Apr 20, 2018
Wawa Claims Top Spot as America’s Favorite Sandwich Shop
An annual survey found the chain jumped four places to grab the No. 1 spot for sandwiches.
California Assemblyman Pulls State Combustion-Engine Ban Proposal
The most ambitious proposal for a statewide transition to electric vehicles has been tabled for now.
Coke Signs With Cargo to Capture Rideshare Commerce
The soft drink company will offer Glaceau Smartwater in Lyft and Uber cars in Atlanta.
Automakers Testify to Make 95 Octane the New Standard
The U.S. auto industry has begun a push to replace the 87 octane as the default “regular” gasoline.
Apr 19, 2018
Kroger Introduces New Education Program
Company’s new long-term employee investments follow enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Coffee Industry Fights California Cancer Warning
Ruling says that coffee is not exempt from Prop 65 and therefore must carry a cancer warning.
Aramark, Chef Jamie Oliver Announce Exclusive Partnership
Companies will work together to encourage a nutritional revolution across the U.K. and Ireland.
7-Eleven Honors Public Servants
Company delivered 5,000 pizzas and 15,000 donuts to police, emergency rooms and post offices.
Apr 18, 2018
More Restaurants Ditch Cash
Only credit or debit cards and other payment forms are accepted at a growing number of eateries.
EIA Says Gas Prices Could Jump 14%
The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects the average cost for a gallon of unleaded gasoline to reach $2.74, 33 cents higher than last year.
Change Comes Slowly to Fuels Market
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast dives into how the vehicles and fuels market will evolve.
Farm Bill Introduced in the House
The Agriculture Committee considers legislation today that will reauthorize SNAP and other USDA programs.
Maryland Planning Statewide Electric Vehicle Charging Network
NACS submits letter in response to Maryland’s plan.
Oklahoma Issues Waivers Due to Drought and Wildfires
The 30-day waiver is in response to severe drought conditions and wildfire.
Apr 17, 2018
C-Stores Keep Drivers Fueled
New NACS infographic highlights where consumers fuel up and how often.
Renewable Fuel Standard and Octane Fuels Discussed at Hill Hearing
NACS counsel testified in a subcommittee hearing on the RFS and octane.
Complying with Menu Labeling Regulations
Missed last week’s webinar? Check it out online.
NACS In Store Kicks Off 2018 Events
In March, five grassroots government relations events were held across the Midwest and South.
Apr 16, 2018
A Dash of Amazon AI Insight
SwiftIQ CEO breaks down insight automation, artificial intelligence trends for c-store retailers.
5 Takeaways on the Fuel Outlook
OPIS’ Kloza expects a temperate short-term outlook for fuel and oil.
Frozen Food Heats Up
Americans are thawing in their reservations about consuming frozen foods.
QSRs Rethink Design
From Taco Bell to McDonald’s, fast-food chains are tinkering with store designs in an attempt to connect more with customers.
Apr 13, 2018
SOI: 5 Great Ideas
Industry leaders were encouraged to be prepared for anything and think big.
8 Trends That Matter for C-Stores
SOI speaker Todd Hale highlights what convenience retailers should be tracking and trying in 2018, and why.
Iowa Governor Signs Anti-Skimming Law
The new regulation aims to combat skimming devices at fuel pumps.
Madison Approves Security Cameras at Convenience Stores
The new ordinance requires all retailers to install cameras with views of specific areas.
Is Sour the New Sweet?
Consumers are gobbling up sour foods and beverages.
Gas Station Revives Retro Service to Allay Fears
In Atlanta, a retailer is offering gas “valets” to combat a rash of “slider” crimes.
Apr 12, 2018
Convenience Store Sales, Profits Edged Higher in 2017
The industry numbers are being announced during this week’s NACS State of the Industry Summit.
NACS State of the Industry Data Previewed at SOI Summit
In-depth infographic breaks down industry and fuel sales, as well as gas prices.
Impact 21’s President Lisa Stewart to be Inducted to the Conexxus Hall of Fame
During the Conexxus Annual Conference later this month, Stewart will be honored for many years of commitment to industry standards and process improvements.
Walmart Releasing 500 Additional Pickup Towers
Positive feedback shows “giant vending machines” offer convenience for online shoppers.
Instacart Closes $350 million Series E Financing
Funding will help grocery delivery startup to accelerate growth and support U.S. expansion.
Expanded Version of Cool New Products Launched at State of the Industry Summit
Nearly 100 new products were on display for retailers to scan this week in Chicago.
Apr 11, 2018
A Healthy Store
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast talks about how convenience stores help their customers make healthier choices.
Food Stamp Overhaul Worries Retailers
Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could impact food retailers.
M&M’S Brings Back Flavor Vote
Beginning this month, fans can purchase three new flavors and cast votes daily for their favorite.
Target Pilots New Rewards Program
This loyalty program isn’t connected to the company’s Redcard store credit card.
Apr 10, 2018
Walmart, Target Kill Card Signatures
Retailers say they will stop the “worthless practice” of requiring customer signatures for card purchases.
April Is National Volunteer Month
Convenience stores can coordinate efforts to help volunteers in their communities.
Bud Light Introduces Two New Brews
Brewer adds Bud Light Orange and Bud Light Lime to its citrus portfolio.
Wawa Celebrates 54 Years With Free Coffee
Convenience retailer celebrates its founding and The Wawa Foundation achieves its goal of donating $50 million.
Apr 9, 2018
Eco-Friendly Packaging a Top Expectation from Consumers
National study found that recyclable cartons are important to food and beverage shoppers.
Sonic Continues Testing of Mobile App Order-Ahead Platform
Fast food company launches full-market test to add convenience for customers.
Coca-Cola Debuts IoT-Connected Vending Machines
New “intelligent” coolers will transform the customer experience and drive business analytics.
Dunkin’ Donuts Tests Snacks in Boston
Donut fries, waffle-breaded chicken tenders and gluten-free brownies are on a $2 snacking menu.
Apr 6, 2018
Apps, Loyalty Programs Keep Gas Prices Low
With the summer driving season around the corner, a plethora of apps and loyalty cards can help consumers save at the pump.
Kroger Adds Second Location to Kitchen 1883 Restaurant
The standalone business opened its first unit in Union, Kentucky, in November.
Judge Rules Topeka’s Tobacco Buying Law Violates Kansas Constitution
Retailers had brought the suit against the municipality’s Tobacco 21 ordinance.
Credit Card Companies Ditch the Signature
This month, all major credit card firms will no longer require a signature for purchases made with chip cards.
Apr 5, 2018
3 Takeaways from a Visit to Amazon Go
Convenience stores can learn more from the new concept than just no checkouts or lines.
Consumers Love Refrigerated Soup
The “fresh food” movement proves to be a big success for groceries—and an opportunity for c-stores.
Whole Foods Stores with Amazon Lockers See Rise in Shoppers
The grocer finds Amazon.com locker users are shopping for 3-5 minutes.
New Price-Intelligence Technology Designed Specifically for C-Stores
Retail machine-learning company creates customized solutions to optimize customer experience.
Apr 4, 2018
Will Electric Cars Harm the Beverage Industry?
Fewer drivers filling up at gas stations could trigger less impulse sales inside convenience stores.
A Global Look at Fuel Matters
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast considers fuel and vehicles initiatives across the world.
EPA Issues Notice Withdrawing Current Fuel Efficiency Standards Not Appropriate
The agency will re-evaluate “outdated” greenhouse gas emissions standards for model year 2022 to 2025 for light-duty vehicles.
Illinois Governor Eschews Raising Gas Tax
The state’s roads need upgrading, but the governor’s plan doesn’t include an increase in fuel taxes.
A Hybrid Station of a Different Sort
A California gas station straddles a public-private line with an oil company operating the pumps but the city owning the property.
Sears’ Shop Your Way, GasBuddy Partner To Offer Drivers Gas Savings
The program will help Shop Your Way members earn more cashback in points on every gallon at almost every station nationwide.
Apr 3, 2018
FDA Is Exploring What ‘Healthy’ Means
Agency believes use of the word in respect to food is ripe for change.
Fuel Transition Season Begins
NACS resource helps explain why gasoline prices historically increase in the spring.
Free NACS Webinar Will Help You Comply with Menu Labeling
Federal menu labeling regulations go into effect May 7.
FamilyMart Introduces New Concept Store
New store marks the retailer’s efforts to transform into a next-generation convenience store chain.
Little Caesar’s Deploys Mobile Pickup Station
Pizza Portal self-serve station allows customers to skip the line and pick up their orders.
Stripes Stores Releases Limited-Edition Selena Collectible Cups
A portion of the cup sales will benefit the Selena Foundation.
Apr 2, 2018
Senators Block ADA Changes
The House approved legislation that would prohibit disabled individuals from filing legal action against businesses without prior written legal notice.
Debate on Fuel-Efficiency Targets Continues
The EPA will announce soon its conclusion that automobile manufacturers can’t meet current fuel-efficiency guidelines.
California Judge Decides Coffee Must Have Cancer Warning
In the Golden State, any coffee must have a cancer warning label because brewing the beverage produces a carcinogen.
Waze Launches Ads in Three Formats
The navigation app is targeting small and midsized businesses.
New Scientific Games Lottery Retail Innovation Debuts
7-Eleven participates in the pilot program at stores in eight states.
Red Bull Debuts Organics Soda Line
The premium line of soda boasts ingredients from natural sources
Mar 30, 2018
Generation Z Keeps it Real at the Grocery Store
This generation has a higher rate of consuming organic foods and beverages than any other group.
Nestlé Slims Down Milkybar Chocolates
The new version will hit the shelves in the United Kingdom and Ireland next week.
Central and Southern States Have Most Fast-Food Restaurants
New data looks at highest concentration of fast-food restaurants in regions, states and cities.
Natural Gas and Coal Generation Fell in 2017
Energy Information Administration reports natural gas is still the biggest fuel source despite growth in renewable energy generation.
Jack in the Box Teams with Postmates For Delivery
The burger chain is the latest to jump on the delivery bandwagon.
United States Still Tops Bottled Water Consumption List
Bottled water remains one of the strongest performing sectors of the global non-alcoholic drinks market.
Mar 29, 2018
International Innovators Lead NACS Convenience Summit Europe
Register before March 31 to save up to 25% on the event, including progressive store tours.
Conexxus Annual Conference Adds AI and Blockchain Sessions, Among Other Hot Topics
Early registration for the must-attend industry technology event ends April 13.
Fuel Delivery Service Launches in Las Vegas
Fuel Truck alleviates the pain of pumping gas by bringing it to you.
Lending a Helping Hand
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast shares how retailers can work with the American Red Cross.
Mar 28, 2018
Digging Into Data
Attend the NACS State of the Industry Summit on April 10-12 in Chicago for insights and information about the convenience industry.
NACS Opposes Renewable Identification Numbers Settlement Agreement
The association, joined by NATSO and SIGMA, sent a letter outlining its concerns to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Lottery Luck Happens at Rutter’s
The convenience retailer has awarded millions in lottery cash prices to customers.
Will Online Grocery Delivery Finally Catch On?
Most Americans love convenience, which means that grocery delivery might just be around to stay.
Louisiana Lawmaker Presses for State Motor Fuel Tax
The representative wants to allow localities to enact their own gasoline or diesel tax.
Funmaii to Launch Cashless C-Stores
Malaysian company will unveil self-checkout convenience stores across Southeast Asia.
Mar 27, 2018
2018 Fuel Retailing Could Get Interesting
NACS Consumer Fuels Survey identifies four weak signals to monitor, before they become big challenges.
FDA Begins Process to Regulate Tobacco Flavors, Premium Cigars
The agency is asking stakeholders to comment on premium cigar usage and its impact on public health.
Retailers Can Participate in Business Resilience Program Test
The pilot test will help convenience retailers determine their hurricane and natural disaster readiness.
PR Community Recognizes NACS Social Media Campaign
#ConvenienceCares highlighted the industry’s positive role during the 2017 hurricanes.
Mar 26, 2018
Brand Reputation and a Visit to Buc-ee’s
With a holistic approach to the customer experience, a c-store can excel.
Fuel Discounts Strengthen Customer Loyalty
Study finds that as fuel loyalty program growth rises, so do preferences toward direct savings on gasoline.
Taco Bell to Launch Sauce-Flavored Chips
The trio of tortilla chips will be available at convenience stores starting in May.
Online Grocery Sales to Reach $100 Billion by 2022
That will be the equivalent to every U.S. household spending $850 online annually.
New Tech Causing Record-High Turnover at Fast Food Restaurants
The fast food industry is seeing turnover rates of nearly 150%.
Experts Call Britain’s Soda Tax a Success
Two weeks before it officially takes effect, the graduated levy has made some soda makers cut sugar in their drinks.
Mar 23, 2018
Easter Spending Expected to Crest at $18 Billion
That makes this year’s holiday the second highest in the National Retail Federation survey’s history.
Conexxus Webinar Discusses Penetration Testing
Learn about penetration testing and how to protect yourself against data breaches.
Dunkin’ Donuts Tests Catering Service
The coffeehouse hopes the added convenience of having donuts and coffee at business and consumer events will increase revenue.
D.C. Circuit Rules in Favor of the Center for Tobacco Products
The CTP now may charge retailers with more than one regulatory violation during a single inspection.
Henny Penny to Feed 34,000 With Meal Madness
The company will work with the Foodbank of Dayton to distribute the meals to Ohio families.
Lighter Enjoyment Key to Beverage Innovation
Currently, health and wellness dominate the beverage category as customers demand clean and clear drinks.