News Archives
Sep 24, 2018
For Calif. Kids’ Meals, Straws Upon Request
State bans automatic distribution of single-use plastic straws in restaurants and limits kids’ meal companion drinks to water or milk.
Retailers Urged to Alert Customers About Ground Beef Recall
Cargill issued recall last week after E. coli O26 contamination in four states.
Shoppers Demand Increased Transparency
Consumers want to know everything about the foods they eat, and they’ll switch brands, if necessary, for additional product information.
Paduano Launches Family-operated C-store
Former Nice N Easy executive opens his own c-store on lake in upstate New York.
24-Hour Pizza Vending Machine Replaces ATM
At Australian shopping center, customers can withdraw a “wood-fired”-style pizza from this vending machine in only three minutes.
Green Beer Emphasizes Water Issues
Michigan brewer bottles beer made from polluted waters to underscore the need to preserve water-quality regulations and protect the craft beer industry.
Sep 21, 2018
How Food Companies Can Get Healthier
A food writer gives five ways the food industry can help reduce obesity in America.
Cheddar Partners With Gas Station TV
The post-cable news network will provide technology and entrepreneurship segments.
Halloween Spending to Reach $9 Billion
More than 175 million Americans will celebrate the October holiday this year.
Government Extends Time for SNAP Food Loss Reporting
The U.S. Food and Nutrition Services approved mass replacements for the Territory of Guam.
Uniting to Combat Payment Fraud
Shazam, First Data and others work to make commerce possible, while protecting customers and merchants.
EPA Launches Website to Track RFS Exemptions
Without naming names, the site will list how many small refiners are applying for, receiving and being denied economic hardship exemptions.
Sep 20, 2018
Uptick in Cyclospora Cases Raises Concerns
The number of confirmed cases in the U.S. is markedly higher in 2018 than the number of cases reported in previous years.
IRS Issues Tax Waivers Post-Hurricane Florence
Additionally, a hot foods waiver has been approved for North Carolina residents.
Consumers Have a Growing Appetite for Protein
Research indicates consumers place high importance on protein when planning meals, shopping and eating, but they may not have accurate knowledge about all protein sources.
Are Grocers Overspending on Same-Day Delivery?
As big chains rush to deliver groceries faster and to more consumers, Moody’s predicts grocery stores may overspend on the service and shoppers may be willing to “subsidize,” but only to a point.
Hershey Unveils Mobile Customer Insights Center
A 53-foot tractor trailer is on a nationwide tour to bring shopper insights directly to retailers.
Amazon Could Open 3,000 C-stores
Ambitious expansion of cashierless Amazon Go stores in the next few years seen as potential threat to QSRs and fast casual restaurants.
Sep 19, 2018
Coke Considers Adding Cannabis to Beverages
The beverage maker is “closely watching” the use of CBD, a non-psychoactive component in marijuana, in functional wellness drinks.
FDA Launches Youth E-Cig Prevention Campaign
The comprehensive initiative aims to educate kids about the dangers of vaping.
Koupon Media and Skip Team Up
The partnership enables c-store retailers to provide personalized offers and frictionless checkout.
Chicago Has Amazon Go
The cashierless convenience store is now open in the Windy City, while the retailer launched its online Amazon Storefronts section this week.
Delivery, Convenience-style
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast focuses on the changing landscape of delivery.
Calif. Retailers Urged to Tell Their Recycling Stories
The state association anticipates pushback from opponents of the Commonsense Recycling Act, which currently sits on the governor’s desk.
Sep 18, 2018
Gen Z Reveals 100 Favorite Brands
Americans born after 1997 prefer socially conscious brands that they can connect with on social media.
SNAP Hot Foods Waiver Issued in North Carolina
A waiver allowing the sale of hot foods to SNAP participants has been approved for North Carolina through October 31.
NLRB Rolls Back Protections for Fast Food Workers
New ruling redefines “joint employers” and affects any franchise-based company.
Mobile Will Drive Holiday E-Commerce Traffic
Holiday sales are estimated to grow 13 percent this year, with mobile devices owning 68 percent of e-commerce visits and 46 percent of orders.
Food Safety Tips for Power Outages
Partnership for Food Safety Education, USDA resources help retailers navigate disasters and more.
Sep 17, 2018
Impossible Burger Slides Onto White Castle Menu
The famous plant-based burger now serves as a slider at White Castle locations nationwide.
Cashier-less Store Still a Work in Progress
At San Francisco’s first fully automated store, a news reporter tests the system and scores a free bag of white cheddar popcorn.
Hurricane May Drive Higher Freight Costs
In natural disasters, distribution costs tend to jump as food processors scramble to get trucks and their drivers to show up at their facilities.
Starbucks Brews a Plan for Greener Stores
Coffee shop leader plans to have 10,000 environmentally friendly stores by 2025.
Sep 14, 2018
7-Eleven Partners With Red Cross
As an American Red Cross National Disaster Responder member, the retailer invites customers to donate to the Red Cross to support Hurricane Florence relief.
Special Convenience Matters Podcast: Hurricane Florence
NACS talks about the impact Hurricane Florence will have on the U.S. fueling infrastructure.
Starbucks Tests Delivery With UberEats
The chain began the trial at more than 100 stores in Miami.
Learn How to Navigate Workplace Challenges
The Women’s Leadership Program at Yale University provides a unique opportunity for women to improve executive presence and leverage diversity to accelerate innovation.
Using Data Science to Create a Safe Environment
A free Conexxus webinar will discuss how data science can be used to more effectively detect security threats.
WOTUS Rule Halted in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas
The ruling means that more than half the country is exempt from the Obama administration’s Waters of the U.S. regulation.
Sep 13, 2018
FDA Considers Ban of All Flavored E-Cigs
After its summer enforcement blitz, the U.S. FDA discovered that more than 1,100 stores and websites were illegally selling e-cig products to minors.
Retailers Brace for Hurricane Florence
Love’s Travel Stops and other stores have ordered extra food and fuel in order to better serve communities in the path of the storm.
New States of Emergency Declared
The governors of Georgia, West Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky recently declared states of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Florence.
Americans Want to Eat at Home
Changing American meal habits are putting pressure on restaurants and fast-food operators.
U.S. Online Retail Sales to Reach $525 Billion
E-Commerce now accounts for 13.2% of U.S. retail sales.
Whole Foods Employees Pursue Unionizing
It’s come close to happening before, but a tight labor market might push things a little further this time around.
Convenience Stores Fuel America
A snapshot of facts and stats about the U.S. convenience and fuel retailing industry.
Sep 12, 2018
7-Eleven Adopts New ‘Smart’ Payments
Apple Pay and Google Pay are coming to U.S. 7-Eleven stores this fall.
U.S. Government Declares Emergency for Eastern Seaboard
States issue additional hours of service waivers in preparation for Hurricane Florence.
Thorntons Invests in Customer Loyalty
The chain has turned its focus on rewarding customers.
C-Stores, Starbucks, Florists: All Point to Rising Home Values
Home prices often soar when coffee shops open in a neighborhood, but c-stores are a leading indicator as well.
Subway Ditches $5 Footlong
Franchisees complained that the iconic, low-cost sandwich ate into their margins too much to stay on the menu.
A Peek Into the Future
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast covers Generation Z.
Sep 11, 2018
States of Emergency Issued for Hurricane Florence
The East Coast prepares for the impact of Hurricane Florence, expected to make landfall this Thursday.
Will Sprouts Thrive in Heated Grocery Industry?
Amazon and Whole Foods are putting pressure on organic grocer Sprouts Farmers Market.
Millennial Wants a Priority for C-Stores
Millennial preferences are driving c-store changes, renovations and offerings.
Walmart Canada Orders 30 Tesla Semi-electric Trucks
Subsidiary aims to reduce carbon footprint with a 100% alternative energy-powered fleet by 2028.
Kroger Fights Food Waste
In a partnership with Apeel Sciences, Kroger grocery stores will offer avocados that stay ripe twice as long.
Fuel Retailers Urged to Act Now on EMV Gas Pump Deadline
Dover Fueling Solutions warns of technician shortage prior to 2020 deadline.
Sep 10, 2018
Shipt Grocery Delivery Comes to California
Target will roll out statewide grocery delivery services starting this month.
Green Zebra Grocery Plans Expansion
The growing Oregon grocery chain stays on top of health food trends and consumers’ needs.
Use of Grocery Apps Growing Quickly in U.S.
2019 forecast predicts 20% of adults will use an app to purchase groceries or ready-to-eat food.
London’s LEON Crosses the Pond
Mediterranean food from the European healthy-eats chain arrives in the U.S. capital.
Sep 7, 2018
Walmart Tests New Last-Mile Delivery Service
Spark delivery service is just one more way to serve customers as the retailer expands grocery delivery across the country.
Gordon Hits Gulf Coast Hard
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration declares a regional emergency in response to Tropical Storm Gordon.
‘We Card’ Aims for Greater Awareness
The program is using We Card Awareness Month to rally retailers to prevent tobacco and e-vapor sales to minors.
S&D Coffee & Tea Invests in Smallholder Farmers
The company gave the farmers a firsthand look at its CQI Q Processing Program.
Yesway, Dr Pepper to Offer College Tuition Grants
The c-store chain teamed up with the soft drink company to give 10 $500 college tuition reimbursement grants.
Mexico City Starbucks Run by Seniors
It’s the chain’s first shop to be staffed by baristas who are age 55 and older.
Sep 6, 2018
What Drives Consumers’ Need for Convenience?
Understanding what influences shoppers can help companies better cater to different customer segments.
Dunkin’ Donuts Invests in Customer Service
Test stores will offer customers new, faster ways to grab products and go.
Cork-free Wine? Yes, You Can
Canned wine may be a small portion of a huge industry, but it’s green, well-priced and growing in popularity.
Conexxus Hires Manager, Member Engagement
Former CIO of Flash Foods, Jenny Bullard, brings considerable industry experience to her new role.
Utilities Embrace Electric Vehicles
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast covers how utilities are working to power electric vehicles.
McLane National Trade Show Kicks Off
The annual event includes executive presentations, unique technology, novel menu offerings and new brand introductions.
Sep 5, 2018
EG Group to Purchase Minit Mart C-Stores
The $330.8 million sale includes 225 stand-alone convenience stores locations operated by TravelCenters of America.
Kroger Expands Same-Day Delivery
The grocer will increase its two-hour delivery service by 50%.
Koupon Media, Paytronix Team Up on Loyalty Programs
Marketing partnership is designed to help convenience stores attract new customers and drive incremental visits.
EPA Seeks Comments on Diesel Fuels
The comments are for the agency’s “Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for Diesel Fuels” report.
Have Restaurants Been Overlooked in Obesity Conversation?
A Forbes opinion piece says foodservice establishments are ‘missing links’ that could help in the fight against obesity.
Gordon Prompts Latest Emergency Declarations
Tropical Storm Gordon triggers hours of service waivers in U.S. Gulf region; states of emergency are also in effect in parts of West and Midwest.
Sep 4, 2018
Coca-Cola’s Costa Acquisition Seen as ‘Wise Step’
Costa will give Coke a global coffee platform with nearly 4,000 retail outlets in more than 30 countries.
Dollar Stores Prosper Even in Good Economy
Low-income shoppers turn to discount stores to better manage household budgets.
Local Governments Continue to Hike Smoking Age
More cities and counties are enacting their own bans on selling tobacco to those under 21.
Panasonic Moving From London to Amsterdam
The upcoming Brexit deadline has multinational firms exiting the United Kingdom.
Consumers Are Souring on Added Sugar
Additional sugar on ingredient lists can have a negative impact on purchasing decisions, shoppers say.
Americans Embrace Flavor Innovation in Popcorn
Ready-to-eat popcorn grows in popularity, thanks to indulgent flavors and savory mix-ins.
Aug 31, 2018
Pennsylvania’s Skimming Law in Effect
The law criminalizes the act of placing skimming or scanning devices on ATMs and gas pumps.
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Processing Plants
Outbreak is being associated with chicken packaged under the Empire Kosher brand.
‘Alexa, Order from Dunkin’ Donuts’
Dunkin’ Donuts expands order-anywhere accessibility with Amazon Alexa integration.
England Bans Sale of Energy Drinks to Kids
The government cited concerns about children drinking the sugary, high-caffeine beverages.
Maverik Convenience Stores Raise More Than $27,000
The funds go to support the Partnership for a Healthier America.
Data Driven
Business intelligence delivers actionable insights to grow your bottom line.
Aug 30, 2018
More Companies Investing in Self-Driving Vehicles
Companies large and small announce plans for autonomous autos that tote people around and deliver groceries.
Generation Z Teens Are Social Foodies
Research also suggests their waning interest in autos and retail malls.
Consumer Use of Retail Mobile Apps Doubles
Today’s consumers use an average of four retailer apps on their phones, more than double the amount in 2017.
New Beverage Watch: Session Beer, Celeb Soda
MillerCoors and Gene Simmons are both introducing new drinks to the market.
NACS to Introduce Next-Gen Payment Processing
As of October 12, NACS will discontinue its current Credit Card Processing Program.
Listening In on Overtime Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor will hold a series of in-person listening sessions across the country about the white-collar exemption regulations of its Overtime Rule.
Aug 29, 2018
Ricker’s Opens New Flagship Store
The location in New Palestine, Indiana, has Ricker’s Kitchen and an open floorplan with indoor dining.
Calif. Retailers Work on Commonsense Recycling Act
The current state law would fine convenience stores if they aren’t close enough to a recycling center and don’t serve as one for the public.
Meijer Unveils New C-Store Design
The new location features a full-service Starbucks, Wi-Fi, charging stations, LED lighting and expanded selection of fresh options.
Missouri Regulates Term of ‘Meat’
The state becomes the first to say that the word ‘meat’ only can be used to describe the flesh of animals.
Proposed CAFE Replacement Rule Published in Federal Register
Administration will gather public input on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Rule in three hearings next month.
Freshening Up the Neighborhood
This week’s Convenience Matters podcast features the founder of the Green Zebra Grocery chain.
Aug 28, 2018
No More Soda With Kids’ Meals in NYC?
Proposed legislation from the New York City Council will come before the council’s Health Committee this fall.
Second Amazon Go Opens This Week
A pared-down Amazon Go expansion will cater to the workday crowd in downtown Seattle.
Zippin Will Zip You In and Out
The new cashierless store will get you lunch in seconds.
Hours of Service Waived in Hawaii
Emergency declaration is issued in response to Hurricane Lane.
Back-to-School With a Personalized Twist
Frito-Lay promotion prompts parents to write lunch notes for their kids with some help from Amazon Alexa.
Aug 27, 2018
Are Your Stores Shareable on Social Media?
Experiences matter in today’s retail environment, but so does shareability.
Research Suggests Shoppers Hate to Wait
Half of surveyed shoppers say the checkout experience is “very important” when it comes choosing where to shop.
Turning Sugar Into Plastic
Collaboration creates bio-sourced bottle tops and package-closing devices.
Millennials Want It Their Way
Consumers born between 1981 and 1996 expect personalization in their products.
Popular Pumpkin Beers Are Here
This means autumn can’t be far behind.
Walmart Has Hired 206,000-Plus Veterans Since 2013
Company guarantees job offer to any eligible, honorably discharged U.S. veteran.