ALEXANDRIA, Va. – With more than 90,000 independent operators in the U.S. convenience and fuel retailing industry, the NACS Show is offering what these businesses need to roll up their sleeves and dig into topics designed specifically for them.
The Small Operator Training Sessions offered at the NACS Show are designed for and only open to individuals from companies with five or fewer stores. Class size is limited to 45 participants, and workbooks and reference materials will be supplied complimentary to registrants. All sessions will be facilitated by Mark Wells, president of LJT Management Services Inc., and are interactive and fun with exercises and group activities. Topics include:
Building Better, More Profitable Promotions
Tuesday, Oct. 17
10:30 am – 12:45pm
It is time to take control of your promotions away from your vendors. In this training track retailers will learn the skills to determine if promotions they offer are profitable. Retailers will learn how to use their vendor relationships to their advantage. Emphasis is on how to build and track a better, more profitable promotion and ways to encourage employees become a part of a successful campaign. Retailers will develop a promotional calendar for their site.
Coaching, Mentoring, and Training Cashiers
Tuesday, Oct. 17
1:00 pm – 3:15pm
The key to leading a best in class team is an ongoing process. This session will teach coaching techniques that are easy and effective in everyday operations. The objective is for the staff to perceive the manager as the ship’s captain while keeping the store dynamic on an even keel. This session will work with better implementation of Store Policy and Procedure Manuals. Managers will establish the foundations of an effective 5-day employee training program. Because every person learns differently, they will also find out different methods of teaching while still being consistent.
Profitable Inventory Management
Wednesday, Oct. 18
8:00 am – 10:15 am
Out-Of Stocks? Storage issues? Small Footprint? No problem. In this training track, you’ll learn techniques to make the most out of the space you have in your store, everything from inventory turns, shelf space analysis, velocity reports, product placement, product variety and shrinkage measurements to gain additional profits through knowledge of your day-to-day operation.
Strategies for Adapting to a Competitive Environment
Thursday, Oct. 19
8:00 am – 10:15 am
You have a store and you have a major competitor opening less than a mile away. What actions should you take prior to the new competitor opening? Active vs. Reactive response to competition is the theme of this training track. Topics also include: Building loyal customers who won't be tempted to leave your business and go to your new competition. Pricing strategy for destination products are also a major topic of this training track and, of course, having Guestomer Service that can't be equaled by a new competitor. In addition, the training track covers cross channel competitors and how to deal with non-c-stores selling similar products.
The sessions are free; however, registration to the NACS Show is separate and required. Advanced registration for the classes is strongly recommended and walk-ins may be accommodated if space is available. In past years, classes have been full before the event begins and a waitlist is maintained. You must arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of class or your seat will be forfeited. In September, instructions and room assignments will be sent to participants. To sign up for any of the small operator training sessions, follow the link to Session Sign-Up at the bottom of your NACS Show registration confirmation.
The 2017 NACS Show takes place October 17-20 in Chicago. Register today!