News Archives
Jul 1, 2022
NACS Supports JUUL’s Petition for Stay of FDA Marketing Denial Order
The immediate removal of JUUL products would “wreak havoc” on the industry, says the association.
Sheetz Provides Drivers With Relief at the Pump
The company is pricing two alternative fuels below $4 a gallon through the July 4 holiday.
Amazon to Share Cashierless Store Data With Brands, Advertisers
Companies will learn details on how their products are discovered, considered and purchased.
OPEC+ Agrees to Keep Oil Production Plans
The oil producers agree to stay the course with its planned August oil production.
The Wills Group Transforms Neglected Park
The centerpiece of Phoenix Run Park is the new basketball courts with murals.
Love’s Travel Stops Opens New Arkansas Location
The latest stop adds 114 truck parking spaces and 115 jobs to Johnson County.
Jun 30, 2022
Swipe Fees Add to Inflation for Americans Celebrating July 4
The fees merchants pay for accepting credit cards soared 25% last year to a record $137.8 billion.
Chick-fil-A Leads in Customer Satisfaction for 8th Consecutive Year
When it comes to fast-food chains overall, customer satisfaction is slipping.
Health Benefits Give C-Stores the Competitive Edge to Hire, Retain Workers
Companies can no longer offer standard health benefits—they must be low-cost and reliable, too.
Bean-less RTD Coffee Startup Nets $40 Million in Funding
Consumers are not letting go of their ready-to-drink coffees anytime soon.
MAPCO Unveils ‘Store of the Future’ Design
Features include advanced checkout technologies, fee-less ATMs and Amazon lockers.
7-Eleven Touts Its 27th Annual Operation Chill
The program provides police officers with Slurpee coupons to give to young people in their communities.
Jun 29, 2022
Employers Cover Worker Fuel Costs to Stay Competitive
Though gas prices are trickling down, it costs some people twice as much to fill up these days, and the labor market is still tight.
Here’s How C-Stores Honor First Responders
Convenience retailers also recognize those who serve on the frontlines—their own employees.
Amazon to Host 2 Prime Days This Year
The announced extra day comes after lackluster revenue growth from the e-commerce giant.
Cooking at Home Expected to Stay Above Pre-Pandemic Levels
Consumers want convenience when preparing meals, with little or no prep and fast options.
SPAR UK Launches 20-Minute Delivery
The Great Britain c-stores are partnering with Deliveroo, giving customers access to 2,000 products.
Rutter’s Features SPAM Menu Items
The lineup includes seven food items for a limited time only.
Jun 28, 2022
Inflation Impacts Consumers’ July 4 Celebrations
Many are cutting back on dining out, fireworks and travel.
Walmart Canada Launches Virtual C-Store
The retail giant has partnered with Instacart on 30-minute delivery of 4,000 items.
Why Raising Pay to Attract Workers Isn’t Your Only Option
Pay increases only go so far—here’s why you need to add a low-cost, reliable health insurance plan to your benefits offer.
How to Become Digitally Agile
There are certain things c-store retailers should be asking potential vendors to get the most value.
FavTrip Partners With Vroom Delivery on Subscriptions
Retailers can customize their offers and the fees go to them, not third-party providers.
Sweetgreen Gamifies Loyalty Program
Total digital sales were 66% of the fast-casual chain’s revenue in this year’s first quarter.
Jun 27, 2022
High Gas Prices Crimp Convenience Store Sales
53% of retailers surveyed say they expect sales to be lower this summer than last summer.
Car Travel to Set Record This Independence Day
About 42 million people will hit the road over the holiday weekend—topping 2020 numbers.
AI Chatbots Can Help in the Hiring Process
Learn how Maverik is using the technology to attract the right talent and improve the candidate experience.
ROSS Digital Secures $3 Million in Funding
The Singapore food and beverage company wants to develop vending machines of the future.
Small and Mighty
Unique general merchandise products can help you stay trendy and relevant in your market.
How Cold Dispensed Beverages Performed Last Year
Some c-stores are jazzing up their beverage bars with new flavors and functional drinks.
Jun 24, 2022
Juul Wins Temporary Stay of FDA Marketing Denial Order
Retailers can continue to sell JUUL products while the stay issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit is in force.
Senators Urge FERC to Level the EV Charging Playing Field
It’s still challenging to identify a viable business case for private investment in EV charging stations.
How ESG Impacts Small Operators in the Industry
The SEC’s proposed rules will amplify the role convenience retailers play in the ESG realm.
7-Eleven Singapore and Tiger Beer Open Beach C-Store
The location offers cold Tiger beer on reverse tap, an exclusive Nitro Tea and Arctic Coke.
Burger King Expands Impossible Whopper Offerings
Royal Perks loyalty members can add avocado spread for $1.
Twice Daily, White Bison Open in Nashville
Also, Wawa plans to expand its Central Pennsylvania store count.
Jun 23, 2022
Biden Calls on Congress to Suspend the Federal Gas Tax
Experts say the temporary reprieve is not the answer to consumer relief at the pump.
NACS Comments on SEC Proposed Rules to Curb Misleading ESG Funds
The commission’s proposal “creates unwieldy economic burdens.”
How to Protect Your Bottom Line
Here’s why you should let a financial “security guard” step in to get your expenses in check.
What You Should Be Asking Your Tech Vendors
This is how convenience retailers can be truly digitally agile.
Pilot Flying J Launches Clothing Line
The apparel includes men’s and women’s work and casual wear.
Casey’s Newest Innovation Is BBQ Brisket Pizza
Meanwhile, 7-Eleven releases a PB&J cappuccino.
Jun 22, 2022
FDA Announces Plans for Proposed Rule on Very Low Nicotine
The agency seeks to establish a maximum level of nicotine in cigarettes.
Visa, Mastercard Increase Pump Limits
Retailers may need to call their processors to have the changes implemented.
Food and Beverage Industry Takes Hit as Consumers Save Money
Many Americans are eating out less, and they’re also purchasing less meat.
How to Hire Faster
AI-powered chatbots can cut down on time to hire, improve the candidate experience and get the right talent on your team.
18% of Restaurant Goers Also Visit Metaverse
Wealthier millennials are more likely to explore the virtual world, and all patrons want friendly, familiar staff in the real world.
Rutter’s Opens New West Virginia Location
This is the Pennsylvania retailer’s 82nd location and third store launch this year.
Jun 21, 2022
Mondelēz to Buy Clif Bar for $2.9 Billion
Kellogg, meanwhile, plans to split into three companies to focus on snacking, cereal and plant-based foods.
Biden May Enact a Federal Gas Tax Holiday
The president says he will decide whether to pause the 18.4-cent-a-gallon tax by the end of the week.
Don’t Let Cost Creep Happen in Your Contracts
You can get off the roller coaster of complex indirect supplier expenses.
Here’s How to Up Your Category Management Game
NACS is offering the pre-NACS Show Certified Convenience Advanced Category Management workshop again this year.
Labor Market, Inflation Impact Small Businesses
Nearly two-thirds of small business owners say that hiring challenges are hindering operations.
Walmart Updates Fleet Driver Tech
The revamped system gives the retail giant a near real-time assessment of freight management.
Jun 20, 2022
FDA Extends Menthol Ban Comment Period by 30 Days
NACS, along with other associations, had asked the FDA for an extension of the comment period.
NACS Show Early Bird Discount Ends Today
It’s your last chance to save $300 off buyer rates for this year’s NACS Show in Las Vegas.
Kroger’s Gives Members a Boost on Fuel Discounts
The paid membership program offers double the fuel points on every dollar spent, plus free grocery delivery.
QuikTrip Opens 1st Location in Colorado
The new c-store is in a suburb of Denver.
Chipotle Pilots Mexican Cauliflower Rice in Select Locations
The new keto-friendly limited time offering follows the successful cilantro-lime version.
Hershey Honored as a Leading Community-Minded Company
This is the 10th consecutive year Hershey has been recognized by The Civic 50 by Points of Light.
Jun 17, 2022
Instacart Launches Instacart+ Subscription Service
The program is a revamped version of Instacart Express and aims to save customers time and money.
There Is Strategy (and History) Behind 9/10 of a Cent Fuel Pricing
A decades-old method is still relevant today, even though we don’t circulate fractions of a penny.
The Snacks and Candy Categories Reign On
Creating an experience around these products can win over customers and keep them coming back.
7-Eleven Adds Boneless Wings to Summer Menu
Additionally, TXB c-stores source local ingredients for new LTO lineup.
Panera Gives Away Phone Charger Cup
Meanwhile, vitaminwater’s new campaign focuses on consumer wellness.
Amazon Prime Day Is Happening Next Month
There will be more third-party sellers participating in this year’s event than in 2021.
Jun 16, 2022
Data Is Power
NACS releases its annual State of the Industry Report, the industry’s premier benchmarking tool.
Delivery Drivers Don’t Want to Pick Up Orders Without Tips
If a meal isn’t retrieved, the foodservice provider ultimately pays.
Are COLAs the New Flexible Schedule?
Cost of living adjustments are something workers are now looking for in potential employers.
Cumberland Farms Moves Into the Gulf Coast
Meanwhile, Rutter’s open its 18th video gaming terminal in its Lebanon, Pennsylvania, location.
Mars Releases Sustainability-Inspired Chocolate Bar
CO2COA is available for purchase online only while supplies last.
Hunt Brothers Pizza Launches Summer Sweepstakes
C-store customers can scan QR codes on pizza boxes for a chance to win an E-Z-GO Liberty and more.
Jun 15, 2022
Biden’s EV Charging Plan Draws Skepticism From Some States
A charging station every 50 miles won’t work in desolate areas, while ratepayer-funded chargers are not the answer.
A Ghost Kitchen Is Coming to This Texas Walmart
The delivery and to-go only restaurant will feature menu items from up to 28 national restaurant brands.
Coca-Cola to Release Jack & Coke Canned Cocktail
The canned cocktail segment is growing quickly, as consumers move from alcoholic seltzers to stronger flavors.
Combating Inflation With Data
Consumer shopping behaviors are shifting in response to historic inflation. Here’s what you can do to combat price pressure and keep your customers’ loyalty.
Kum & Go to Update Digital Platforms
The convenience retailer has signed a multiyear agreement with Myplanet.
Retail Sales in Singapore Rise as Border Restrictions Ease
See firsthand the city-state’s thriving retail scene at NACS Convenience Summit Asia.
Jun 14, 2022
Federal Privacy Legislation Should Apply to All Industry Sectors
NACS testifies before Congress on data privacy and its impact on Main Street businesses.
This Startup Delivers Chef-Inspired Meals Via Food Trucks
The company is valued at $3.5 billion.
How Flexibility Is a Key Recruiting Tool
These c-store retailers have implemented flexible and unique scheduling arrangements.
Fuels Institute Explores Carbon Benefits of Biofuels
The white paper will help spark conversation on finding an answer to reducing emissions from all vehicles.
Casey’s Releases Exclusive MTN DEW Flavor
The MTN DEW OVERDRIVE label pays homage to the c-store.
Marathon Tests New Branding
The updated look is brighter and more modern.
Jun 13, 2022
Panera Opens Digital-Only Restaurant in Chicago
The location addresses labor challenges and the changing demands of consumers.
FDA Weighing Rule to Require Less Nicotine in Cigarettes
If enacted, the policy wouldn’t take effect for several years.
NACS Show Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended
Register by June 20 and save $300 with an all-access pass to the Expo and education sessions.
Retailers: Check Your Synthetic Nicotine Products
Products with PMTAs can stay on shelves for another month, and then only those with marketing granted orders can be sold after that time.
EPA Extends Emergency Waiver for E15
This is the second extension and is effective June 11-30.
QuickChek Helps Fight Food Insecurity
Picking peaches and pinching pennies has allowed the New Jersey retailer to give fresh food to those in need.
Jun 10, 2022
Consumers Rethink Their Driving Habits
Strapped for cash, motorists are filling up halfway to make it to their next paycheck.
America Turns to Dollar Stores as Prices Rise
With inflation hitting a 40-year high of 8.6% in May, consumers are looking for cheaper groceries and private labels.
Here’s a Closer Look at Our Industry’s Performance Last Year
Only the top 40% of c-store operators are making money inside the store.
Pilot Company Upgrades 4 Travel Centers
The renovations are part of the Tennessee retailer’s $1-billion initiative to upgrade more than 400 locations.
7-Eleven Amps Up Its Birthday Celebration
From July 1-11, customers can get free Slurpees plus $1 drinks and snacks.
GATE Foundation Raises $30,000 for Juvenile Diabetes Research
Customers at GATE Convenience Stores purchased $1 paper icons and rounded up their change.
Jun 9, 2022
U.S. DOT Announces Rulemaking on EV Chargers
The proposed requirements for an EV charging network are aimed at helping states develop EV deployment plans.
Ultra-Fast Grocery Delivery Faces Headwinds
Investors in these startups are leery of the oversaturated market, blurring category lines and weakening consumer demand.
Kwik Trip Launches Carryout, Curbside and Delivery
All services are powered through the Kwik Rewards app.
Fuels Institute, NAFA to Help Members With ESG
This new partnership will provide guidance and reduce costs for fleets while yielding final ESG reports.
Blue Apron Offers Meal Kits for Non-Subscribers Via Walmart
Walmart.com is the meal kit provider’s only partner outside of its subscription model.
Yesway Announces Uvalde Strong Fundraiser
Yesway and Allsup’s customers can make donations throughout June at checkout.
Jun 8, 2022
Why Relief at the Pump Is Nowhere in Sight
Several factors are at play, but it boils down to high demand and low supply.
Ohio Bill Would Subsidize Utilities’ Plans for EV Charging System
NACS urges lawmakers to level the playing field for electric vehicle charging.
NACS Urges Congress to Extend Biodiesel Blenders’ Tax Credit
The extension should be in parity with renewable fuel and other alternative fuels using the same blend stocks.
Wawa to Expand Into Nashville
The c-store plans to open 54 new stores in 2022.
Foxtrot Taps Former Taco Bell, Drybar Executive
The omnichannel retailer looks to expand at a rapid pace and up its prepared-meal offering.
Sweet Coffee for the Win
Consumers want sweet products for their at-home coffee concoctions.
Jun 7, 2022
Rutter’s Raises Starting Pay to $17 an Hour
This is the sixth time in three years that the c-store retailer has bumped up its minimum pay.
Here’s How Walmart+ Weekend Went
Early data show that the Walmart+ members-only sale was not well-known, and inflation is impacting customer spending.
Standout C-Store Loyalty Programs Recognized
Paytronix heralded three companies with innovative and impactful digital guest engagement programs.
Combat Inflation in Your Business
Learn data-driven strategies to keep sales volumes up and sustain customer loyalty.
It’s OK if Your Employees Quit. Here’s Why.
Leaders should celebrate their workers’ decisions to leave.
Beer Category Innovation Drives Growth
Despite slower growth, beer continues to bring profits and foot traffic to c-stores.
Jun 6, 2022
NACS Requests 60-Day Extension on Menthol Ban Comment Period
Also, members of Congress have asked the FDA not to proceed with the ban on menthol.
EPA Sets 2020-22 Biofuel Blending Mandate
The agency denied oil refiners waivers to be exempt from the requirements.
Congratulations to the NACS European Convenience Retail Award Winners
The awards recognize European c-store leaders in overall excellence, sustainability and technology.
Walmart to Open 4 ‘Next Gen’ Fulfillment Centers
The centers will turn a 12-step fulfillment process into five via new technology developed for the retail giant.
Workers Want Flexible Schedules. Here’s How to Deliver.
Savvy retailers are finding new ways of being flexible to meet employee needs.
7-Eleven Opens New Dallas Location
The store features mobile checkout, a self-serve espresso machine and its Laredo Taco Company foodservice concept.
Jun 3, 2022
Robot Labor Is Growing Amid Labor Shortage
The U.S. has been slower to embrace robotics than other industrialized countries, but that’s changing.
A Nuanced Look at ESG at NACS Convenience Summit Europe
Here’s how three convenience retailers in Northern Ireland, Poland and Turkey are living out their corporate values.
Los Angeles to Ban Sales of Flavored Tobacco Products
The ban, which was passed unanimously, includes menthol.
Self-Checkout Is Coming to 7,000 Circle K and Couche-Tard Stores
The technology is powered by Mashgin.
Colonial Oil Acquires Peak Energy/Haywood Oil Company
The acquisition allows for greater customer reach in the Asheville, N.C., market.
Chipotle to Accept Cryptocurrency as Payment
The QSR has partnered with Flexa, a digital payments network.
Jun 2, 2022
OPEC+ Raises Oil Output More Than Anticipated
The higher amount marks the end of the historic output cuts OPEC+ had implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Labor Remains a Global Pain Point
NACS Convenience Summit Europe speakers shared creative ways to tackle this pressing problem.
Customers Crave Customized Loyalty Experiences
Tokenization captures customer data securely—even people who aren’t signed up for your loyalty program.
DoorDash Finalizes Acquisition of Wolt
DoorDash is now in 27 countries as it completes the largest merger in the food delivery industry.
7-Eleven Kicks Off ‘Brainfreeze Season’
Also, Texas Born announces its Summer Scratch & Win giveaway.
MAPCO Opens New Tennessee Location
The store features MAPCO’s new “Store of the Future” design including self-checkout.