May 21, 2012
Senate Introduces ATM Signage Bill
The NACS-supported bill seeks to eliminate the dual fee notification requirement at an ATM.
7-Eleven Fights Against Underage Drinking With Technology
The retailer is expanding its corporate social responsibility efforts with the ability to scan the 2-D barcode on the back of a customer’s driver’s license in the New York metro area.
Pump Tampering Leads to $12K Loss
A Chicago gas station fell victim to fuel theft, which resulted in a loss of $12,000 over a two-week period.
California Town Takes Soda Tax to the Ballot
The penny-per-beverage tax would apply to soft drinks and beverages with added sugar, although diet soft drinks and most juices would be exempt.
Canada Officials Crack Down on Illegal Smokes
In May alone nearly 25,000 cartons of contraband tobacco were seized before they could hit the Canadian market.
BAT Counters Counterfeit Smokes With Discount Brand
The tobacco company’s new discount label, Just Smokes, will compete with illegal counterfeit cigarettes in Australia.
May 18, 2012
First Clean Mobility Center Opens in California
The alternative fuel station that sells biodiesel and E85 is one of more than 200 that are scheduled for the state.
Can Walmart Find Success in a Smaller Store?
The discount retailer has been slow to expand its smaller footprint locations.
Some Drivers Move to Pure Gasoline
Concerns about ethanol are driving motorists to seek out the more expensive 100% gasoline.
U.K. Health Experts Call for Soda Tax
The trio says that a 20% tax on soft drinks would help slim down U.K. residents.
How Cost-Conscious Grocery Shoppers Tick
New research reveals that the average monthly spend on groceries has been on the rise.
New Beverage Targets Your Health
In Japan, a new beverage is being called the world’s first health-food soda.
May 17, 2012
U.S. Forges Ahead on Road to Energy Independence
Williamsport (Pennsylvania) is the new Williston (North Dakota), a hotbed of domestic energy production.
7-Eleven to Acquire Open Pantry Stores
The acquisition would give 7-Eleven entry in the Wisconsin market, which it left 10 years after operating about 15 stores in the state.
Rutter’s Raises $110,000 for Children’s Charities
The retailer’s 10th annual charity golf event raised a record amount for Rutter’s Children’s Charities, which improves the lives of local children.
Massachusetts Item Pricing Proposal Draws Ire
Warehouse clubs, convenience stores would be exempt from having to affix individual stickers on food items or provide aisle scanners.
Falling Gas Prices Don’t Lead to Rising Retail Sales
Analysts say that the warmer temps in February and March led to earlier purchasing decisions by consumers. As a result, excluding gasoline station sales, retail sales rose just 0.2% last month.
Nutrisystem Expands Into Retail
Nutrisystem Everyday products will be sold at Kroger, which marks the beginning of the company’s growth plans into more retail channels.
CITGO Expands Loyalty Bucks Program with Pinnacle’s Loyalink
As part of the Loyalty Bucks program, CITGO contributes up to $2,000 per location toward the technology and service costs associated with program implementation.
May 16, 2012
Jettisoning the Kwik-E-Mart Image of C-Store Food
Convenience stores have improved their fresh food offerings, but still struggle with negative PR and consumer misperceptions.
Experience the NACS Show — Today!
NACS Show Virtual is up and running, feature 10 hours of exclusive educational sessions content, interviews with industry leaders and a Cool New Products recap.
Speedway Convenience Stores Top Retailer in Its Category
The 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend Study placed Costco as the gasoline retail brand of the year.
Coke Enters Low-Cal Soda Battle With New Sweeteners Blend
The soft-drink company has begun testing mid-calorie soft drinks in select stores.
Fast-Casual Chains Dominate Restaurant Growth
The top 150 fast-casual chains increased 8.4% last year, compared to a growth rate of 6.6% in 2010.
Thorntons Partners With Make-A-Wish Foundation
All store locations are selling Wish Stars for $1, with 100% of the proceeds going back to the foundation.
May 15, 2012
7-Eleven Launches Low-Calorie Slurpee
The Splenda-sweetened beverage is 7-Eleven’s first low-calorie Slurpee available nationwide.
Gulf Oil Supports Breast Cancer Awareness in MLB Parks
Gulf adds a pink ribbon to its iconic logo and donates tickets to Red Sox home games to support breast cancer research, awareness and treatment.
Vermont Pooh-Poohs Dollar Stores
Based on environmental and aesthetic criteria, Vermonters are speaking out against the growth of dollar stores in their state.
The Mad Dash for Digital Wallets
Attendees at a cellphone industry trade show agree the future is in mobile, but can’t agree on what that future will look like.
Washington to Double RYO Taxes
A carton of roll-your-own cigarettes in Washington state is on track to increase from $40 to $80 in July.
Website Promotes Beer Prices
Much like gas price apps, SaveOnBrew.com wants to help consumers locate beer prices at retail locations in the United States.
May 14, 2012
USA Today Punctures Myths About Swipe Fees
The battle continues between retailers and banks on whether consumers are seeing lower prices with lower debit card fees.
U.S. Senators Introduce Legislation to Close Tobacco-Tax Loophole
The bill alleges that tobacco companies are avoiding federal cigarette and roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco taxes.
NOCO Energy Adds Dino-Mart to Retail Brands
NOCO opened the doors last week to the first store of its new convenience retail franchise concept.
Motherhood Changes Purchasing Decisions
A new Mintel report suggests that female shoppers with families are more cautious about the products they buy, focusing more on safety, value and nutrition.
Study Offers Insights for Smothering Sales of Contraband Cigarettes
By analyzing the impact of tax and price changes on the cigarette market, policymakers can reduce the sales of illegal tobacco products in Canada.
“Roboista” Versus the Barista
Briggo’s robotic barista kiosk is hoping to automate the gourmet coffeehouse experience.
May 11, 2012
EPA Ruling to Eliminate Stage 2 Vapor Recovery at Retail
Changes reflect today’s vehicle technologies, which capture gasoline vapors when refueling.
PCI Compliance Increases Slightly
Level 1 retailers achieved 98% PCI compliance through March 31, 2012, with Level 2 retailers tallying 92%, and Level 3 retailers coming in at 59%.
The Impact of Interchange Fees
Forbes article details the impact of interchange fees on fuel marketers, and how banks are shifting the blame to control public opinion.
Top Snack Trends Include Seaweed and Mango
New snack flavors incorporate multicultural influences.
Windsor City Council Commits to Fighting Contraband Tobacco
In Canada, one town formalizes its fight against illegal tobacco, with OCSA offering strong support.
Hotel Food Turns Healthy
Chains feature healthier fare by trimming calories, reducing chemicals and additives.
May 10, 2012
The Battle Over E15 Continues
While the EPA has approved of E15 use in vehicles manufactured since 2001, gasoline retailers are reluctant to stock the fuel.
FTC Wants to ‘Move On’ From Restricting Food Ads Geared to Children
The initiative by the federal government to hold back marketing of specific foods to kids has lost momentum.
MasterCard Debuts Network for Digital Wallet
The credit card processing firm will rollout PayPass services in the third quarter.
76% of Purchase Decisions Made In-Store
A new study explores the changing behavior and purchasing decisions of today’s grocery shopper.
Iconic Budweiser Bottle Gets a Makeover
The special red, white and blue packaging will be available for a limited time this summer.
Chevron Extramile Launches New Battleship Commander Instant Win Game
Consumers can visit West Coast Chevron ExtraMile Locations for chances to win thousands of instant prices.
May 9, 2012
Pump Prices Plummet
Consumers express relief as gasoline prices dip for the fifth week in a row.
NACS Card Processing Program Launches Refer a Friend Program
Each referral of a credit-approved merchant sent between now and August 1 earns a $100 credit.
Spring Spurs Gift Card Sales
Restaurant chains are pushing gift cards for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduations.
Four Years Later, Contraband Tobacco in Canada Still a Problem
Coalition marks fourth anniversary of RCMP contraband tobacco strategy with a call for more action.
Buc-ee’s Opens World’s Largest C-Store
The 60-pump station boasts 68,000 square feet and a 34-stall women’s restroom.
Experts Push for Congress to Take on Obesity
If the food industry doesn’t seize the initiative in the fight against obesity, a new report urges lawmakers to step in.
May 8, 2012
Future of C-Stores to Depend on Foodservice
NRA Show educational session includes insights on executing world-class convenience store foodservice.
Ontario to Launch Initiative Encouraging Motorists to Drive Electric
Ontario Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli said the province will advance millions of dollars to encourage motorists to drive electric cars.
New York Lottery Reports Record Profit
Lottery records a $2.9 billion annual profit, with lottery retailers and video gaming facilities earning commissions totaling more than $1 billion.
Family Dollar to Partner with McLane
Partnership will allow Family Dollar to customize assortments to local markets as well establish a national supply chain for refrigerated and frozen merchandise.
A-B Launches Michelob ULTRA Light Cider
Featuring 120 calories, the cider contains one-third fewer calories than traditional ciders and is naturally gluten-free.
Community Coffee Launches New Teas
Company unveils two new summer iced tea flavors at the National Restaurant Association Show.
May 7, 2012
NACS Show Named 47th Largest U.S. Trade Show
The Trade Show News Network’s list represents the top 250 trade shows held in 2011 in the United States.
Registration Now Open for NACS CAFÉ August Class
The upcoming NACS CAFÉ course takes place August 19 in Atlanta.
Connecticut Allows Sunday Sales
One of the last states to hold out on allowing Sunday alcohol sales has changed its tune.
TransCanada Reapplies for Keystone XL Pipeline
The company has submitted a Presidential Permit application to the U.S. State Department for the Keystone XL Pipeline from the U.S./Canada border in Montana to Steele City, Nebraska.
EU Scrutinizes Visa, MasterCard for High Fees
The European Union’s top antitrust regulator is fuming over the high fees paid by retailers to Visa and MasterCard.
7-Eleven Thailand Offers Cutting-Edge Smartphone App
UntapTV and 7-Eleven unveil a new interactive cross-media marketing campaign in Thailand that is accessible through consumers’ smartphones.
“Extreme” Shoppers Turn to Mobile for Purchasing Information
New GfK research into shopping dynamics suggest that today’s “extreme” shoppers will be tomorrow’s average consumer, as more brands make mobile platforms a top priority.
May 4, 2012
Congress Moves Closer To Raiding LUST Trust Fund
The highway bill would divert one-third of new revenues from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Trust Fund, further compromising the integrity of the program.
Federal Reserve Numbers Shows Banks' Claims Are Wrong
Small and medium banks and credit unions are doing well under swipe fee reform.
Smartphone, Tablet Owners Use Devices for Shopping
A new survey suggests that smartphones and tablets assist users in finding a store, displaying a shopping list or redeeming a mobile coupon.
Colorado-Wyoming Association Halts its Own Bill
The Prohibition on the Use of Public Land For Retail Sales had hit a roadblock in the state Senate.
Lawmaker Proposes Limiting Smoking Bans
The measure would prohibit localities from not allowing smoking in places where more than half of retail sales are derived from entertainment, tobacco or alcohol.
Appeals Court: Malt Drinks Should Be Taxed Like Beer
The court based its ruling on the fact that the beverages are made from beer and contain about the same alcohol content.
May 3, 2012
Chicago Alderman Review Soda Tax Proposals
Committee members heard proposals that would tax sugary drinks anywhere from 1 cent to 30 cents.
Phillips 66 to Double Fuel Exports
The refiner plans to take advantage of higher overseas prices, joining other U.S. refiners.
Beer Companies, Retailers Seek Dismissal of Indian Lawsuit
Motions ask a judge to dismiss a $500 million lawsuit filed by the Oglala Sioux Tribe against breweries, retailers and distributors.
Massachusetts Lottery Sets Sales Record
Instant tickets and Mega Millions keep the Massachusetts Lottery on pace for a record-setting year, one whose profits will soon pass $1 billion.
Burger King Going Cage-, Crate-Free
The decision is part of the company’s social responsibility policy, a move applauded by the U.S. Humane Society.
U.S. To Review Online Alcohol Advertising
Current standards may not reflect the widespread use of social media, with the FTC’s last review incorporating advertising data from 2005.
May 2, 2012
Alternative Fuel Stations Could Hit 10,000
Gasoline still remains the dominant transportation fuel by far, although E85, hydrogen, natural gas, electricity and propane are building a small following.
Canadian Federal Excise Stamp Mandatory on Tobacco Products
The government made the announcement yesterday that all tobacco products must carry the federal excise stamp beginning July 1.
Dollar General Transforms Into ‘New General Store’
The discount retailer wants to grab a bigger share of the supermarket business by upping its fresh food and refrigerated products.
Restaurant Performance Index Equals Post-Recession High
The first quarter finished strong with the majority of restaurant owners reporting higher same-store sales in March.
Michigan Lawmakers Tinker With State Smoking Ban
Some legislators want to allow smoking in enclosed, separate rooms, on outdoor restaurant patios and at charity fundraisers.
The State of the Food Retail Industry
The Food Marketing Institute revealed its 2012 grocery shopper trends at a FMI2012 presentation yesterday.
May 1, 2012
Washington Report: NLRB’s Ambush Election Rule Takes Effect
NACS encourages employers to take proactive steps to protect against the NLRB’s expedited election rule.
NACS Launches NACStech Mobile App
The free NACStech mobile app is available in native and web-based forms.
Missouri Voters Pushing Cigarette Tax Hike
Signature drive would place a cigarette tax increase on the November ballot, the third time this decade that a proposal to raise cigarette taxes has appeared on the statewide ballot.
Small Business Hiring Drops in April
Is the tenuous labor marketing weakening? Small business hiring drops sharply in April, and employee work hours are cut, too.
Coke Shoots Down Monster Rumors
Media reports indicated yesterday that Coca-Cola was in talks to buy Monster Beverage Corporation, maker of Monster energy drink.
Moms Go After Nutella
Two mothers become litigious when they discover that Nutella contains sugar.
Apr 30, 2012
Washington Report: House-Passed Bill Ends Taxpayer-Funded Ads Against C-Store Products
A provision contained in the bill would end taxpayer-funded attack ads on products that the convenience store industry sells.
Tennessee Senate Passes Roll-Your-Own Tobacco Bill
The bill would require retailers to pay a cigarette tax and $500 licensing fee for each RYO machine. Also, Associated Industries of Florida urges support for NACS-supported RYO legislation.
Massachusetts Town First in Nation to Ban Bottled Water
Concord residents voted to ban the sale of bottled water within city limits.
Ontario C-Stores Applaud Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco Operation
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada Border Services Agency and the Ontario Ministry of Finance disrupted a major illegal tobacco manufacturing network operating from an Ontario warehouse.
Cost of Owning and Driving Cars Goes Up
AAA cites increases in gasoline prices as a key contributor to car ownership costs.
The Pantry’s Roo Cup Returns at Kangaroo Express Stores
Starting May 1, customers can reserve a refillable cup online and access Roo Cup refills.
Apr 27, 2012
Online Lottery Push Faces Strong Opposition
Retailers and casinos find themselves on the same side when it comes to fighting online lottery ticket sales.
C-Store Owner Protests Grocery Store Wine Ballot
The filing claims the language violates the state constitution’s equal protection clause because it outlines which stores can sell wine.
Colorado House Passes Bill Against Rest Area Commercialization
The proposal prohibits retail sale of motor fuel on taxpayer-subsidized property.
California Legislators Try Hooking State Minimum Wage to CPI
Lawmakers want the state’s hourly rate to rise above its current $8.
Publix to Pilot Paperless Coupon Program
This summer the grocery store chain will start testing digital coupons that shoppers can redeem at checkout without their loyalty card.
Tobacco Firms Round Up Support Against California Cigarette Tax Initiative
Proposition 29 would jack up cigarette taxes by $1 to reach $1.87 per pack.
Florida County Passes Ordinance for Disabled Drivers at the Pump
The law requires gas stations to provide a phone number or have an intercom system on gas pumps for disabled motorists who need assistance.
Apr 26, 2012
Washington Report: NACS Responds to U.S. House Raiding LUST Trust Fund
Raiding $3 billion from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund sends a clear message that Congress is abandoning a critical program that protects the health and water security of their constituents.
EPA Seeks to Downplay RFS Concerns
NACS tells EPA that increased fuel economy will sharply reduce fuel use, which will make it difficult for refiners to meet RFS supply mandates.
Google Wallet Expands
Google begins selling a wallet phone directly to U.S. consumers, opening up the feature to AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers.
Solana Beach Considering Fine-Heavy Plastic Bag Ban
Stores violating the ordinance could incur a fine of up to $1,000.
Washington Nets Nearly $31 million for Liquor Stores
More than 14,000 bids have been submitted for the state’s 167 liquor stores, which will become privatized beginning June 1.
Hershey Goes Lite
Hershey is planning to launch an indulgent, lower-calorie chocolate on June 1.
McGenius!
A customized burger contest at McDonald’s Germany crowns the “Pretzelnator,” a classic McDonald’s hamburger sandwiched in a pretzel bun.
Apr 25, 2012
Competing Fuels and Vehicle Requirements May Doom CAFE and RFS
The more than 120,000 convenience stores selling motor fuel will face the brunt of the competing objectives of the RFS and CAFE standards unless changes are addressed.
Senate Fails to Overturn Ambush Elections
The National Labor Relations Board's rule could stifle job creation.
Indiana Association and State Work to Lower Late-Night Retail Workplace Violence
The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association will participate in the Department of Labor’s INSafe program.
A Natural Evolution
The pendulum is swinging toward the natural in beverages.
Appetite for Children’s Meals Wanes
Restaurants are seeing a decline in orders from kids’ menus.
U.S. Organic Market Surpasses $31 Billion
In 2011, the organic industry grew by 9.5% overall, which suggests that consumers are willing to pay for value-added products.
Alabama Approves Restriction of Cold, Allergy Meds
The legislation applies to allergy and cold medication that has ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which can be used to make the drug meth.
Apr 24, 2012
Industry Data Shows Pain at the Pump From Card Fees
When gas prices go up, so do the profits of big banks and credit card companies in swipe fees.
New Zealand Officials Secretly Eyeing Huge Cigarette Tax Increase
Confidential government documents reveal a plan to increase the price per pack to $100, a strategy aimed at making the country smoke-free by 2025.
Ontario Targets Flavored Tobacco
A proposal seeks to close loopholes in a 2010 law that sought to ban flavored tobacco products.
Kwik Trip Growing Green
LED lights and recycled (car wash) water make Kwik Trip an eco-friendly leader.
Warehouse Clubs Lure Customers With Cheap Food
Customers come for the cheap eats and often leave with far more than a full stomach.
Doritos Tacos Fuel Taco Bell Sales
Less than two months after launch, Doritos Locos Tacos are generating strong sales for Taco Bell.
Apr 23, 2012
NACS Show Named One of the Top Buying Shows
Exhibit Surveys ranked the NACS Show as one of the highest in the country in terms of total buying plans.
Gasoline Demand Continues To Climb
American Petroleum Institute’s monthly statistical report for March reveals that gasoline deliveries increased 3% — the second consecutive month that gasoline demand increased while total petroleum demand decreased.
Cashless and Cardless by 2020
Experts say that more consumers will ditch both cash and plastic in favor of mobile payments within eight years.
Good Customer Service, Happy Coffee Customers
A new J.D. Power and Associates study suggests that customer service is the key to driving customer satisfaction among specialty coffee drinkers.
McDonald’s Is Lovin’ McCafé
The QSR enjoyed a 5% jump in Q1 profits thanks to specialty drinks like coffee frappes and fruit smoothies.
Illinois Governor Proposes Higher Cigarette Excise Taxes
Governor Pat Quinn’s plan to keep the state’s Medicaid program from collapsing is banking on a $1 increase in the state’s cigarette tax.