Retail media’s standardization race is heating up — what’s at stake?

Calls for unity are growing as marketers stamp their feet about the industry’s fragmentary state, but the push for shared best practices faces an uphill battle.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 22, 2023

Freewire unveils EV charging site evaluation tool

The tool uses AI and algorithms to analyze datasets and determine the optimal locations to place EV charging stations. 

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 21, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from C-Store Dive

Top 5 stories from C-Store Dive 2023/2024

By C-Store Dive staff

Hucks revamps mobile app

The updated platform includes new loyalty marketing features and scan-and-go payment capabilities.

By Brett Dworski • Aug. 21, 2023

Road Ranger expands customer feedback tech partnership

During a pilot with FeedbackNow, the travel center chain added “smiley boxes” and QR codes for customers to leave feedback throughout its stores.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 21, 2023

Parkland opens largest open-access EV charging site in Canada

The location in Hope, British Columbia, can charge up to 12 vehicles at a time and saw 300 customers in its first week of opening.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 21, 2023

Plaid Pantry installing its first EV charger

The retailer has broken ground at the site in Portland, which is expected to be online before the end of August.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 18, 2023

7-Eleven drives in the metaverse with Fortnite activation

As part of the campaign, consumers will be sent on a branded scavenger hunt with the chance to win prizes like a custom gaming chair.

By Sara Karlovitch • Aug. 17, 2023

Serve Robotics raises $30M, goes public in reverse merger

The delivery robot company, which 7-Eleven invested in and has partnered with, will use the money to help deploy up to 2,000 robots with Uber Eats.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 16, 2023

PDI acquires Skupos

The buyout gives PDI access to data from more than 25,000 independent convenience retailers.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 14, 2023

Foodservice customers want delivery with a side of loyalty, survey says

Over 70% of respondents to a Tillster survey expect to earn or use rewards when ordering at an in-store kiosk, and more than half want to use them when ordering online.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 8, 2023

Kum & Go adds another facet to loyalty push

After recently updating its rewards app, the retailer has also expanded its partnership with cash-back app Upside to include in-store offers. 

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 8, 2023

Amazon’s frictionless checkout powers Pittsburgh campus c-store

Although its Just Walk Out technology has yet to take off at retail locations, the company is having some success connecting with universities.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 4, 2023

Reality check: Seeing AI through a practical lens

C-stores that understand how to use AI will be able to better parse data and boost sales, according to former 7-Eleven Merchandising VP Brooke Hodierne.

By Brooke Hodierne • Aug. 3, 2023

Wawa opens fully digital, shelfless c-store

The retailer has revamped one of its Philadelphia locations so customers can only purchase items via its mobile app or touchscreen kiosks.

By Brett Dworski • Aug. 3, 2023

Refuel expands self-checkout deployment

After testing Mashgin’s technology late last year, the retailer will roll out the platform to 10 locations across its footprint.

By Brett Dworski • Aug. 2, 2023

Mapco opens second checkout-free store

The Nashville, Tennessee, location is the final of the chain’s two planned test stores using Grabango technology so shoppers don’t wait in line. 

By Jessica Loder • July 26, 2023

4 ways c-stores can integrate geofencing in and around their stores

The technology can help get the right message to customers at the right time and deliver a more personalized experience, according to a recent NACS webinar

By Jessica Loder • July 25, 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

Family Express installs AI security systems

The additions include remote monitoring capabilities that feature automated warnings or let retailers manually warn potential perpetrators.

By Brett Dworski • July 21, 2023

Vroom Delivery integrates with Uber

C-store retailers that use both platforms can have orders automatically rung up and routed to a single tablet.

By Brett Dworski • July 19, 2023

Paytronix names new CEO

Board member Jeff Hindman has taken over the position from longtime leader Andrew Robbins, who has stepped into the executive chairman role.

By Brett Dworski • July 18, 2023

Frictionless checkout is becoming increasingly popular inside stadiums

While c-stores have yet to warm to the technology, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas just added its 10th frictionless store.

By Jessica Loder • July 17, 2023

Pilot’s tire monitoring program grows beyond expectations

The system, in partnership with Bridgestone, uses sensors to check tire pressure, temperature and more, and warns managers of potential problems.

By Jessica Loder • July 6, 2023

Relex Solutions debuts AI tool for retailers

The company is using models that built ChatGPT to create Relex-GPT, which helps customers access information about its products.

By Jessica Loder • July 5, 2023

GetGo offering mobile-pay fuel discounts for July 4

This is the first of a series of promotions for users of Giant Eagle’s myPerks Pay Direct platform, which was renamed from myPerks Pay this week.

By Jessica Loder • June 30, 2023