar will discuss how data science can be used to more effectively detect security threats.