Convenience Store Decisions articles from October 2004

Convenience Store Decisions archives from October 2004

'When I say jump...'.(Editor's Memo)
October 1, 2004... My nephew turned 15 in July. He's one of the neatest people I know. But as he inches closer to the legal driving age, I find it increasingly difficult to stay relevant in his life. A few years ago he was content shooting darts, watching TV or...

Tagged! A simple but effective "beer tagging" program keeps alcoholic beverages on the menu in Stop 'n Save's Colorado stores.(Front End)
October 1, 2004... Beer six-packs and suitcases represent a nice chunk of sales at Stop 'n Save stores, but about six months ago the 16-store chain considered removing beer from its shelves entirely. Stop 'n Save already had meticulous precautions in place to...

Light beers carry the law-carb load: "low-carb mania" slowed beer sales last year. But light beers countered the trend by posting solid gains in cases sold.(Front End)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Significant increases in the number of consumers following low-carbohydrate lifestyles had a pronounced effect on the domestic beer market last year. After seven years of consistent gains, the U.S. beer market as a whole contracted 0.3% to 2.8...

A slower grow for fast-casual fare.(Front End)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The tide seems to be turning once again in the burger wars. After sustained periods of rapid growth, sales increases at "fast casual" restaurants--Panera Bread Co. and Wendy's International's Baja Fresh Mexican style restaurants, for...

The 11 cents solution?(Front End)(Starbucks Corp. raised the price of its beverages .)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Earlier this month Starbucks raised the price of its beverages at more than 4,500 company-operated stores in the United States and Canada by an average of 11 cents per cup. The price increases--a 12-oz. tall latte ranges from $2.25 in Minnesota...

Sheetz raises its voice: Sheetz's participation in state government could eventually net the chain a nice return. The moral of the story: get involved.(Front End)
October 1, 2004... Sheetz Inc, knows that the best way to win the game is to help make the rules. That's one of the reasons why Mike Cortez, vice president and general counsel for Altoona, PA based Sheetz, serves on the recently formed Pennsylvania Business Tax...

7-Eleven gets schooled: when looking for the next hot, new products to appeal to younger consumers, why not go right to the source? 7-Eleven did.(Front End)
October 1, 2004... In its quest to develop the next generation of cool new products, 7 Eleven Inc. went back to school... literally. 7-Eleven enlisted three college interns this summer to try their hand at creative product development and charged them with...

Rewards in a Flash: about 5,000 customers have already signed up for Flash Foods' customized loyalty program--and it's only at the beta stage in 16 stores.(Front End)
October 1, 2004... Flash Foods has always viewed technology as the key to running a tight ship. With 182 stores spread throughout Georgia and Florida, it was an early acceptor of computer-assisted ordering, point-of-sale (POS) and back office systems, and it just...

Presidential bean polls: customers cast their ballots in unscientific retailer polls. If the polls portend correctly, Dubya can look forward to four more years.(Front End)
October 1, 2004... Stir sticks substitute for ballots at Scotchman Convenience Stores and Young's Food Stores run by Worsley Operating Corp. (Wilmington, NC). Farther north, in and around Rutter's Farm Stores' hometown of York, PA, customers are choosing the...

Sheetz expands 'Order-at-the Pole' program.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Made-to-order food and gasoline have proven to be a volatile--and profitable--combination for Sheetz Inc. (Altoona, PA). After limited store tests over the past two years, Sheetz has decided to install outdoor self-service kiosks from Radiant...

Expansion is on the menu for Royal Farms.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Baltimore-based Royal Farms plans to open as many as five new stores by the end of this year and renovate existing ones to include more fresh food items and a layout that is easier to navigate. After the completion of recent renovations,...

Taco Del Couche-Tard.(Taro Del Mar)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Alimentation Couche-Tard inc. (Laval, Quebec) has signed an agreement to be a master developer for Taro Del Mar, and plans to open franchises in its Mac's convenience stores throughout British Columbia. Two co-branded locations are already...

7-Eleven adds functionality to proprietary phones.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Expanding its 7-Eleven Speak Out Wireless service throughout the country, 7-Eleven Inc. (Dallas, TX) now offers its customers a prepaid wireless phone with camera photoID functionality and FM radio. The enhanced 7 Eleven Speak Out Wireless...

Ultra-Clean gas at QT stores.(QuikTrip Corp.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... QuikTrip Inc. (Tulsa, OK) has become one of only two retailers in the nation to offer a new class of gasoline with the Top Tier Detergent Gasoline rating. The Top Tier rating, based on standards set by four automakers, is available in all...

Stupid criminal tricks: buffoonish criminals raise the bar in the incompetence Olympics. Some of them may have even stumbled into a store near you.(Front End)
October 1, 2004... Sadly, most convenience store employees have a crazy story about would-be robbers and their pitifully (but thankfully) unsuccessful heists. In the incidents described below--all of which probably occurred during the third shift the identities...

7-Eleven Inc.(Decision Makers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... 7-Eleven Inc. Chief Information Officer Keith Morrow is a winner of the prestigious C10 100 award from CIO magazine. The 2004 CIO 100 award recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic...

America Hess Corp.(Decision Makers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... America Hess Corp. (New York, NY) has named Robert J. vice president and treasurer of the company. Vogel replaces Gerald A. Jamin, who retires from Amerada Hess after 35 years of distinguished service. During his 15 years with the corporation,...

Convenience store industry veterans Dick Wood and Jim Mercer have purchased executive retail recruitment company the National Executive Personnel and Marketing Group LC (NEP) from its long-time president and owner, Haskel Thompson.(Decision Makers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Convenience store industry veterans Dick Wood and Jim have purchased executive retail recruitment company the National Convenience Personnel and Marketing Group LC (NEP) from its long-time president and owner, Haskel Thompson. Thompson will...

CashWorks Inc.(Decision Makers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Check-cashing and prepaid solutions CashWorks Inc. has named Will Sowell its new general manager. CashWorks, part of GE Consumer Finance, provides automated check-cashing solutions at more than 3,000 convenience and grocery stores across the...

Follet Corp.(Decision Makers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Follett Corp. has named Robin L. Porter marketing services manager. In this position, Porter will be responsible for promoting the company's image and products by directing and managing advertising materials, tradeshows, direct mail,...

Digital media networks provider AdSpace Networks Inc.(Decision Makers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Digital media networks provider AdSpace Networks Inc. has named Robert E. Cell chief executive officer. Cell previously led such major companies as Kellogg Co. and its former subsidiary, Lender's Bagels, Blue Martini Software and Deloitte &...

Loyalty and media technology provider Outsite Networks Inc.(Decision Makers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Loyalty and media technology provider Networks Inc. has added Klaus Kokott as vice president, client services. Kokott has a long history of retail petroleum and convenience store marketing experience with Mobil, Strasburger Enterprises, Circle...

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.(Decision Makers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. has added Daniel W. Butler as executive vice president and general manager. Butler will be responsible for sales, marketing, strategic analysis and financial planning. He joins USST from Kraft Foods, where he was...

NOCO Energy Corp.(Retailer Spotlight)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... NOCO Energy Corp. (Tonawanda, NY), a privately-owned business run by the Newman family, received a Galanis Award for Excellence in Family Business. The awards program is sponsored by Alfred University, a a four-year liberal arts university...

In memoriam.(Front End)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
October 1, 2004... In memoriam. Tom Malone, president and chief executive officer of Aloha Petroleum (Honolulu, Hl) has passed away. Malone's 16 years of leadership at Aloha built a reputation for excellence and service and fostered a corporate philosophy that...

Navigating with confidence: the National Convenience Store Advisory Group's Fall Conference was packed with information, ideas and some of the best networking opportunities the industry has to offer.(Front End)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... When is a tornado in your store a good thing? What's the most profitable 6' in Sheetz's new convenience restaurant? What sweet treat does Sheetz's chef call "a license to print money"? Which Tennessee fast food chain is more profitable than any...

Edible education: retailers and suppliers who attended NCSAG's Foodservice Track found plenty to sink their teeth into.(Front End)(National Convenience Store Advisory Group )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Caption: Foodservice experts Keith Boston of Sheetz Inc. (above), Jerry Weiner of Rutter's Farm Stores (top, right) and Don Rogers of Quarles Food Stores discuss trends in foodservice, including new concepts and products, tips on reducing food...

Higher learning: Category Management University combined best practices with real-world case studies.(Front End)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The "prospectus" promised a better understanding of best-in-class practices for marketing, merchandising, pricing, promotion, product assortment, space management and other category management variables. And with the help of "professors" from...

NCSAG's HR boot camp: reducing turnover. Setting performance measures. Handling the new overtime regulations. NCSAG's Human Resources Track was a provocative mix of theory and practice.(Front End)(National Convenience Store Advisory Group)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Caption: Francie Dalton leads an interactive discussion on metrics-based management at the NCSAG Fall Conference in Denver. Attendees walked away with new insights about how to measure the performance of individuals, groups--and the entire...

A tough assignment: think today's kids are lazy and apathetic? They might just be hungry for honesty and a real challenge.(The Labor Pool)(Column)
October 1, 2004... In a previous column, (I pledge allegiance..., June '04, p. 20), we profiled the innovative methods the U.S. Army is using to get buy-in from a record number of Generation Why recruits. But is it possible for a company to get a similar degree...

Tell me a story: having a tough time building your brand? Maybe it's time to develop your story-telling prowess.(Brand-Aid)
October 1, 2004... Branding is storytelling. At the foundation of every business lies an inspiration or story idea that is both emotional and intellectual. The process of branding is like writing a book, expressing the idea in words and pictures. It is the...

Jumping ahead: South Carolina's Li'l Cricket keeps its 90 stores hopping with value-priced deals on key items and a no-nonsense approach to site development.(Li'L Cricket Food Stores Inc.)
October 1, 2004... Gordon Zuber likes to keep busy. With the help of his retail operations team and fellow co-owners--Debbie Zuber Cobb, James P. Zuber and John B. Zuber--the president of Li'l Cricket Food Stores operates 90 convenience stores throughout South...

Hotel Minnesota: a convenience retailer leads an unusual project to revitalize his small town and ensure a profitable future.
October 1, 2004... A small Minnesota mining town with a population of 2,200 is undergoing a revitalization, thanks to the efforts of one persistent fuel marketer. Silver Bay is situated on the northern shore of Lake Superior, with two state parks nearby where...

Driving down drive-offs: Bill acceptors, proprietary cards and low-tech solutions help retailers put the brakes on thefts at the fuel island.
October 1, 2004... Although requiring customers to pay before they pump gas is one way to prevent drive-offs, any fuel marketers consider it an inconvenience that could send customers elsewhere. Still, some have adopted the policy out of necessity. In June,...

Power play: here's a final helping of "gravy" for your "potatoes." In the third part of this three-part series, see how routine maintenance tasks and small investments can significantly boost the bottom line and put your stores on a ...
October 1, 2004... It may sound simple, but improving efficiency of the various electrical systems in a convenience store will reduce energy (kWh) consumption. Reducing kWh is one thing, but reducing demand (kW) is another. All commercial customers of electric...

Dressed to thrill! From military-influenced uniforms to Mardi Gras-inspired costumes, retailers differ over how employees dress--and what a code of dress says to the customer.
October 1, 2004... The Career Apparel Institute, a division of the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors announced its 2004 "Image of the Year" award whiners at the organization's 71st annual convention at Walt Disney World this past...

Smoker friendly: retailers coast to coast bite into new barbecue concepts.(Hank's Pitt BBQ)
October 1, 2004... Barbecue isn't likely to show up on anyone's top 10 list of aphrodisiacs. But if you want to stir up some deep-rooted passion--particularly in the South--just ask, "Where can I find the best barbecue?" and watch the sparks fly. Some convenience...

Hot stuff! For these two retailers, different tactics yield the same results: increased trial and rising sales at the beverage center.(Irving Oil )
October 1, 2004... All convenience store operators say they want to take sales way from the competition. But when it comes to boosting coffee sales, Irving Oil (Portsmouth, NH) took things a step further. The company went "Dodge City" and hung up "Wanted" posters...

Best pack.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Miller Brewing's Fridge Packs continue to generate excitement in the beer category. Miller was first to bring consumers beer in the innovative Fridge Pack, and it's quickly becoming the package of choice among beer drinkers. Designed to fit...

BBQ bonanza.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Jack Link's KC Masterpiece Beef Jerky is made with premium slices of lean, 100% beef seasoned with the robust flavor of KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce--a perfect blend of rich tomato, sweet molasses, mellow garlic, tangy onions and tasty spices....

Availability and access.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Enodis USA reaffirms its commitment to a superior ownership experience for equipment owners in the U.S. by supporting an open parts distribution philosophy through its authorized service network. Contributing to a superior ownership experience,...

Start humming.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Humm Foods Inc., an innovative natural foods company, introduces its first product line, LaraBar. LaraBar is a delicious nutrition bar made of whole, raw food including nuts, unsweetened fruits and spices. Unlike traditional energy bars,...

Cut to the chase.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Merit Industries introduces sturdy plastic pizza cutters that can be customized with a company's logo and message printed on them. Available in red, yellow and white, retailers can give the 6.25" cutters free with a large pie and keep their...

Making it work.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Advance Transformer announces innovative new Square Plug-In ignitor assemblies to help simplify the lighting maintenance process. Designed to make it easier to maintain, assemble, test and replace ignitors in magnetic HID fixtures, the Square...

Built to last.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Technibilt/Cari-All, North America's leading manufacturer of wire shopping carts and shelving, is committed to providing customers with the highest quality products. First-class shelving units can be designed and used in a variety of...

Wise decision.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Wise Foods introduces Wise Choice, the company's first line of all-natural healthy snacks. Wise Choice Potato Crisps and Soy-Potato Crisps have no trans fat or hydrogenated oils, and no artificial flavors and colors. All of the products in the...

Adios, hangovers.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Beer Neutralizer is the most complete, all-encompassing beer and alcohol supplement on the market today. Taking Beer Neutralizer directly prior to one's first beer will help block up to 38 grams of carbs, per serving (two capsules), from being...

Decanter choices.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Dixie Foodservice introduces its new disposable decanter--a 96-oz. disposable beverage container designed as a convenient and easy way to sell and transport large amounts of coffee. The Disposable Decanter from Dixie gives operators the...

Single-serve sweetness.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Single-serve person pound cakes are the newest addition to Bake'n Joy's FreshBakes line of predeposited frozen batters. The 5.35-oz. personal coffee cakes and 5.5-oz. personal pound cakes go from freezer to oven to shelf in minutes for...

Positive thinking.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Prime Health Dietary Supplements Inc. introduces Think Thin Low Carb Candy Cups and Delights. The cups come in three flavors reminiscent of America's favorite candies: Peanut Butter Cups are filled with smooth, creamy peanut butter; Chocolate...

All-natural taste sensations.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... New Attitude Beverage Corp., manufacturer of ICE AGE and MUSIC Premium Glacier Water brands, introduces its new line of All Natural Juice Drinks X247 LOW ZONE, XLC and Xtreem Energy. Using ground-breaking formulations, LOW ZONE and XLC provide...

Taste the tropics.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Cadbury Adams introduces Trident Tropical Twist, the first long-lasting, fruit-flavored gum in the Trident lineup. Available in 18-piece Valupaks with an SRP of 89 cents and eight-pack multi-pack bags with an SRP of $1.69, Trident Tropical...

Acquired technology.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Cecilware Corp. has acquired the FRYSAVER Oil Filtration System from Blickman Supply Co./Dana Lu Enterprises. The FRYSAVER is the category leader in fryer filtration based upon its proprietary filtration system. This is the second strategic...

Caramel crusade.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Goetze's Candy Co. introduces a new product to its family of favorites: Goetze's Gourmet Caramels. Goetze's Gourmet Caramels feature Og of trans fats and is made with real dairy cream. They will be sold in three different sizes--3-lb. Stand Up...

Carb-controlled breakfast.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... The Atkins Morning Start line of food products is dedicated to providing tasty and convenient breakfast items that can help people follow a controlled-carb lifestyle. These highlighted products are great-tasting options for anytime consumers...

Success tools.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Dataworks, creator of The Manager's Red Book, is the leading provider of practical, customized management programs and tools designed to drive performance. Today, more than 150,000 businesses and 300,000 managers throughout the country rely on...

Boost-able.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Energy Multi-vitamin Enhanced Water expanded its product line with two no-carb varieties: orange-carrot "Replenish" and peach-melon "Refresh." The new flavors join the company's five low-carb products introduced in May. All come in 20-oz....

Light up their lives.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Malibu Toys illuminates the candy world with its new line of seasonal Finger Lites Light-Up Candy Rings, available for kids to officially "ring" in the holidays with exclusive Halloween, Holiday, Valentine's Day and Easter Finger Lites. Finger...

Breath of fresh gum.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Inhale Solutions Inc. announces the nationwide rollout of ElimiTaste ZAPP! Intense ElectraMint, the first of several gum products that will be released under the company's ElimiTaste brand. This exciting product features holographic packaging...

On display.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Federal Industries presents the new Counter Top Self-Serve Display Cases. These refrigerated, non-refrigerated and hot display cases are specially designed for continuous case line-up. With impulse sales in mind, cases feature modern styling...

Cookie doesn't crumble.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Peanut Butter Club Sandwiches, creamy peanut butter spread on crispy saltine crackers smothered in chocolate, have been a central Pennsylvania favorite for years. In an effort to prepare the product for a national debut, Costas updated the...

X-treme cool.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Popsicle introduces X-Treme Sport, a new way to help kids replace electrolytes and fluids that the body loses during sporting activities, Popsicle X-Treme Sport takes the concept of popular sport drinks in a new, "cool" direction by putting...

Representing quality.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... TNT Marketing has been named national convenience store broker for Indiana's Golden Stream Quality Foods. TNT Marketing will assist Golden Stream with the unveiling of a new line of trail mixes under the recently acquired Harmony brand. As part...

Go on impulse.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Impulse Beverage Co. is leading the next generation of energy drinks with its latest addition to the brand portolio--Impulse ZERO. Impulse ZERO is a cutting edge, sophisticated energy drink with an advanced formula that delivers an immediate...

Covered up.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Monitor Inc. has been manufacturing canopies for over 45 years and can be depended upon for quality materials, engineering, production and timely shipments to all 50 states. Monitor strives to always give the best price, and its canopies are an...

Restroom recovery.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Seat-B-Clean Wipes allow each restroom user to clean the toilet seat and restroom to their satisfaction before use, improving their experience and the likelihood of their return to that establishment. Unlike uncomfortable and messy paper seat...

Light the way.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Hatco Corp. introduces a new series of high-watt decorative heating lamps to hold food warm and enhance restaurant decor. Joining the standard watt bulb warmer family, these fashionable warmers are available in eight different shades and a...

Growth factor.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... BDI Marketing introduces TestostreX, the No. 1 male sexual stimulant for one of today's most profitable product categories. TestostreX contains the world's only Staminol, designed exclusively for "under-performing" men. This product comes 830mg...

Muffin magic.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Otis Spunkmeyer's "Oh... so Good" muffin line is better than ever with more moist taste, delicious "homemade" appeal and new eye-catching packaging. The most popular muffin flavors--wild blueberry, banana nut and chocolate chip--are now...

Mixing it up.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... The new BUNN iMix hot powdered beverage dispenser's sleek styling and innovative features combine to create superior beverages and easy operation and service. Available in four- and five-flavor models (iMix-4 and iMix-5) with a three-flavor...

Temperature rising.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... DeltaTRAK, Inc., a leader in the manufacturing of portable test instruments for the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, HVAC/R and other industries, announces it has re-engineered its popular ThermoTrace Infrared Thermometer, Model 15030, for...

Car wash comrade.(New Stuff!)
October 1, 2004... Mark VII introduces three new offerings to help retailers with their car wash businesses: a 99% uptime guarantee, the GT-300 promotional offer and enhanced revenue opportunities with Hub Scrub. Only Mark VII guarantees operators' uptime and...

Long live the King.(Back Room)
October 1, 2004... Henry Dodge, president and CEO of Dodge's Stores (Tupelo, MS) has felt a kinship with Elvis Presley ever since he attended tribute concerts in the mid-1950s in their shared hometown of Tupelo. The proceeds from a 1957 concert were donated by...