The Road Ahead: Will retailers crack the code on urban c-store formats?

Recent closures from the likes of Wawa and Sheetz might cast doubt on the model, but there are plenty of examples out there of retailers making fuel-less stores work, writes columnist Frank Beard.

By Frank Beard • Sept. 26, 2023

Royal Farms joins the fall flavor rush

Pumpkin-flavored coffee and muffins, along with a variety of seasonal items from other vendors, accompany a separate spicy fries LTO from the retailer.

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 21, 2023

4 trends beer distributors expect in the rest of 2023

Among beer and malt beverages, Bud Light and Truly will likely continue to suffer while Twisted Tea grows, according to a Goldman Sachs survey.

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 20, 2023

Gopuff rolls out discounted membership program for college students

The new offering, known as Student Fam, provides all the benefits of the quick delivery company’s Fam subscription service for half the standard cost.

By Sam Silverstein • Sept. 19, 2023

As c-stores level up in foodservice, catering could be an ‘ideal’ next step

Convenience retailers, especially those in rural areas, can boost revenue and grow their brand presence by offering food that is both delicious and durable.

By Amanda Baltazar • Sept. 13, 2023

J.M. Smucker to buy Twinkies-maker Hostess Brands for $5.6B

The purchase will deepen the jam and peanut butter maker’s presence in growing categories and consumer occasions focused on convenience. 

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 11, 2023

7-Eleven debuts private label bagged chocolate

This comes as the retailer aims to make its private label and proprietary food and beverage offerings account for over a third of its sales by 2025.

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 11, 2023

Consumers are focusing more on health and Hershey is here for it

As shoppers look for better-for-you alternatives during their wellness journeys, retailers can harness their basket-building potential.

By Nathan Johnson, Marketing Director, Better-For-You, The Hershey Company • Sept. 5, 2023

Royal Farms expands merchandise line

New items in the Baltimore-based retailer’s store will include hats, hoodies and chicken drumstick keychains.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 30, 2023

Early releases and innovative flavors spice up c-stores’ fall menus

While pumpkin and apple dishes are still runaway favorites, retailers such as Rutter’s and Stewart’s Shops are also testing offerings like pierogis and butternut squash soup.

By Christine Blank • Aug. 28, 2023

4 top trends in dispensed beverages

Customers are looking for unique flavors and textures and an increasing amount of caffeine from their c-store drinks.

By Christine Blank • Aug. 21, 2023

Kellogg pins growth in snacking unit on Pringles, Cheez-It ahead of split

The new company, called Kellanova, plans to expand its reach in convenience and smaller stores as part of its expansion goals.

By Chris Casey • Aug. 15, 2023

7-Eleven debuts golf-themed merchandise

The new line includes shirts, hats, socks, golf balls and tees, with some throwback items featuring the company’s 1940s logo.

By Brett Dworski • Aug. 11, 2023

CrossAmerica Partners credits beer and snacks for successful Q2

Excluding cigarettes, the retailer’s inside sales grew 8% year-over-year, according to its recent earnings report.

By Brett Dworski • Aug. 9, 2023

Murphy USA testing new store format

The c-store chain is using lessons it has learned from its QuickChek stores to remodel some of its 2,800-square-foot locations.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 3, 2023

Molson Coors eyes $100M marketing spend hike to sustain brand momentum

The company, which has historically under-indexed in c-stores, will increase its shopper marketing dollars in the industry in the second half of this year.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 3, 2023

How Mondelēz’s 60-year-old Chips Ahoy! brand is resonating with younger consumers

The chocolate chip cookie offering with $1 billion in sales is one of the snacking giant’s fastest-growing products, increasing by “double digits” annually.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 1, 2023

5 storylines to watch through the rest of 2023

What M&A deals might happen next? How will the industry’s EV charging push unfold? Here’s what we’re keeping an eye on over the coming months.

By Jessica Loder , Brett Dworski • July 31, 2023

Nestlé debuts ‘breakthrough’ technology that reduces sugars in key ingredients

The CPG giant said it developed an enzymatic process that cuts intrinsic levels of the sweetener in ingredients such as malt, milk and fruit juices by up to 30%, with a minimal impact on taste and texture. 

By Christopher Doering • July 24, 2023

Pilot takes the lion’s share of Ohio NEVI funding

The travel center company was awarded more than half of the state’s $18 million in 2023 grants to build out 14 locations. 

By Jessica Loder • July 24, 2023

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo sales likely to withstand WHO aspartame cancer ruling

The cola giants have large stakes in the sugar-free space with Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Pepsi Zero Sugar and Diet Pepsi — all four of which contain the hotly-debated ingredient.

By Christopher Doering • July 18, 2023

How c-stores are built to ride out (most) inflation

While Goldman Sachs’ analysts are bullish on the outlook for c-stores in 2023, they are concerned that higher interest rates and economic pressures will continue to impact fuel and in-store spending. 

By Christine Blank • July 17, 2023

Wisconsin c-store operator offers slew of product freebies under new loyalty program

Weiler’s Convenience Stores features more than a dozen different offers where shoppers can get free coffee, pizza and other products after buying five or 10 of the same item.

By Jessica Loder • July 14, 2023

Inflation could impact summer GM sales at c-stores

If consumer spending stays low through the next few months, unique and seasonal product mixes and promotions will be key to driving the category, experts say.

By Christine Blank • July 11, 2023

C-stores should brace for inflation pressure through 2023

Trips have trended down along with basket sizes, but experts say c-stores should continue to focus on bundling items and promoting core categories like alcohol and snacks.

By Christine Blank • July 5, 2023