News Archives
May 7, 2024
What Can We Learn From Starbucks’ Disappointing Quarter?
Former CEO Howard Schultz chimes in with advice: Keep innovation ‘coffee-forward.’
Sheetz Giving Away $880,000 in Summer Sweepstakes Prizes
Hop Shops is also offering a chance to win gift cards and a smoker.
Weigel’s Celebrated Cinco de Mayo with Exclusive Offers
Other retailers also offered rewards and food specials for the holiday.
California Law Could Eliminate Self-Checkout From Some Stores
The proposed bill aims to regulate machines to reduce theft and boost employment.
May 6, 2024
Swipe Fees Could Cost Over $750 Million This Mother’s Day
Consumers are expected to spend $33.5 billion for the holiday.
Creating C-Store Leaders of the Future
Ready Training Online helps customize your c-store training program to set managers on the path to success.
Gas Station Gourmet: Blake’s Deli
Seafood specials and southern cooking draw customers.
Pilot Celebrates Military Appreciation Month
And RaceTrac offers free coffee to teachers this week.
May 3, 2024
Pilot Hiring 10,000 Workers This Summer
The company aims to attract employees with a competitive benefits package.
What’s Up with Tesla’s Charging Network?
The company let go most of its EV charging team this week.
C-Stores Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Rutter’s announces new menu items; Sheetz waives delivery fees for the holiday.
GSTV Brings Country Musicians and Rock Stars to Fueling Screens
New videos will feature artists like Sheryl Crow and Dierks Bentley.
Dutch Bros Introduces Summer Drink Lineup
The coffee purveyor brings back Mangonada Rebel and adds new flavors.
Yesway Donates $100,000 for Military Appreciation Month
7-Eleven also held its annual 7Cares volunteer day in Texas and Ohio.
May 2, 2024
RaceTrac Opens New Florida Travel Center
The retailer also deployed new food safety technology across 580 locations.
Casey’s Launches New Brand Campaign
‘It’s Not Crazy, It’s Casey’s’ highlights chain’s craveable food and personalized guest experience.
PDI Expands Solutions and Education Platforms
New offerings include upgrades in warehouse mobility, data and sustainability.
EG America and Royal Farms Support Healthcare Workers
EG America raised funds and Royal Farms will offer free coffee.
May 1, 2024
We Are Convenience: 2024 NACS Show Website Is Live
Register now at NACSShow.com for early bird pricing.
U.S. DEA Set to Announce Marijuana as Schedule III Drug
Marijuana products would still be federally restricted.
Retailers Launch New AI Tech
7-Eleven Japan and Walmart are using AI tools for everything from advertising to inventory alerts.
Circle K Launches Summer Drink Deals
The retailer announced a deal on its Polar Pop and Froster in addition to an exclusive Gatorade flavor.
FDA Seizes Over $700,000 Worth of Unauthorized E-Cigarette Products
A joint operation with the DOJ removed over 45,000 unauthorized products from the U.S. supply chain.
7-Eleven Teams Up with Tetris
The retailer announced a giveaway for customers, as well as limited edition merchandise.
Apr 30, 2024
Rutter’s Celebrates 87th Opening and Kicks Off Summer Sweepstakes
The retailer will give away over $300,000 in prizes to their VIP rewards members.
Casey’s Jumps Into Community Action
After devastating storms and tornadoes in the Midwest, Casey’s has launched a ‘round up’ campaign.
McDonald’s Increases Deals to Combat Lower Consumer Spending
The QSR hopes a focus on promotions and value will attract budget-conscious customers.
Wendy’s and Denny’s Find Success with Breakfast and Late Night
Both chains saw year-over-year increases in these dayparts, pushing quarterly visit growth.
ExxonMobil Releases Limited-Edition Racing Gear
Exxon Mobil Rewards+ members can redeem points for exclusive Oracle Red Bull Racing team gear.
Pilot and Parker’s Donate to Local Schools
The two retailers' support will go directly to school districts in communities they serve.
Apr 29, 2024
White House Delays Menthol Ban
The move came after the administration received ‘an immense amount of feedback.’
Webinar: Don’t Miss the Swipe Fee Settlement Deadline on May 31
This May 1 webinar will help business owners claim part of the $5.5 billion Visa/Mastercard interchange fee settlement.
What's Different About Gen Z in the Workforce?
NACS Magazine asked Hanna Ubl of Good Company Consulting.
7-Eleven ‘Always Open’ Campaign Helps Communities, Wins Awards
The ‘Always Open’ campaign with Ja’Marr Chase gave Slurpees to the football player’s former elementary school.
Apr 26, 2024
Wawa Opens First Location in Alabama
The new location is part of larger plans to open up to 10 stores in the state.
Minneapolis Creates $15 Per-Pack Minimum for Cigarettes
The city is on track to have the highest cigarette prices in the nation.
Amazon, DoorDash Expand Low-Cost Grocery Delivery
Amazon launched a monthly grocery subscription while DoorDash partnered with Walgreens to offer SNAP/EBT payments.
Convenience in the Community: April Donations
OnCue, Cubby’s, Mirabito Convenience Stores and Town Pump contributed to their local communities.
Apr 25, 2024
Businesses Sue FTC to Block Noncompete Bans
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce called the rule “unnecessary, unlawful and a blatant power grab.”
Rutter’s Releases New Private Label Summer Beer
Rutter’s and Evil Genius announce a new seasonal beer collaboration—Don’t Have a Cow.
Philip Morris International Surpasses Market Expectations for Q1
PMI’s heated tobacco product helped drive profit and is expected to launch in the U.S. in Q2.
Local Generational Tobacco Bans Growing in Massachusetts
Local ban proponents are moving quickly to prevent crosstown purchases.
C-Stores Are Travel Destinations
Placer.ai highlighted Casey’s, Maverik, Buc-ee’s and Rutter’s as c-stores driving traffic growth.
Wawa Celebrates $160 Million in Donations Over 10 Years
The retailer’s efforts have impacted more than 6,500 organizations and provided 35 million meals.
Apr 24, 2024
Department of Labor Issues Final Ruling on Overtime Regulations
The rule includes two-tiered increases to the minimum salary threshold.
FTC Announces Rule Banning Noncompete Agreements
The Chamber of Commerce said it would sue the FTC “to block this unnecessary and unlawful rule.”
Wesco Reaches Online Delivery Milestone
The retailer surpassed $3 million in annual online sales.
U.S. Consumers Willing to Pay More for Sustainable Products
PDI Technologies' annual sustainability report reveals continued demand for sustainable business practices.
FDA Seeks $20,000 From 22 Retailers for Selling Unauthorized E-Cigs
The 20 brick-and-mortar retailers and two online retailers received civil money penalties.
Foxtrot And Dom’s Kitchen Close All Stores
The companies shuttered two Dom’s stores and 33 Foxtrots on Tuesday.
Apr 23, 2024
There’s One Fast-Charging EV Station for Every 15 Gas Stations in the U.S.
Almost 600 public fast-charging stations were switched on in the first quarter.
FDA Recalls Organic Basil Due to Salmonella Outbreak
Infinite Herbs LLC voluntarily recalled its 2.5-oz packages sold at select Trader Joe’s and other stores.
Walmart, Other Retailers Scale Back Self-Checkout
Walmart is removing self-checkout from two stores, while Target and Dollar General have scaled back.
Love’s and Sheetz Highlight Sustainability Efforts
On Earth Day, the retailers detailed what they are doing to preserve the planet.
Apr 22, 2024
7-Eleven to Grow Food and Beverage Programs
The new programs will roll out to 2,500 stores in 2024.
President Biden Stops for Convenience
Last week, Biden visited Wawa and Sheetz to connect with local communities.
Emergency Waiver for E15 Summer Sales Granted By EPA
This is the third year in a row that the EPA has taken this action.
Wawa to Expand in Home State
The retailer announced it will open 40 stores in central Pennsylvania over five years.
Cornering The Market With Convenience
The Corner Post was created to make its ‘customers’ day a little more awesome.’
Starbucks Debuts Cold Drink Cups with 20% Less Plastic
Starbucks says cups the ‘more sustainable,’ and cheaper to make.
Apr 19, 2024
New QSR Menu Items Focus on Spice
McDonald’s, Subway and Taco Bell announce new items.
Anheuser-Busch Adds U.S. Farmed Certification Seal
The beer maker is the first to carry the seal that promotes domestically-made products.
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Privacy Proposal
NACS is part of a coalition that outlined concerns with the American Privacy Rights Act draft.
World-Class Learning Opportunities for C-Store Leaders
NACS Executive Education Programs are tailored specifically for our industry.
Younger Consumers Drive Surge in Live Event Travel
About three in five Gen Z and Millennials plan to travel for events in the next 12 months.
Google Adds New EV Features to Google Maps
The company announced a number of new tools to help drivers find chargers.
EPA Grants Emergency Waiver for Summer Sales of E15
Apr 18, 2024
Virginia C-Stores Protest Skill Game Bill Amendments
Operators refused to sell lottery tickets on Monday and closed for an hour on Tuesday.
Two Brands of Convenience Coming to North Carolina
Royal Farms and Arko unveil plans for new locations in Lumberton and Newport.
UK House Passes Bill Banning Tobacco Sales for Anyone Born After 2009
Other countries have also implemented strict smoking bans in recent years.
Global Coffee Consumption Rises and Shows Momentum
Circana data shows 5% year-over-year growth worldwide, outpacing 3% in the United States.
Apr 17, 2024
Amazon Becomes the Largest Private EV Charging Operator in the U.S.
The company has installed more than 17,000 chargers at 120 warehouses.
Tech Companies Announce Partnerships With RaceTrac, Sheetz
Blue Yonder will work with RaceTrac while Gravitate partners with Sheetz.
7-Eleven Highlights Sustainability and Social Impact Accomplishments
Plus, the retailer completed the acquisition of 204 Stripes stores.
QSRs Are Staying Ahead of the Curve
Placer.AI reports on how QSRs are outperforming the full-dining experience.
Gen Z, Millennials Splurge on Food as Confidence Increases
Younger shoppers are feeling good about spending more on groceries.
Valor Oil's HOP Shops Raise $25,000 for Asthma Research
The retailer donated the funds to the Jovante Woods Foundation.
Apr 16, 2024
Yelp Names Wawa as One of the ‘Fastest Growing Brands’
Customers gravitated towards the c-store’s grab-and-go food offerings.
7-Eleven Brings on Zoa Energy
The energy drink’s arrival includes an exclusive Mango Splash flavor and a chance to win a Ford Raptor.
Asahi Zeros in on Zero-Proof
The Japanese brewer looks to expand its lineup of alcohol-free beverages in the United States.
Alberta, Canada, Convenience Stores Might Soon Sell Liquor
The initiative follows Ontario’s 2023 decision to sell liquor at grocery and convenience stores.
Starbucks Gets ‘Swicy’ With New Chili-Spiced Beverages
The company announced its spicy lemonade refreshers and spicy cream cold foam.
Sheeva.AI Partners With Citroën
Virginia-based Sheeva.AI’s payment tech is now being used in vehicles in India.
Apr 15, 2024
Former NACS Chair Bill Douglass Honored By Congress
The industry icon received the Congressional Patriot Award in a special ceremony on Capitol Hill.
Giant Eagle Opens New Corporate Headquarters
The new facility brings back 400 employees on a hybrid schedule.
Cool New Products: Where to Source the Latest Innovations
The NACS Cool New Products Discovery Center curates the latest convenience industry products.
Discover Home-Cooked Cajun at This Louisiana Travel Center
Gas Station Gourmet introduces Henry’s Travel Plaza, a “full-on family operation.”
Why Grocers Are Opening ‘Convenience-Style’ Stores
Placer.ai says small format stores offer retailers three unique advantages.
Parker’s Kitchen Donates $5,000 to Aiken County Public Schools
Meanwhile, Casey’s and QuikCheck help their local communities fight hunger.
Apr 12, 2024
BP Touts Its Advances in ‘Freshly Prepared Food Options’
The company is expanding its foodservice options across its lineup of retail brands.
Don’t Miss the NACS Swipe Fee Settlement Webinar on April 16
Participants will hear more details on what the latest settlement means for the convenience retail industry.
Retailers Celebrate New Sites Across the Country
Thorntons breaks ground in Illinois, Wawa enters North Carolina and other operators open stores.
Privacy Takes Priority in House and Senate Committees
Bipartisan bicameral draft privacy legislation released and hearings announced.
Pilot Offers Free Cold Brew at 500 Locations
Loyalty members can get a free cup of Pilot’s new flavor on National Cold Brew Day.
Murphy USA Kicks Off ‘Great Futures Fueled Here’ Fundraiser
In its fourth year, the roundup campaign takes place at all Murphy USA, Murphy Express and QuickChek sites.
Apr 11, 2024
NACS Board Members Impact Washington Policy Discussions
Retailers represented the industry on tax policy and labor laws this week.
Clearing Up Misperceptions About Fourth-Tier Cigarettes
The deep discount subcategory boasts sales growth.
Love's Selects PAR Technology for Food and Inventory Management
The retailer aims to level up its backend operations and manage food costs.
Senate Rejects NLRB’s Joint Employer Rule
However, President Biden is expected to veto the Senate measure.
TravelCenters of America and NATSO Improve Roadside Work Conditions
A digital alert can now warn oncoming drivers when safety vehicles are at work.
U.S. Appeals Court Upholds California’s Clean Air Act Waiver
The ruling allows the state to set zero-emission vehicle sales requirements.
Apr 10, 2024
7-Eleven Parent Company Set for M&A Growth in North America
Seven & i Holdings announces plans for ‘globally integrated’ management structure.
Boosting Revenue, The Fun Way
Pace-O-Matic skill games draw customers into stores and keep them there.
NACS SOI Summit: Routine Shifts Cause Daypart Disruption
Consumers have changed their daily eating habits, affecting c-store traffic.
Reuters: Food and Drink Makers Target Low-Income Americans
Americans are cutting spending and prompting food makers to use new strategies.
Casey’s Honors Veterans with Rolling Remembrance
The company partnered with PepsiCo for its annual relay for children of fallen soldiers.
The Future of Fast Food? Cashiers Take Orders from 8,000 Miles Away
A Manhattan location uses cashiers who live in the Philippines.
Apr 9, 2024
Vote Now: USA TODAY Opens Top Gas Station, Best Gas Station Food Polling
The annual poll has 20 brands to choose from on each list.
Rethinking the Backbar?
Deep-discount cigarettes are trending up.
GPM Investments Kicks Off Months of Pizza Celebration
The deals are available until May 14.
Enmarket Charity Classic Raises $270,000
This year’s charity golf tournament brought together 271 golfers and 115 companies.
CNBC Looks at Gatorade’s Strategy for Entering New Categories
NACS SOI data shows the packaged beverages category continues to grow.
Krispy Krunchy Announces ‘Core Four’ Growth Strategy
The company plans to open 700 stores by the end of the calendar year.