News Archives
May 14, 2021
Lessons From the Pandemic
Yesway, Circle K and Wallis discuss innovations and initiatives from the past year, and which ones will have lasting impact on a new kind of consumer.
U.S. Grants Jones Act Waiver
Homeland Security seeks to ease fuel supply crunch; Colonial Pipeline reportedly pays ransom to hackers.
McDonald’s Promotes Vaccines Via Coffee Cups
The QSR partnered with the White House on the campaign; CDC updates facemask guidance.
Korean Consumers Splurge on Decadent C-Store Desserts
Sales of high-end sweets are soaring as South Korean convenience retailers stock more premium desserts.
Effective Category Management Delivers Excitement
A NACS webinar will share how to drive sales, reduce out-of-stocks and bring new products to shoppers.
The Future of Gas Stations Might Return to Their Roots
The answer lies in how convenience stores will reimagine their business model.
U.K. to Ban Junk Food Ads Online, on TV Before 9 p.m.
Also, BOGO supermarket promotions will be restricted for unhealthy foods starting next April.
QuikTrip Launches More Remote Travel Centers
The 30% larger stores have opened in three cities so far, with nine more scheduled through 2021.
May 13, 2021
Innovation Is the Only Competitive Advantage
Professor and author Soren Kaplan kicks off day two of the in-person NACS Leadership Forum.
Colonial Pipeline Restarts Operations
The company says it will take “several days” for the supply chain to return to normal.
Pilot Flying J Joins Chicken Wars
New offerings will greet summer travelers on the road.
Wawa Installs 50th EV Charging Site
The convenience retailer expects to exceed one million EV charging sessions by end of May.
7-Eleven Canada Rolls Out Summer Promotion
The promo offers skateboarders prizes, collector’s cup and LTO Slurpee flavors.
Sheetz Partners With University to Offer Employees Tuition Discount
Workers can earn degrees for “little or nothing” out of pocket.
May 12, 2021
NACS Works With U.S. Agencies on Fuel Waivers
As gas inventories run low, NACS is working with the Biden Administration to provide relief.
Sheetz Announces $2 Hourly Wage Increase
The chain will also invest $12 million in a summer stimulus program for its employees.
Delek DK Stores Roll Out AI Self-Checkout
The c-store retailer will have the touchless technology in place at more than 70 Texas locations by late summer.
Companies Wrestle With Vaccine Requirements
Many would prefer employees return to work fully vaccinated, but few want to mandate it.
Korean C-Stores Now Have Self-Test COVID-19 Kits
The home tests are available in grocery and convenience stores in South Korea.
How to Stop Foodservice Leakage to QSRs
Prepared food offers are the biggest differentiator for the convenience channel—and customers need to know that.
May 11, 2021
NACS Announces TruAge™ Digital ID-Verification Solution
Molson Coors is the first beer company to join TruAge™, with pilot tests at select convenience stores to begin shortly.
Wawa Offers New Hires $500 Bonus
C-stores and other foodservice operators tempt potential workers with bonuses, higher pay.
Enmarket and Trucking Firm Partner to 'Feed a Trucker'
Truck drivers can pick up free box lunches at a Georgia c-store.
Joe Freshgoods Creates 7-Eleven Fashion
Chicago designer collaborates with c-store to produce iconic gear.
Cannabis Users Splurge on Upscale Smoking Accessories
Retailers showcase designer bongs and luxury lighters.
Colonial Pipeline Hack Threatens Fuel Supplies
Temporary hours of service wavier issued for truck drivers hauling fuel to East Coast.
May 10, 2021
Colonial Pipeline Disrupted by Cyberattack
The pipeline carries about half of all the fuel used in the Southeast and East Coast.
Federal Reserve Clarifies Debit Rule
The agency says routing provisions should apply to card-not-present transactions.
How to Get People Back to Work
Although 10 million people are looking for jobs, industries struggle to fill open positions.
Convenience Retailers Can Help Celebrate 24/7 Day
This year’s 24/7 Day will honor local heroes who work around the clock for their communities.
Why Retailers Should Increase Online Visibility
Through technology, retailers can respond to consumer demand for e-commerce solutions.
Upcoming Food Safety Webinars
Learn about environmental sampling and the impacts of COVID-19 mitigation on international trade.
May 7, 2021
Food, Beverage Firms Plan for the Next Pandemic
Nearly 50% of executives surveyed say they aren’t prepared to weather another global outbreak.
GreenPrint Launches ESG Lab
The new division is an innovation incubator for environmental, social and governance solutions.
Powerball Adds 3rd Weekly Drawing
The multistate lottery game will now have a drawing on Mondays starting August 23.
GPM Inks $1 Billion Real Property Commitment
The Oak Street Real Estate Capital deal will enhance GPM’s acquisition growth strategy.
7-Eleven Taiwan Vows to Kick Single-Use Plastic to Curb
The Taiwanese c-store chain aims to stop using the plastic by 2050.
86% of Consumers Still Prefer In-Store Shopping
Additionally, preferences for last-mile services may be based on age demographics.
May 6, 2021
Circle K Offers Beverage Subscription for $5.99 a Month
Sip & Save will help the chain recapture beverage sales and compete with QSRs.
Wawa, Dash In, Enmarket Upgrade Digital Experiences
The c-stores aim to better connect with their customers to drive loyalty.
Convenience Retail Takes Global Stage
The NACS Convenience Summit Europe will showcase worldwide retail innovation.
RaceTrac Executive Testifies on EVs
The fuel retailing industry wants to work with Congress to achieve environmental goals, Siccardi says.
Coca-Cola Freestyle Goes Mobile
Customers can order drinks from their phones.
Tesco Ups Pledge to Offer Healthier Food Options
The announcement comes after pressure from investors.
May 5, 2021
Discover What’s Next at the NACS Show
Registration is open for the convenience industry’s top in-person event, October 5-8 in Chicago.
7-Eleven Spices Up Cinco de Mayo
7NOW can bring the party home with deliveries in 30 minutes.
Circle K to Hire 20,000 Employees Nationwide
As the economy gains steam, the chain is looking for new team members for its U.S. c-stores and service centers.
Chicken Shortage Is Nothing to Cluck About
America is running low on poultry wings and breast meat for sandwiches.
Burger King Tries Sustainable Packaging
The chain is asking for customer feedback on the new wrappers, straws and utensils.
Your Store Needs a Facelift
Retailers can meet and exceed customer expectations through modern store design.
May 4, 2021
Rutter’s Raises Starting Wage to $14 an Hour
The Pennsylvania chain has increased wages 33% since 2019.
7-Eleven Adds a Pizza Concept to Its Latest Evolution Store
A new store in Virginia includes the convenience giant’s Parlor Pizza and Raise the Roost restaurants.
One-Fifth of EV Owners Surveyed Go From Green to Gasoline
For California drivers, the hassle of charging is the main reason they are going back to conventional cars, UC Davis study finds.
Research Finds Stay-at-Home Trends Outlast Pandemic
Vaccines help spur away-from-home occasions, while consumers continue to treat themselves at home, says Hershey CEO.
Unattended Retail Thrives
The trend is being driven by a desire for convenience and health-related concerns.
Pepsi Launches Peps Place Fast-Beverage Restaurant
The online food and Pepsi delivery concept is available for 30 days.
May 3, 2021
Casey’s Throws a ‘Parking Lot Party’ With Lee Brice
The Iowa chain is offering rewards members a chance to bring a live concert to their hometown.
C-Store Foodservice: What NACS SOI Data Show
The pandemic upended foodservice in 2020, but innovation points toward recovery.
CrossAmerica to Buy 106 Speedway Stores for $263 Million
The expanding Pennsylvania convenience retailer is acquiring the sites from 7-Eleven.
Visa Offers Temporary EMV Liability Solution
The service is available for one year at no cost to retailers.
NACS Foundation Scholarship Open to Young Leaders
Time is running out to nominate convenience channel employees for a $3,000 scholarship.
Hudson Lets Travelers ‘Just Walk Out’
New cashierless technology lands in Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth airports.
Apr 30, 2021
FDA to Ban Menthol Cigarettes, Cigars
The effort will build on previous flavor bans and include flavored cigars.
Trucker Shortage Hamstrings Fuel Retailers
There’s plenty of petroleum—just not enough delivery drivers to bring it to gas stations.
North Dakota Groups Sue Federal Reserve Over Swipe Fees
The two associations asked the court to overturn the Fed’s regulation and reduce debit transaction fees for merchants.
2021 In-Store Shopping Poised for Comeback
A new survey finds that more than a quarter of consumers plan to resume in-person shopping.
Sainsbury’s Plans 75+ Larger Format Convenience Stores
The chain will open 75 to 90 of these stores by 2024, including 18 “neighborhood hub” sites.
KFC, McDonald’s Win With Chicken Sandwiches
The popularity of the menu items is pressuring poultry supplies.
Apr 29, 2021
Menthol Cigarette Ban Expected
A nationwide prohibition on the flavored products would take years to implement.
HOS Waiver Would Ease Trucker Shortage
NACS joins with fuel industry groups to seek relief from work rules for fuel transport drivers.
Holden Oil Taps Invenco for EMV Compliance Retrofits
Third-party outdoor payment solution provides affordable EMV conversion.
Private-Label Offerings Predicted to Grow This Year
Consumers want quality, safety, variety and attractive retail prices.
Consumers Demand Sustainable Packaging
Survey finds 67% of consumers want recyclable products.
GPM Taps Into Drive-Thrus, Delivery and Plant-Based Milk
The 1,350-store chain offers customers the latest convenience options.
Apr 28, 2021
7-Eleven Launches ‘Take it to Eleven!’ Campaign
The convenience chain has more than doubled its marketing investment this year.
How to Bring Customers Back
Here are some opportunities retailers might be missing to grow sales through mobile technology.
DoorDash Lets Stores Set 15%, 25% or 30% Commissions
The new tiered system is in response to pushback over fees restaurants paid during the pandemic.
Gas Stations Are Here to Stay
Electric charging stations will begin to proliferate alongside traditional pumps.
Amazon Expands In-Garage Grocery Delivery
The Prime member service is now in more than 5,000 cities and towns.
Beyond Meat Has a New Plant-Based Burger
The latest version is formulated to taste even more like real beef.
Apr 27, 2021
PDI Acquires GasBuddy
The technology provider plans to enhance the fuel-savings app to extend personalized offers in real time.
Some Employers Require COVID-19 Vaccine for New Hires
The request is legal, although some employees don’t like it.
Avoid Outdoor EMV Chargebacks With Affordable Solutions
Retrofit at the pump speeds up EMV compliance.
Sesame Named 9th Major Food Allergen
Listen to Convenience Matters to learn more about deadly food allergies.
TA Commits to Alternative Energy
The truck stop chain creates a new business unit to promote and market carbon-fuel alternatives.
7-Eleven, Kellogg Achieve Guinness World Record
World’s largest box of Pop-Tarts sits in the 7-Eleven Support Center parking lot in Irving, Texas.
Apr 26, 2021
GetGo Faces Off With the Pittsburgh Penguins
The convenience store is a first of its kind for PPG Paints Arena.
MIT Scrutinizes Social Distancing Guidelines
Researchers propose a new approach to estimate the risks of COVID-19 exposure for indoor settings.
Growth Strategies Require Sustainability
More consumers choose where to spend based on a company’s sustainability focus and goals.
How and When to Enter EV Market
New Fuels Institute report examines regulations that could affect electric vehicle charging growth.
Retailers Join Cybersecurity Exercise
A training and decision-making session will focus on cybersecurity communication and coordination.
Amazon Removes Friction From In-Store Shopping
From Amazon Go to Amazon One, the retailer is innovating how customers shop stores with less friction.
Apr 23, 2021
Brand Loyalty Hits Record High
Food and beverage brands are ahead of the pack in winning over consumers.
Consumer Goods Firms Benefit From At-Home Coffee Sales
A focus on home-brew options paid off as consumers snapped up coffee pods and bags.
Kum & Go Ties on Limited-Edition Sneakers
Sneakerheads can order the classic white leather kicks via an online presale.
Conexxus Technology Hall of Fame Honors Industry Visionary Ed Collupy
During his tenure, Collupy advocated for the standardization of electronic supply chain management.
Japanese C-Store Sales Shake Off Doldrums
The bump after a 13-month stagnation comes as demand for food items increases.
Taco Bell Tests Meat Substitute
The “Cravetarian Taco” is a vegetarian version of the QSR’s Crunchy Taco Supreme.
Apr 22, 2021
Biden Urges U.S. Automakers to Ramp Up EV Production
The president’s goal is for America to bypass China in producing electric vehicles.
Thorntons to Hire 350 Team Members
Every store will host dedicated open interviews on Wednesdays to fill positions.
Short Stop Aims to Offset Carbon Emissions
The chain partnered with GreenPrint for the Grow program, the first of its kind in Kansas.
Dollar General Personalizes Training
The discount retailer is delivering targeted learning in smaller bites to employees.
The Care and Nurture of a Successful Brand
A strong brand matches attitudes, beliefs, colors, emotions and words to earn the loyalty of customers.
Pandemic Closes at Least 200,000 Businesses
The Federal Reserve suggested small business shutdowns due to COVID-19 were less than anticipated.
Circle K Fuel Customers Can Pay by License Plate
Starting today, the chain’s stores in Sweden offer the frictionless pump-side payment service.
Apr 21, 2021
Feds May Reduce Nicotine Allowed in Cigarettes
The Biden Administration also is discussing a ban on menthol.
Robbery Deterrence Resources Available
NACS shares security best practices for convenience retailers.
Renewable Diesel Production Grows
Love’s and Cargill will build Nebraska plant to make diesel from tallow.
Consumers More Upbeat About COVID Recovery
Survey finds more people are ready to get out and shop in-store.
7-Eleven Invites Northeast Customers to Help Feed the Hungry
Local c-stores collect shelf-stable goods for area food banks.
Expect Higher Prices for Consumer Products
Coca-Cola, P&G, Kimberly-Clark announce upcoming increases, citing higher commodity costs.
Pandemic Stress Helped Boost Marijuana Use
Analysts predict a $41.5 billion cannabis industry by 2025.
Apr 20, 2021
Higher Pay for the Long Haul
Part of the truck driver turnover problem is getting “paid by the mile but regulated by the hour.”
Canada’s Marijuana Business Falters
Anticipated new jobs and businesses have not materialized.
Support the NACS Convenience Retail Technology Initiative
Retail tech leaders who respond by Friday to the survey will receive a complimentary copy of the research.
Drink Up! Retailers Build Beverage Offerings
Hot summer days demand cool new drinks and flavors.
Foodservice Operators Struggle to Fill Open Positions
Employers consider increasing wages and benefits to attract workers.
New C-Store Goes High Tech in Mile-High Denver
Choice Market aims to reinvent convenience.
Apr 19, 2021
Trucker Shortage Hits Home
A lack of drivers is challenging the trucking industry and impacting retailers.
Kwik Trip Gets Fruity
The convenience retailer shares its ‘Kwik’ approach to growing produce sales.
Washington State to Ban Sales of New Gas-Powered Cars
The target is 2030, and the plan hinges on adoption of a vehicle-miles-traveled tax.
Packaging Solution
Safe, sustainable food packaging is more critical now than ever.
Thinking Big Drives Holiday Sales
Retailers find new ways to drive snacks sales with themed celebrations.
Hunt Brothers Pizza Promotes ‘Fastest QR Code’
Unique marketing during Sunday’s NASCAR race helped boost brand recognition of HBP’s c-store partners.
Apr 16, 2021
Circle K Offers Sustainably Sourced Coffee
To celebrate, the convenience retailer is running a promotion on reusable mugs.
Casey’s Opens New Third Distribution Center
The new facility will service up to 600 stores and bring 125 jobs to Joplin, Missouri.
Thorntons Opens Not-For-Profit Community Store
The retailer collaborates with the Urban League to promote equity and empowerment.
Pilot Hosts Virtual Hiring Day
The company wants to fill more than 5,000 jobs ahead of the busy travel season.
RaceTrac, Love’s Travel Stops Open New Locations
Love’s adds 109 truck parking spaces in Alabama, while RaceTrac’s new travel center has 36 truck parking spots.
Mars Wrigley Unveils Snickers Almond Brownie
The newest addition to the Snickers portfolio will hit shelves later this year.