News Archives
Feb 8, 2023
Merchants Urge Congress to Pass the Credit Card Competition Act
The industry says the legislation would block a national security threat from China UnionPay.
Card Skimming Device Found at New York Gas Station
Here’s how consumers and businesses can protect themselves against this aggressive scam tactic.
U.S. Consumers Tap Into Pandemic-Era Savings
The boom in the personal savings rate is over, and formerly flush bank accounts are dwindling.
C-Store Technology Takeaways From NRF’s Big Show
The Conexxus Innovation Research Committee attended the retail industry’s trade show.
Japanese C-Stores Can Now Sell Alcohol, Tobacco at Self-Checkout
Customers can scan their identification or their government-issued My Number Card.
Raley’s to Accept EBT SNAP Payments for Online Orders
The grocer is expanding an existing partnership with Instacart to 83 Raley’s locations across California.
Feb 7, 2023
Are Robots the Solution to a Tight Labor Market?
Amazon could have more robot workers than human employees by 2030.
More Than 1 in 5 Consumers Buy Groceries at Dollar Stores
These retailers woo inflation-weary consumers with fresh food and low prices.
Kum & Go Deploys Autonomous Floor Scrubbers
The robots will be used at all 400+ locations, freeing up employees to focus on other tasks.
Football Fans Plan to Buy Beer Before Super Bowl
Despite 68% of consumers saying that inflation will impact their purchases, most won’t switch to lower-priced brands.
Sheetz Continues DEF Discount
The price of diesel exhaust fluid is 99 cents a gallon through the end of the month at select Sheetz.
GATE Foundation Raises $50,000 for Suicide Prevention
The funds were raised through coin boxes at the registers in all GATE locations.
Feb 6, 2023
Demand Charges Hamper C-Store Investment in EV Charging
Recent state legislation looks to promote private investment in EV charging.
U.S. Economy Adds a Robust 517,000 Jobs
Unemployment hit a five-decade low, but the positive jobs report increases inflation fears.
Subway to Grow International Footprint
Global same-store sales were up 9.2% year over year.
The State of OTP
Regionality and regulations remain drivers of OTP performance.
7-Eleven Offers Free Pizza Through Delivery App
The deal is only available on Super Bowl Sunday.
Food-Delivery Service Zomato Departs Philippines
The company, based in India, did not give a reason for the exit.
Feb 3, 2023
Netflix, GM Will Bring More EVs to Screens
Also, ChargePoint partners with energy company Stem.
The Best Advice 7-Eleven’s Joe DePinto Has Received
Here’s what defines the CEO’s leadership style and what’s next for 7-Eleven.
Private Label Accounts for 18% of Total CPG Spend
Kwik Trip’s Kitchen Cravings is the second-fastest-growing private-label brand.
Tyson Foods Invests $20 Million in Upgraded Employee Benefits
60% of job seekers in the U.S. say benefits are an important element when looking for a job.
Rutter’s Launches Valentine’s Day Spiked Slushie
Meanwhile, Weigel’s celebrates “Free Fountain Wednesday” in February for its loyalty program members.
GetGo Café + Market Opens First New Build Featuring a Drive-Thru
Also, Thorntons opens a new Chicagoland location in Riverwoods.
Feb 2, 2023
Private Payroll Growth Slowed to 106,000 New Jobs Last Month
Also, the recent wave of layoffs has workers rethinking full-time work and flexibility in the workplace.
Florida Gas Station Discounts Fuel to 99 Cents for 3 Hours
The station shares 70% of inside-store profit with the community by lowering gas prices.
Make Your Data Count
Help NACS create the most robust benchmarking data available to our industry.
H-E-B Is the Top-Ranked Grocery in the U.S., Nudging Out Amazon
Amazon is still superior in online shopping, while club stores are gaining momentum.
Three Convenience Retailers Honored as Top Workplaces
The 2023 Top Workplaces USA list recognized Kwik Trip, MAPCO and Delta Sonic.
Pilot Rounds Up the Change for American Heart Association
Meanwhile, CF Altitude raised $300,000 for Make-A-Wish.
Feb 1, 2023
Swipe Fees Could Cost Consumers Almost $600 Million This Valentine’s Day
Consumers will pay an additional $4.28 on average in swipe fees.
McDonald’s Profit Increases as Consumers Trade Down
Consumer spending is beginning to sputter amid high inflation and a dropping personal saving rate.
Why Your Voice Matters
Members of Congress in the nation’s capital need to hear your story.
7-Eleven Serves Up a Deal for National Pizza Day
Also, Rutter’s has introduced a limited-time meal deal for sports fans.
Circle K Sweden to Introduce Well-Being Restrooms
The washrooms will include interactive mirrors and free health checks.
Love’s to Offer Services for Freightliner Trucks
Select locations will offer light mechanical warranty repair work and other services.
Jan 31, 2023
TravelCenters of America to Deploy 1,000 EV Chargers
The travel center network is partnering with Electrify America to build chargers at 200 locations.
SHIP IT Act Could Resolve Supply Chain Tangles
The comprehensive legislation would make it easier for companies to recruit and retain truck drivers.
Yesway Raises $190 Million in New Equity for Aggressive Growth
The convenience retailer plans to build 28 new stores in 2023.
Amazon Adds Delivery Fees to Fresh Grocery Deliveries
The fee starts at $9.95 and drops as the total cost of the order increases.
Wawa’s Community Care Vehicle Will Serve Free Drinks at Polar Plunges
The chilly events raise money for Special Olympics.
Krispy Kreme and Hershey’s Collab on Valentine’s Day Doughnuts
Also, Hershey’s has released Reese's Dipped Animal Crackers.
Jan 30, 2023
U.S. Justice Department Examines Visa’s Debit-Card Practices
The European Commission is also investigating the credit-card company.
Uber and Lyft Must Be 100% Electric in NYC by 2030
The city will expand charging infrastructure throughout the five boroughs.
California Fast-Food Wage Law on Hold Until 2024 Ballot
More than half a million Californians work in the industry and could see large wage increases.
The U.S. Economic Census Is Coming
If your business is chosen to participate, you are required by law to reply.
Maverik Opens 400th Location
The retailer donated $10,000 to a local charity to celebrate the new c-store.
The Wills Group Donated Over $875,000 in 2022
The company was recognized for its philanthropy by the Washington Business Journal.
Jan 27, 2023
7-Eleven Tests Robotic Delivery Service in Los Angeles
Serve Robotics’ fleet of autonomous robots makes short-distance deliveries for a $2.99 fee.
FDA Wants a New Regulatory Process for CBD
The pathway aims to balance consumer access and regulatory oversight, according to the agency.
Blarney Castle Oil Co. Acquires Alpena Oil Co.
Alpena operates 14 convenience stores, six full-service grocery stores and a cardlock.
FDA Authorizes 3 Marlboro HeatSticks Products
The new products are comparable to HeatSticks authorized in 2019.
Chipotle to Hire 15,000 Additional Workers
The restaurant chain is highlighting career progression to draw in applicants ahead of ‘burrito season.’
Rutter’s Plans to Open 50 New Locations
The Pennsylvania-based retailer will expand outside its current markets, including adding stores in Delaware and Virginia.
Jan 26, 2023
Small Businesses Fuel Booming Labor Market
Continued hiring challenges may mean more Fed interest rate increases to rein in inflation.
Valentine’s Day Spending Expected to Reach $26 Billion
Consumers are increasing their spend on the romantic holiday this year.
ExxonMobil Opens Texas Chemical Recycling Plant
The facility has processed 15 million pounds of material so far, and similar facilities are on the way.
CPG Makers, Retailers Misalign on Pricing
Nearly half of surveyed manufacturers plan to lift prices this year, yet 90% of retailers expect fewer markups.
Crank Up the Volume on the Convenience Industry
NACS Convenience Matters podcast gives listeners the latest on the industry each week in 25 minutes or less.
8 C-Stores Earn Acclaim for Phenomenal Foodservice
From subs and ice cream to barbecue and lattes, convenience stores feed America.
Jan 25, 2023
Walmart Raises Starting Pay for U.S. Employees
With workers in short supply, the increase will bring the retailer’s average hourly pay to over $17.50.
FDA Issues MDOs for 2 Menthol Vuse Products
R.J. Reynolds plans to seek a stay of enforcement to challenge the agency’s decision.
Wawa May Venture Into New Store Format
The retailer’s CEO outlined plans for “Wawa on steroids” in its new and existing markets.
Sheetz Lowers DEF Price to 99 Cents a Gallon
The retailer has been offering gas discounts on select products intermittently since last summer.
How to Invest in Your Store Leaders
The NACS Leadership for Success program brings together new and emerging leaders to learn and enhance their leadership skills.
Coca-Cola Launches Simply Mixology Mocktail and Cocktail Mixer
Several intersecting consumer trends, including Dry January, inspired the new beverages.
Jan 24, 2023
C-Stores Are Serious Food and Beverage Players
Foodservice at convenience stores directly competes with QSRs, and gas, groceries and more give the c-store channel an edge.
Here’s How to Nail Your Coffee and Tea Beverage Program
It’s all about the unique offerings you can give customers to make you a beverage destination.
U.S. Regulators to Scrutinize Payment Methods
Swipe fees, buy now, pay later programs and peer-to-peer payments are likely to be examined this year.
Colonial Oil Acquires Strickland Oil Co.
The move will help the Georgia company continue to grow its commercial fuel and lubricants business.
Hunt Brothers Brings Back Buffalo Chicken Pizza
This fan-favorite pizza has been an LTO for the past 15 years.
Walmart’s New E-Commerce Site for Businesses Rivals Amazon
The free B2B platform caters to small and midsize firms and offers a subscription akin to Amazon Prime.
Jan 23, 2023
71% of Consumers Snack at Least Twice Daily
Brand names still have an edge over generic when it comes to snacks, new research finds.
Americans Want to Eat Out More
Consumers are pulling back on discretionary spending, including dining out, as inflation takes its toll.
Dollar General Launches Cash-Back Rewards With Ibotta
The channel is being fueled by demand for cheaper groceries and goods from inflation-weary customers.
How Food Insecurity Affects Food Safety
A free webinar discusses how to stay informed to prevent foodborne illnesses in challenging economic times.
Taco Bell Puts Chicken Wings Back on Menu
The fast-food restaurant is also introducing an app filter that shows where the wings are available.
FBT Enterprises Acquires SHOPCO USA
Additionally, JJ’s Bakery buys family-owned baked goods company Cookies-n-Milk.
Jan 20, 2023
Hertz Brings Thousands of EVs and Chargers to U.S. Cities
The rental car company’s Hertz Electrifies program will start in Denver.
FMCSA Declares Regional Emergency in 8 States
The declaration is in response to the Suncor refinery shutdown in Colorado, as well as severe winter weather.
Is the Labor Market Finally Stabilizing?
The American workforce may be tipping to a more balanced employer-employee dynamic.
Rutter’s Raised $1.2 Million in Charitable Donations Last Year
The company added new fundraising programs in 2022.
Rich Products Adds Gluten-Free Pizza Crust to C-Store Foodservice Offering
Meanwhile, Hershey announces its lineup of new treats and returning favorites for Valentine's Day and Easter.
Jan 19, 2023
Shell USA Acquires EV Charging Company Volta for $169 Million
The transaction will boost Shell’s EV market opportunity in the U.S.
Kum & Go Opens First Grand Rapids Location
The store is the first of several area locations set to open in the next year.
Retail Sales Slipped 1.1% in December
The Commerce Department’s report and other factors point to a slowing economy.
Walmart Expands CDL Training Program
More employees can now join the 12-week program, which offers opportunity to become a Walmart driver with a salary up to $110,000 in the first year.
Circle K Blind-Taste Coffee Test Beats 'Gas-Station Coffee' Stigma
The company is so confident, it will give away free coffee on January 25.
Foxtrot Collabs With NBA All-Star on Gummies
Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine created a gummy mix sold exclusively in Foxtrot Chicago locations.
Jan 18, 2023
Price Increases Are Last Year’s Problem
Consumers are recoiling from higher prices, and with easing costs, many companies are stopping the higher-price cycle.
Starbucks Expands Delivery Via DoorDash
Plans are underway to launch nationwide by March.
Join the Conversation at Conexxus Annual Conference
Registration is now open for the event, which brings together convenience retailers and suppliers to discuss the latest in industry-related technology.
‘Alexa, Find Me an EV Charging Station.’
EVgo and Amazon will soon allow Alexa to pair EV drivers with charging stations.
Jimmy John’s Gamifies Its Loyalty Program
The QSR is adding achievement badges to combine challenges with rewards.
Rutter’s Opens New Location in Maryland
This is the company’s third store in the state.
Jan 17, 2023
NACS Debuts EV Charging Equipment Matching Tool
The program helps retailers connect with EV charging companies quickly and efficiently, no matter the level of charging they invest in.
Credit Card Jingles Find Silence at Payment Terminals
Aging hardware and software at the POS and retailer pushback have muted sonic logos distributed by major credit card companies.
How to Make Your C-Store a Coffee and Tea Destination
Coffee and tea drinkers crave variety and want an experience to go along with their customized beverage of choice.
10% of Global Car Sales Were EVs
New car sales declined for many automakers, but EV sales more than doubled, thanks to strong demand from China and Europe.
The Top 10 Global Consumer Trends for 2023
Emotional spending, authentic automation, digital cleansing, gamification and more are on the docket this year.
75% of Companies Have Upped Their Sustainability Efforts
A Deloitte survey finds almost all c-suite leaders have had climate change impact their organizations over the past year.
Jan 16, 2023
Why Physical Retail Is Still a Dominant Player
Consumers say human connection is essential to their loyalty in a business.
Shake Shack Eyes 70 More Locations
The QSR is focused on its drive-thru format, which attracts new customers previously out of reach.
Facing the Challenges of Being a Small Operator
“You have to constantly reinvent yourself,” says Lisa Dell’Alba, president and CEO of Square One Markets Inc.
QuikTrip Opens Travel Center in Tennessee
Meanwhile, TravelCenters of America outlines its franchise growth strategy for 2023.
Restaurant Jobs Are Up
However, more than half of operators say they’ll lay off employees this year if the economy deteriorates.
7-Eleven Launches Vitaminwater Slurpee
The limited-time cold-dispensed beverage is sugar-free.
Jan 13, 2023
Inflation Marks a 6-Month Decline
Prices for gasoline, vehicles and some food items fell, but services costs rose, and the labor market remains tight.
5 Industry Insights From Consumer Product Executives
CPG leaders believe keeping up with the changing consumer is one of their greatest challenges.
Pizza Hut Brings Back Popular ’90s Menu Item
The Big New Yorker is relaunching as an LTO and follows a other menu item returns from parent company Yum Brands.
How C-Stores Can Prepare for Norovirus Season
Experts predict outbreaks will be severe this year. Here are action steps to get ready.
Service With a Smile
Ewing Oil strives to fulfill its mission of excellent customer service in a friendly atmosphere.
EG Group Raises Over $600,000 for Disabled Veterans
The company employs many former military personnel nationally.
Jan 12, 2023
Truck Drivers Need More Parking
A survey finds that parking is the No. 1 issue for truckers, and truck stops are stepping up to help.
NielsenIQ and NACS Release Third-Quarter Global Convenience Store Industry Report
The Q3 report adds regional data for Central and South America and analysis of the global tobacco category.
Your Voice Matters on Capitol Hill
Join NACS Day on the Hill in person to share with Congress how policies directly impact your business and our industry.
Molson Coors Introduces DTC Canned Mocktail
Roxie is available online only and is the beverage company’s latest venture in the beyond beer space.
7-Eleven Opens First Location in Israel
The Tel Aviv store is the first of multiple locations planned for the country.
Hershey Recognized as 1 of America’s JUST Companies
Meanwhile, TravelCenters of America was named to Forbes list of America’s Best Small Companies 2023.
Jan 11, 2023
U.S. Convenience Store Count Reverses 4-Year Decline
More than 150,000 c-stores operate in the U.S., up 1.5% from a year ago.
Auto Industry Posts Worst Sales Year in a Decade
EVs accounted for 5.8% of all vehicles sold last year, up from 3.2% in 2021.
House Committee Discusses Rising Energy Costs
Fuel retailer shares how high energy prices affect the convenience and truck stop industry.
Aisle 24 Is Redefining the Frictionless C-Store
The Canadian franchise is expanding rapidly and plans to enter the U.S.
Sheetz Reduces Diesel Prices by 50 Cents a Gallon
The convenience and fuel retailer has been offering discounts on fuel intermittently over the past few months.
Buc-ee’s to Begin Construction on Hillsboro, Texas, Site
The new location will expand the brand’s presence in North Texas.
Jan 10, 2023
FTC Said to Probe Coca-Cola, PepsiCo on Price Discrimination
The agency reportedly wants to enforce the Robinson-Patman Act, which bans price discrimination between small and large retailers.
This Is What Sets Wawa Apart
The convenience retailer is all about the customer, thanks to human-centered technology.
Earn Up to 10 CEU Credits at the 2023 NACS HR Forum
The annual event brings together HR professionals for exclusive industry insights, strategies and connection.
Wellness Drinks, Probiotics and Plant-Based Are on Trend
Health will be top of mind for Americans, but there also could be confusion around food labeling.
Chipotle Offers Free Food to Rewards Members
The new loyalty perk gives members 10 free food drops throughout the year.
Britain to Ban Some Single-Use Plastics
The move follows similar bans in Scotland and Wales, and some say the new regulation does not reach far enough.