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

Target plans $100M investment to expand next-day delivery

The retailer will add more than six new sortation facilities as it builds out its stores-as-hubs strategy.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 23, 2023

The Road Ahead: Why c-stores can be an oasis to America’s food deserts

In areas where fresh foods are few and far between, retailers can step up for their communities and provide healthy alternatives, writes columnist Frank Beard.

By Frank Beard • Feb. 23, 2023

Coen adds Grabango checkout technology at 2 stores

As the frictionless locations go into service, Will Glaser, Grabango’s CEO, sees the technology accelerating in the coming years until it becomes “commonplace.”

By Jessica Loder • Feb. 14, 2023

Inside PepsiCo’s strategy to grow its iconic $21B snacking portfolio

Parth Raval, the division's chief growth officer, said the CPG giant is exploring different ingredients, packaging formats and flavor offerings to strengthen its dominant presence in the category.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 8, 2023

4 candy trends for c-stores to watch in 2023

Sweet treats are driving trips to retailers as category sales grow, though supply chain issues could be a challenge in the first half of the year, experts say.

By Christine Blank • Feb. 1, 2023

The Road Ahead: Have fun with your marketing — and sell some merch, too

Amid all the focus on retail ads and loyalty pushes, c-stores shouldn’t lose sight of the fun, memorable steps they can take to build their brands, writes columnist Frank Beard.

By Frank Beard • Jan. 23, 2023

Inflation has less of an impact on snacking than meals, Mondelēz finds

The Oreo maker also found a delay in receiving snacks due to supply chain disruptions has forced many consumers, especially Gen Zers and millennials, to be more open to trying new items.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 19, 2023

Last living Hunt Brothers Pizza founders die

Don and Charlie Hunt, 88 and 78, respectively, built one of the most notable c-store foodservice operators in the country.

By Brett Dworski • Jan. 10, 2023

4 snack trends that will impact c-stores in 2023

Snack sales have stayed strong even as prices have increased thanks to innovation and increasingly on-the-go consumers. Will that momentum continue this year?

By Christine Blank • Jan. 9, 2023

Reese’s enters the frozen aisle through Hershey and Unilever partnership

The agreement brings the No. 1 U.S. candy brand's iconic orange packaging to the novelty ice cream category.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 6, 2023

9 trends that will shape the c-store industry in 2023

Experts foresee plenty of opportunities for retailers to separate themselves this year, driven by consumer demands for quality and an evolving digital landscape.

By C-Store Dive Staff • Jan. 4, 2023

The Road Ahead: Will c-stores seize the opportunity to become the new third place?

With Starbucks focused more on to-go orders and delivery these days, convenience stores can become community hubs where shoppers want to eat, drink and spend time, writes columnist Frank Beard. 

By Frank Beard • Dec. 14, 2022

Getir acquires ultrafast delivery rival Gorillas

The deal consolidates two of the major players in an industry that has struggled to grow in the U.S.

By Jeff Wells • Dec. 13, 2022

How to craft a compelling private label brand

Cost-conscious consumers are more willing than ever to buy store brands at c-stores. But it takes more than low prices to earn customer loyalty, experts say.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 13, 2022

How can c-stores challenge fast-food restaurants in 2023?

Offering more discounts on meals and creating a relaxing in-store environment can go a long way, one expert says.

By Brett Dworski • Dec. 12, 2022

7-Eleven is America’s favorite store for groceries, says YouGov

The c-store’s popularity was led by nearly two thirds of Millennials surveyed having a positive view of it, better than Trader Joe’s, Aldi and Kroger.

By Jessica Loder • Dec. 6, 2022

Harbor Wholesale acquires MTC Distributing to expand on West Coast

The combined companies now have a collective purchasing power of over $1 billion, serving c-store, grocery and restaurant customers from the Canadian border to just north of Los Angeles.

By Brett Dworski • Nov. 28, 2022

Rite Aid adds same-day delivery through Grubhub

The drug store will offer delivery from around 2,000 stores in 16 states through the popular app.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 23, 2022

FDA issues more warnings over CBD. Should c-stores be concerned?

The warnings target five companies selling CBD-infused products that the agency said may be mistaken for traditional food and beverage items and that, in some cases, are appealing to children.

By Brett Dworski • Nov. 22, 2022

7-Eleven to offer a year of free delivery during Black Friday

New Gold Plus members who sign up between Nov. 25 and Nov. 28 get free shipping on over 3,000 items, including food and alcohol.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 18, 2022

Alcohol trends point to big growth in premixed cocktails, healthier wine, report says

While healthier-for-you and low-alcohol wine sales have grown 35% through Q3, according to Catalina, hard seltzer declined 29% during that period.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 17, 2022