Inflation boosting revenue for small retailers amid traffic declines, study shows

Weekly in-store revenue in Q1 increased 2.6% year over year, while the average weekly foot traffic dropped by the same percentage, according to Skupos.

By Jessica Loder • May 25, 2023

Why 2 major c-stores are getting pressured by investors

The conglomerate structure that Parkland and Seven & i have built can be a prime target for firms to try and break up, according to one expert.

By Jessica Loder • May 23, 2023

Circle K scales private label wine brands chainwide

The rollout includes its value-priced Sunshine Bliss label, now available at 3,000 stores, and a premium line that’s available at 900 locations.

By Jessica Loder • May 19, 2023

Yesway hitting the gas on hemp and CBD products

The retailer is bringing a new hemp-infused beverage to more than 325 stores in its network, continuing its ongoing interest in the category.

By Brett Dworski • May 10, 2023

Ice cream sales are driving traffic, but inflation could hamper growth

With summer on the horizon, customers are buying less ice cream at c-stores due to tightening budgets. But the category still has the ability to grow baskets. 

By Christine Blank • May 3, 2023

Yatco leans into healthier, locally sourced snacking

The 18-store retailer has partnered with wholesale outlet Mable to bring plant-based, gluten-free products to its shelves.

By Brett Dworski • April 28, 2023

Loop Neighborhood Market launches EV charging program

The retailer will deploy the Boost Chargers from FreeWire Technologies at its existing stores, beginning with its recently updated location in Fremont, California.

By Brett Dworski • April 17, 2023

C-stores see all-day boost in snacking, Circana data shows

Growing interest in healthier eating is offering convenience retailers avenues for growth.

By Jessica Loder • April 14, 2023

C-store retailers reveal costs and surprises of EV charging

Convenience and fuel operators also discussed the type of maintenance these stations require, lessons learned, challenges tackled and more.

By Brett Dworski • April 12, 2023

Couche-Tard’s Florida dispensary deal awaits regulatory approval

While the U.S. government reviews marijuana’s status as a schedule 1 drug, regulations have the Rise Express plans under a microscope. 

By Jessica Loder • April 11, 2023

Nonalcoholic drinks are booming. Here’s how c-stores can capitalize.

While sales don’t yet warrant a large amount of shelf space, retailers should prepare to cater to the growing consumer base seeking alcohol-free refreshments.

By Christine Blank • April 10, 2023

Walmart to install EV chargers at thousands of stores by 2030

The big-box retailer already has around 1,300 chargers at 280 of its sites but plans to further leverage its vast store network. 

By Jessica Loder • April 7, 2023

PepsiCo broadens reach of Doritos brand with jerky launch

The debut accelerates the company’s plan to bring its chips into other categories, including pretzels and crackers, as a way to expand its snacking dominance and the market recognition of its items.

By Christopher Doering • April 7, 2023

Bankrupt Bang likely for sale with Monster the most logical buyer, analyst says

A Stifel research note said Monster is Bang’s largest creditor in bankruptcy and is a co-rights holder to a 5% perpetual royalty/license for use of the trademark. 

By Christopher Doering • April 5, 2023

7-Eleven, Circle K and others ramp up Bitcoin ATMs

The retailers are partners with Coinhub, which is bringing over 1,000 machines to c-stores around the country.

By Brett Dworski • April 5, 2023

BP and Uber to provide fast EV chargers to the ride-hailing company’s drivers

This follows the retailer's agreement to acquire TravelCenters of America in February as it aims to create the “mobility site of the future.”

By Dan Zukowski • April 3, 2023

4 energy drink trends that promise to keep sales surging

Innovative flavors and healthier options are helping these ‘affordable luxuries’ continue growing even through inflation, experts say.

By Christine Blank • April 3, 2023

Major M&A kept the c-store industry on its toes in Q1

Hefty deals were struck and rumors of other large-scale acquisitions are swirling. Here’s a recap of the top mergers and acquisitions news from the first quarter.

By Jessica Loder • March 30, 2023

Couche-Tard says foodservice promotions hurt Q3 gross profits

Noting challenges it’s faced with quickly expanding a number of initiatives, CEO Brian Hannasch said scaling its fresh food program is like “building a plane while we’re flying it.”

By Brett Dworski • March 17, 2023

Circle K-backed Food Rocket ceases operations

Despite having a partnership with the convenience chain, the ultrafast delivery company joins the list of other similar brands that have had to pull out of U.S. markets in recent months.

By Jessica Loder • March 9, 2023

California and Texas consider laws to expand RTD cocktail access

Both states are seeking to expand existing licenses to include sales of spirits-based drinks at convenience stores.

By Jessica Loder • March 9, 2023

Parker’s debuts beverage subscription program for loyalty members

The retailer’s latest initiative underscores the means c-store operators are taking to grow the dispensed beverage category, where sales have fallen in recent years.

By Brett Dworski • March 7, 2023

4 alcohol trends for c-stores to focus on

Growing interest in ready-to-drink cocktails and import beer, among other developments, could keep the all-important category on an upward trajectory.

By Christine Blank • Feb. 28, 2023

Hostess debuts new snack brand to invigorate category, shed staid reputation

Kazbars, a candy-bar-inspired innovation, is the latest in a string of major product launches in recent years for the sweets maker.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 27, 2023

TravelCenters of America debuts new proprietary restaurant

The Fork & Compass full-service concept opened last month, after the retailer said it was in the works in November.

By Brett Dworski • Feb. 24, 2023