May 24, 2013
NACS Global Forum Brings Together Global C-Store Leaders
Local store tours and retailing insights from industry experts will highlight this year’s program in Madrid, Spain.
Washington Report: Senate Considers Farm Bill With RFS Amendment
The Farm Bill includes an amendment to repeal the Renewable Fuels Standard and a provision to limit SNAP.
Retailers Sue Visa, MasterCard
J.C. Penney, Macy’s and Target filed the lawsuit this week in federal court.
Overall Memorial Day Travel Down
AAA predicts fewer people will be leaving home this weekend, but gas prices are not the reason.
A Picture for Posterity
In Vancouver, British Columbia, a photographer is cataloging small c-stores while he still can.
Many Americans Continue Unhealthy Habits
A new report by the CDC finds that inactivity, smoking, heavy drinking and obesity still have high rates among Americans.
PepsiCo Tweaks Soda Prices
The company wants to change to a “hybrid everyday value” instead of sale pricing.
May 23, 2013
New York Police Chief Argues for Tobacco Law Enforcement
A New York Post op-ed piece cites a need for better enforcement of the city’s tobacco laws by addressing cigarette smuggling.
Wisconsin Bill Taxes Smokers
State workers who smoke would have to pay $50 more per month for health insurance under a bill that is gaining traction in the Wisconsin Legislature.
Anheuser-Busch Donates 51,000 Cans of Water to Oklahoma
The company has also donated $25,000 to the Red Cross to assist with the tornado relief efforts.
Dairy Queen Focuses on Burgers and Fries
Known for its frozen treats, the company is looking to boost its market share by increasing customer trip frequency with more menu items.
Retailers Slow to Adopt Mobile POS
The majority of retailers are taking a methodical approach to the use of mobile for POS, according to a new study by IHL Group.
Technomic Reveals Initial 2014 Foodservice Industry Forecast
Moderate foodservice growth is anticipated for 2014, with growth at independent restaurants outpacing growth at chains.
May 22, 2013
Hillary Rodham Clinton To Speak at NACS Show Closing Session
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, former Secretary of State and former U.S. Senator from New York, has been named as a speaker at the NACS Show, which takes place October 12 to 15 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Finding Common Ground
What convenience stores can teach restaurants, and vice versa.
Florida Governor Considers Ethanol Mandate Repeal
A bill that passed the Florida House and Senate would end a requirement for all gasoline sold in the state to contain 9% to 10% ethanol.
U.K. Shoppers Forecast to Spend £11 Billion at C-Stores
The convenience store market in the United Kingdom will jump by close to a third within five years.
Restaurant Sales Hit Record Numbers
Americans are less frugal than before, and that has trickled down to restaurants.
OpenStore Partners With Phillips 66
OpenStore is launching new websites and mobile apps for the Phillips 66, Conoco and 76 brands.
May 21, 2013
Americans Optimistic and Ready to Travel
Consumers will likely enjoy their summer vacation more because they are feeling better about the economy, according to the recent NACS Consumer Fuels Survey.
The Future of PCI
The head of PCI SSC in Europe acknowledges that retail breaches have exposed PCI security weaknesses throughout the world.
Are Natural Gas Cars Next?
Trade group previews several retrofitted cars to run on compressed natural gas, hoping to stimulate industry interest.
Consumer Optimism Highest in Nearly Six Years
Consumer sentiment reaches its highest level since July 2007, just before the economy began its decline.
More Changes Coming for McDonald’s
Caesar Salad, McSkillet Burrito, Southern Style Biscuit could end up following the same path as the Angus Burger.
Kids Eat for Free All Summer Long
Children 10 and under can eat for free at TravelCenters of America and Petro Stopping Centers with the purchase of an adult meal.
May 20, 2013
Kangaroo Express Takes to the Infield
Race fans on the track infield now have easy access to a convenience store at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
U.S. Government Authorizes Second Proposed LNG Export Facility
Proponents say that exporting natural gas from the U.S. will help advance the adoption of clean-burning fuels around the world.
Birthday Cake Flavor Brings Big Bucks
Products that tap into the flavor of birthday cake have become a multi-million dollar industry.
Mac’s Stocks Up on Beer, Wine and Spirits
Ontarians were able to rely on a few Mac’s agency c-stores over the holiday weekend for alcohol; other retailers are not allowed to sell alcohol under current law.
Coffee and Pot
Celebrity Patrick Dempsey hints at selling marijuana in his coffee shops.