Feb 3, 2012
Washington Report: NACS to Senate: Hands Off LUST Fund
NACS is urging the Senate Finance Committee not to move LUST monies to the transportation bill.
Washington Report: Judge Hears Arguments in Cigarette Warning Labels Case
The Department of Justice asked the district court judge to support the FDA’s tobacco marketing rules.
Indianans Must Plan Ahead for Super Bowl Parties
The state’s alcohol law forbids takeout sales of liquor on Sundays. Meanwhile, the state House passed a smoking ban bill.
U.K. Appellate Judges Shoot Down Display Ban Challenge
The justices have upheld the Scottish government’s plan to prohibit open cigarette displays.
A Lighter Coffee Trend
From Starbucks to Peet’s, coffee shops are wooing non-coffee drinkers with light-roasted coffee.
Kangaroo Express, BP Donate $30,000 to Fuel Local School Districts
The donation will be split evenly among three school districts, which will funnel the money to individual schools.
Feb 2, 2012
Price Tops All Factors in Choice of Fueling Location
Price remains the dominant reason why consumers buy fuel at a particular location, according to the results from the new 2012 NACS Consumer Fuels Report.
Business Group Comes Out Against FDA’s Graphic Warning Labels
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says that the federal government should not be able to dictate tobacco company packaging that persuades consumers not to purchase the product.
Chevron to Face Class Action Suit for “Hot Gas”
A California appeals court overturns a trial court decision, ruling that Chevron must face a class action lawsuit for selling gasoline at a higher temperature than it purchased it.
Mississippi Committee OKs Repeal of Convenience Store Security Law
Opponents maintain the law unfairly singles out convenience store owners, creating a financial burden for compliance.
Competing Channels Grab a Share of Convenience
Grocery, dollar and drug stores are enticing shoppers by offering the same benefits as convenience stores — namely a convenient location.
Restaurant Operators Bullish on Industry Outlook
Restaurant operators report strong growth in same-store sales, and capital expenditures are likely to follow.
Snowden River Parkway Exxon Convenience Store Re-Opens
Revamped foodservice offers include healthy options, gourmet coffee, breakfast sandwiches and more.
BP Unveils $500 Million Marketing Plan to Revitalize U.S. Retail Brand
Major initiatives were rolled out at BP’s annual marketers convention, including an aggressive campaign to market the benefits of Invigorate.
Feb 1, 2012
FDA Offers Compliance Training Webinar
The February 7 webinar will address what retailers should expect during a compliance inspection.
Washington Report: Senate Republicans Push for Keystone Pipeline Approval
GOP leaders are attempting to bypass the Obama administration to get the project off the ground.
New York Considers Minimum Wage Hike
The proposal has businesses concerned about job loss if the measure passes.
Florida State Senator Proposes Food Stamp Restrictions
The measure would ban food stamp purchases of “junk food.”
Maryland Governor Pushes 6% Gasoline Sales Tax
The tax would apply to each gallon of gasoline, with the revenue going to road and transit.
Coupon Interest Still High Among Shoppers
More than 3.5 billion coupons were redeemed last year in the United States.
In-Store Mobile Commerce Increases
Fifty-two percent of shoppers use their mobile phones while shopping at a store.
Jan 31, 2012
U.S. Convenience Store Count Grows 1.2%
The latest NACS/Nielsen Convenience Industry Store Count reveals more than 148,000 convenience stores in the United States.
California’s Low Carbon Standard Rules Spark Controversy
Efforts by California to lower the amount of carbon in fuel sold in the state have been delayed by a fierce public battle that has already reached the court system.
Virginia Subcommittee Deals Setback to RYO Shops
The subcommittee wants to define stores with roll your own tobacco machines as cigarette manufacturers.
Ordinance Would Allow Disabled Motorists to Phone for Fueling Assistance
Proposal calls for stations with two or more attendants to post a sticker on their pumps displaying the store’s telephone number, allowing handicapped motorists to call clerks inside for fueling assistance.
U.S. QSRs, Coffee Brands Flourishing in the United Kingdom
Subway, McDonald's and Starbucks are planning to open hundreds of new stores and create more than 8,000 jobs over the next few years in the United Kingdom.
Bundling Meals for Success
Foodservice operators turn to meal bundles as a means for wooing customers from restaurants.
Cigarette Prices in GCC Countries to Rise Sharply in 2012
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates announced plans to impose a “health tax” that will tax cigarettes at roughly 100% of their value, beginning later this year.
Jan 30, 2012
Washington Report: NLRB Pushes for Union Organizing Rules
One proposal would help unions organize new members by requiring businesses to hand over lists of employee phone numbers and emails to union leaders prior to an election.
Washington Report: Maryland Retailers Fret Online Lottery Sales
Maryland lottery officials are considering selling online lottery tickets to bring in additional revenue.
Technology Pioneers To Receive PCATS/CSNews Hall of Fame Awards
Greg Gilkerson, Robert Johnson and Brad McGuinness will receive this prestigious recognition among their peers at NACStech on May 22.
Bank of America Brings Back Debit Rewards
Bank of America will begin testing a new merchant-funded, Groupon-like deals program to build on consumer spending habits.
QSRs Capitalize on Night Owls and Early Risers
Chains such as McDonald’s reveal that the hours of 12 am to 5 am are a fast-growing time segment for boosting sales.
EPA Rejects Palm-Based Biodiesel
The Environmental Protection Agency said that biodiesel cannot be added to the federal renewable fuels program because its greenhouse-gas emissions are too high.
Jan 27, 2012
Retailers Embrace Electric Charging Stations
Chargers are seen as a good investment, as well as a way to be green.
Netflix Reevaluates Strategy
The company has plans to attract new subscribers and has its eye on Amazon’s stand-alone streaming service.
Fast Casual Restaurants Only Bright Spot for the Industry
The segment represents 14% of all QSR sales.
Cenex Driver Launches Rewards Program
Driver Rewards will help to drive traffic to Cenex-branded retail locations.
Mexicans Will Have More Starbucks Options in 2012
Operator Alsea expects to open 50 locations throughout the country.
Pepsi Adds Three Products to Billion-Dollar Sales Club
Diet Mountain Dew, Brisk tea and Starbucks beverages now register annual sales of more than $1 billion.
Gulf Oil Launches Gulf Electricity
As an alternative electricity provider, Gulf will deliver competitive pricing and convenience.
Jan 26, 2012
Register Today for NACS CAFÉ
Spaces are available for the February 12 to 15 NACS CAFÉ course, a dynamic resource that helps convenience store operators build effective and profitable foodservice programs.
New Hampshire Considers Cap on Debit, Credit Card Fees
The controversial bill would limit debit fees for credit and debit transactions for state-chartered banks to 1%.
Mobile Payment Service Offers Premier Movie Experience
In Australia, a new mobile service takes waiting in line for popcorn out of the movie-going experience.
South Dakota Seeks Higher Taxes for Roll Your Own Smokes
State legislation would double the cost of roll your own cigarettes made and purchased in tobacco stores.
Iced Coffee Sales Heating Up
A Dunkin’ Donuts survey of iced coffee drinkers reveals some interesting consumer preferences during the winter months.
Rutter’s Wins Top Mobile App
The convenience store chain’s app, powered by GasBuddy, captured national attention during the National Retail Federation’s annual convention.
C-Store Date Night
ALON is offering a chance for one lucky couple to win a “date night” with all expenses paid by the c-store chain.
Jan 25, 2012
Florida County Proposes Gas Price Posting Ordinance
Orange County officials say hundreds of people have complained about not knowing the price of fuel at some retail locations near theme parks.
Starbucks Extends Evening Daypart Concept
Select stores in Atlanta and Southern California will join Chicago in offering wine, beer and premium food by the end of 2012.
Mississippi Security Guard Faces Repeal
The City Council in Jackson, Mississippi, is backtracking on a controversial mandate that 24/7 convenience stores hire security guards.
Super Bowl Means Chicken Wings
Americans will chow down on 1.25 billion chicken wings during Super Bowl weekend.
Cash Still Reigns Supreme
The payment form ranks at the top for most Americans.
Spinx Announces Beneficiaries of 2012 Spinx Charity Classic
The convenience store chain named six local charities as beneficiaries of its golf tournament.
Jan 24, 2012
Small Lenders Benefitting From Durbin
Banks with assets under $10 billion are exempt from Durbin, with retailers in rural areas finding little relief from debit card fees.
Nevada Pharmacy Board Bans “Bath Salts”
An emergency order that classifies the substances as “schedule 1 drugs” is valid for 120 days, with Nevada’s Legislative Commission set to address the issue next month.
Video Rental Stores Becoming Obsolete
DVD rental kiosks such as Redbox and digital streaming services are accelerating the demise of the local video rental store.
Corn Prices Rise Worldwide Due to U.S. Ethanol Policy
The new director general of the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization says that cereals should not be used for biofuels.
Food Groups Protest Obesity Ad Campaigns
Cities and states would better serve their residents by allocating advertising campaign funds to build parks and bike paths, according to the American Beverage Association.
Kansas Retailers Again Pursue Full-Strength Beer Sales
Convenience and grocery owners are seeking permission to sell full-strength beer in their stores.
Jan 23, 2012
Shorter Keystone XL Pipeline in the Works
TransCanada may consider shortening the pipeline so it begins in Montana instead of Canada, which removes the requirement for federal approval.
Americans Blame Parents for Obese Kids
A recent survey found that 34% of Americans believe that both poor parenting and poor food choices cause childhood obesity.
Taco Bell Rolls Out ‘First Meal’
The quick-service chain is rolling out a breakfast menu in 10 states and testing its Cantina menu in about 150 locations.
Fast-Casual Chains Eat Up Empty Real Estate
Retail space formerly occupied by big-box retailers is becoming a rosy real estate option for fast-casual tenants.
Walgreens Re-Opens 68 Newly Renovated Indianapolis Stores
The stores now offer fresh produce, grab-and-go food options and take-home meal options.
Dairy Alternatives See Positive Growth
Retail sales of soy, almond and rice milk reached $1.33 billion in 2011.
Jan 20, 2012
NACS Provides Comments to FDA on Tobacco Marketing
The letter also covers comments on non-face-to-face sale and distribution of tobacco products as well as advertising and promotion.
Tesco Rethinks U.S. Fresh & Easy Strategy
The British grocer is “temporarily” closing a dozen more stores as it scrambles to figure out how to restart its U.S. chain.
Democrats Ask for Ban of Flavored Cigars
Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent a letter to the FDA pushing for such a prohibition.
Casey’s General Stores Move to 24/7 Operation
The convenience store chain has begun lengthening the hours at stores located in smaller communities.
Virginia Legislation Proposes Pump Toll, ABC Manager Change
The Virginia House of Representatives is considering a bill that would establish the nation’s first pump toll, while a separate state Senate proposal would require a convenience store ABC manager to have U.S. residency.
John Thompson, 7-Eleven Pioneer
Investor’s Business Daily profiles Thompson and his prolific career.
Jan 19, 2012
NACS Remembers George Helow, 1977 NACS President
Helow, who became NACS president when the association launched its first full-fledged expo at the NACS Show, was 90 years old and the founder and sole owner of Zippy Mart Inc.
President Obama Rejects Keystone XL Pipeline
Decision comes one week after NACS, along with 100 industry organizations, sent a letter to President Obama seeking his support of the pipeline.
New York City Targets Additional RYO Shops
Cease-and-desist orders have been sent to five more shops, citing the state’s “fire safe” cigarette law.
Ohio Governor Seeks Oil and Gas Drilling Taxes
Gov. John Kasich says that the tax would cover the cost of infrastructure damage caused by oil and gas extraction.
Flexible Computers Double as Credit Cards
Last week’s Consumer Electronics Show highlighted a number of new gadgets, including miniature, flexible computers that double as “smarter” credit cards.
Chicago Food Trucks Stalling, Running Out of Gas
Chicago City Council delays food truck hearing, while some trucks show down.
Auto Dealers Fight Mileage Rules
The group says that proposed rules to increase the fuel mileage of vehicles to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 would limit the growth of car sales.
Jan 18, 2012
FDA to Discuss Tobacco Strips, Lozenges
The safety and risks of the so-called “dissovables” is the topic of a three-day meeting that starts today.
Grocery Stores Target Food Stamp Beneficiaries
Supermarkets, which previously targeted high-end shoppers with Starbucks cafes and olive bars, now have a new audience in mind: food stamp recipients.
2012 to Bring Positive Traffic Trends for Restaurant Industry
Initiatives to improve healthfulness of restaurant meals and influence of growing population groups will shape restaurant industry this year.
Indiana Senate Committee Considers Gas Tax Change
The proposal would move gas tax collection to the distributors instead of the retailers.
Burger King Expands Testing of Delivery
The burger chain will increase the number of locations trying delivery from four to 16 by next week.
Egyptian Gas Stations Run Short
Retailers have been receiving less than usual shipments of fuel for days.
Jan 17, 2012
NACStech Opening Session Speaker Announced; Registration Now Open
Registration opened for NACStech, the industry’s most comprehensive event for top retail and supplier leaders gather and discuss ways to improve convenience retailing through technology.
What Recession? Canadian Candy Retailers Living the Sweet Life
Canadians turn to candy stores for inexpensive pleasures.
Massachusetts Considering Online Lottery Sales
State treasurer will appoint a task force to consider a range of factors, including the potential impact that online lottery sales would pose to existing lottery retailers.
Happy Hour for Dollar General in Indiana?
Dollar General is meeting today with the Marion County Liquor Board with an eye toward selling beer in its Indiana stores.
PayPal Mobile Payments to Reach $7 Billion This Year
Seventeen million customers make payments through PayPal’s mobile app, more than double the eight million customers who were using the app in June of last year.
NRF: Retail Industry Sales to Grow 3.4% in 2012
NRF President and CEO appeals to Obama and lawmakers to pass legislation to help further stimulate the economy and drive retail sales.
Rutter’s 2011 Charitable Giving Tops $320,000
Rutter’s CEO stresses the importance of its community involvement, especially during a sustained downturn.
Jan 16, 2012
Washington Report: President Obama Proposes Consolidation of Six Agencies
Under the plan, the Small Business Administration would become a cabinet-level agency.
NACS, The McIntosh Group Provide ADA Compliance Tools
The new program allows NACS members to access to customized and specific ADA compliance solutions by using McIntosh’s existing branded offer.
Topics Announced for 2012 NACS HR Forum
Attendees will gain valuable information and perspectives on social media best practices and legislative updates on labor, health care, hours and wages and more.
Sunoco Expands Growler Program
Successful testing of the Craft Beer Exchange is bringing the program to Sunoco APlus stores throughout New York.
Death by Soda
A new study suggests that boosting taxes on soft drinks would prevent 26,000 premature deaths a year.
Oklahoma Lawmaker Calls for Tax on Newspapers
Want to read? It might cost you more.
Dove Dark Chocolate Celebrates 2012 With Tips for Resolutions
Celebrity Chef Claire Robinson shares five tips for keeping those 2012 resolutions while enjoying healthy changes without compromising taste.
Jan 13, 2012
NACS Global Forum Registration Now Open
The four-day event offers valuable networking opportunities and fresh perspectives for attendees to turn into successful business strategies.
Eatery Fights Credit Card Fines in Court
Utah restaurant owners sued the bank that processed their charges after the card companies accused them of fraud.
Next for New York City: Reducing Liquor Sales
The mayor plans to lower the number of alcohol retail outlets and the amount of alcohol marketing in stores and restaurants.
Taco Bell Goes Gourmet
The Mexican fast-food chain will add black beans, corn salsa and cilantro rice to its menus.
Expanded Beer Sales Fizzles in Colorado
After four consecutive years of trying to allow convenience stores to sell full-strength beer, no legislation has been filed for 2012.
Consumers Place Premium on Value for Dinner, Late-night Occasions
The Technomic survey found that foodservice operators have an opportunity to provide smaller portions or shareable menu for dinner.
MAG Releases its Roadmap of Electronic Payments
The group advises that the United States undergo a coordinated migration to chip and PIN transactions to support a broad range of payment types and devices.
Jan 12, 2012
Waistlines Bulge in Fitness Deserts
Many cities lack access to recreation facilities and parks, a condition one publication terms a “fitness desert.”
API Urges Obama to Approve Keystone XL
Approval of the pipeline would create thousands of jobs while reducing U.S. reliance on oil from the Middle East, API and industry organizations maintain.
More Supermarkets Turning to Nutritional Scoring
NuVal and Guiding Stars have now licensed their scoring systems to more than 3,000 supermarkets nationwide.
Visa Approves Mobile Devices for NFC
Visa said the certified smartphones would encourage other mobile device manufacturers to offer Visa mobile payment functionality to consumers.
USDA to Close Hundreds of Offices
USDA chief Vilsack tries to allay safety concerns, saying the cuts will have “no impact whatsoever” on food safety.
Indiana Statewide Smoking Ban Looking Likely
A statewide ban receives positive reception, with sponsors looking for passage before the Super Bowl in Indianapolis, while bar and restaurants owners say it would be bad for business.
Jan 11, 2012
PayPal Steps Offline
The online payment company is branching out to offer checkout services at physical Home Depot stores.
Used Fryer Oil Hot Item for Thieves
Restaurants are seeing more thefts of used cooking oils because of the increased demand for biofuels.
Chick-fil-A Slashes Calories in Children’s Meals
Yesterday, the chicken chain added grilled chicken nuggets to its kids’ meals.
Car Manufacturers Still Believe in Electricity
The automobile makers are not ready to give up on hybrid and electric vehicles despite lackluster sales.
Eat Less, Lose Weight
New York City’s new anti-obesity campaign links leg amputations with soda consumption as part of an overall message on exercising portion control.
Get Smart With These 2012 Products
CPG manufacturers are trotting out new products this year designed to make buyers feel good about themselves.
Jan 10, 2012
NACS Launches Cost-Effective Employment Screening Tools
The new program gives NACS members access to the same high-quality background checks that are routinely used by national retail corporations.
Washington Report: Illinois Store Owners Fear Online Lottery Sales Will Hurt Business
Some retailers fear online lottery sales will reduce food traffic in their stores, affecting far more than just lottery ticket sales.
Ban On "Bath Salts," Synthetic Marijuana Delayed in Senate
House-passed legislation that would prohibit the sale of synthetic marijuana and other drugs known as “bath salts” and “plant food” has been delayed indefinitely in the Senate.
Indiana Convenience Store Summit Focuses on Safety
The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association plans to bring together police and industry experts later this month to outline best practices for keeping stores safe.
Dollar Stores Continue To Resonate With Affluent Consumers
Outlook is strong for dollar-store retailers, whose convenience and competitive pricing will challenge food and drug retailers.
Walgreens Flagship Store Opens in Chicago’s Loop
The new two-story, state-of-the-art Walgreens adds a coffee bar, manicure station and other non-traditional drugstore offerings.
Retail Food Prices Drop Slightly
Food prices drop in the fourth quarter but are still up substantially from a year ago.
Jan 9, 2012
State Regulators Push Back on Stage II Vapor Recovery Removal
NACS is providing a general overview of how retailers can assist state regulators remove Stage II vapor recovery controls requirements.
Dunkin’ Doubles
The coffee chain plans to double its number of U.S. locations over the next 20 years, but continues to stay quiet on if or when it will enter California.
More Workplaces Banning Smoking and Smokers
There’s a new job requirement: No smoking — ever.
January Fast-Food Bargains in Full Swing
The typically slow month for fast-food sales is prompting many QSRs to boost cheap-eat promos and lure customers.
Mobile Coupon Redemption Poised To Grow
By 2016, mobile coupon redemption rates could reach 8% globally as more North American and Western European users get onboard.
Walmart Continues Small Format Expansion
A new Neighborhood Market is opening in Flower Mound, Texas, offering quick access to grocery items and fresh-prepared foods.
Jan 6, 2012
Cleveland Sues Ohio to Ban Trans Fat
The city wants to institute a ban on prepared foods with trans fat, but a state law prohibits the city from doing so.
A Feminist Touch at the Pump
The Queen is the only Lebanese gas station operated by women.
Nebraska Considers Taxing Soda, Energy Beverages
A bill introduced this week would remove the soft drink exemption from the state’s sales tax.
Tobacco Firms Shift Gears on U.K. Display Ban Challenge
The four companies had asked for a judicial review of the ban, but dropped the request after the government revised its plan.
Shoppers Will Use Technology Even More in 2012
A panel of industry experts said that technology would have a huge impact on consumer shopping behavior this year.
Georgia Not likely to Reinstate Food Tax
A proposal that would restart a state sales tax on groceries has little traction.
Jan 5, 2012
Washington Report: President Obama Defies Lawmakers With NLRB Appointments
President Obama announces he will recess-appoint his nominees to the National Labor Relations Board.
Washington Report: Iowa Caucuses: Winners and Losers
Jim Ellis, NACS political consultant and expert poll analyst, shares insights on what’s next for the Republican presidential candidates following Tuesday’s Iowa Caucuses.
Buzz Kill: Starbucks Raising Prices
Hit by the rising cost of raw materials, Starbucks will raise some of its drink prices in the Northeast and Southern states.
Tampa “Cigarette Bandit” Targets C-Stores
At least 15 convenience stores have been robbed in the past three months for a total of $30,000 in cigarettes.
Alabama Eyeing Cigarette Tax Increase
Lawmakers are firing up plans to raise the state’s 42.5-cents-per-pack cigarette excise tax.
North Carolina Motorists Race for the Border
With North Carolina’s gas tax the sixth highest in the country, residents are flooding gas stations across the South Carolina border.
Dollar General Entering Massachusetts and California
The discount retailer will enter the two states this year as part of a nationwide expansion plan.
Dot Foods To Offer General Mills Dry Product Line to C-Store Distributors
Dot will begin shipping one case minimums of General Mills dry products on January 16 to convenience store distributors.