ALEXANDRIA, Va. – In 2014, NACS launched a new grassroots initiative – NACS In Store – to connect members of Congress with retailers in their home districts for a fully immersive convenience store experience. Since its launch, In Store has quickly become a key tool in NACS advocacy efforts.

The goal of the program is to better educate legislators about the issues affecting the convenience and fuel retailing industry by going beyond just a store tour. Members of Congress are given a hands-on learning experience that includes We Card and employee training, working behind the register, assisting with food prep and even restocking shelves. Most members even dress the part and become a part of the team by wearing the host retailer’s uniform shirt, apron and name badge.

Throughout the experience, retailers are able to develop their own personal anecdotes about the issues affecting our industry such as card fees, menu labeling, online gaming and data security. So far this year NACS has facilitated more than a dozen In Store events in New Hampshire, Vermont, California, Nevada, Ohio and Indiana.

In May, U.S. Representative Susan Brooks (R-IN-05) served as a “Clerk for a Day” at a Ricker’s store in Carmel, Indiana, where she underwent employee training, worked behind the counter and interacted with both employees and customers.

“We are honored to have had Congresswoman Brooks visit our store as part of the NACS In Store Program,” said Jay Ricker, found and chairman of the Anderson, Indiana-based convenience store chain. “I believe that this experience will truly help to better connect the convenience and fuel retailing industry with Congress.” 

To see where NACS In Store events are taking place in July and August, stay connected with the NACS In Store team on Twitter: @NACSonline, @KellyFink_NACS and @CQuat_NACS using the #nacsinstore and #nacsgr hashtags. To learn about hosting a NACS In Store event at your store, contact Political Engagement Manager Caroline Quat at cquat@nacsonline.com or (703) 518-4292.