C-Store Control

The C-Store Labor Maturity Model explains the operational effectiveness for operators in how well they manage the labor in their stores. Many convenience store operators are facing a growing performance gap relative to their labor-cost line item. Top c-store operators are shifting from simply managing c-store labor costs to optimizing profit drivers instead. That is, …

The changes and competition in the convenience retail world demands strong operations. Building a brand, having loyal customers and establishing a strong community presence cannot be attained and sustained without reliable operations. The convenience business is about people: your customers and your staff. Your operations determine how well you deliver convenience through your staff to …

There are three main aspects of c-store operations ROI. C-Store operations have a virtually unlimited capacity to grow and attain on-going improvement. These results are evident with successful chains such as Casey’s, Kwik Trip, Wawa, Sheetz, and others. They show the power of great businesses that have both a strong operational system and the ability …

With all the money spent on cameras and back office tracking, it is no wonder c-store operators frustratingly ask ‘How do age stings beat technology’? Surprisingly, technology to capture images and highlight risks does not ensure that age stings are addressed. The stings are not based on store activity but rather investigations of under-age activity …

When thinking about data analytics for c-store growth – new stores versus existing stores, several key differences appear. Either way can be the key part of driving growth for many successful c-store chains. Using data differs for each type of growth. Choosing the right data leverages the growth investment to maximize the return on time …

One of the critical jobs is to stay compliance with age verification in c-stores. Age Verification Compliance Summary Situation Establish a process for age restricted sales compliance Operational Results 100% monitoring of age restricted sales transactions HR Results Objective training and assessment tools Technology POS scan data, data analytics Management Approach Objective, exception-based accountability, and …

Good data cuts through bad behavior. When we have good data and use it to coach and train, we see bad behaviors corrected. It is often said to inspect what you expect, but some also like to use data analytics to help keep an eye on the behaviors they want to see and to look …

There are four levels in c-store performance growth. All together, they define the C-Store Performance Maturity Model.  Combined, the levels produce a guide to successful, sustainable growth. The levels are sequential: Firstly, Founding addresses financial issues. Secondly Organizing addresses management, Thirdly, Growing addresses sales and Finally, Thriving. As progress occurs, higher sales and better teamwork …

Henry Ford stated that obstacles are the things you see when you take your eye off the goal. As such, it may be useful to identify five obstacles to c-store growth. That way, if you experience them, it will be easier to re-focus on the goal of growing your c-store performance.  Obviously, it’s hard to …

Sometimes familiarity and routine can block easy changes that can increase your c-store sales. That is why operators say that consultants increase c-store sales. Getting a fresh set of eyes to work with your team can be a quick  way to find a few break-through changes that can increase sales. Habits and history can sometimes …

C-Store customer survey software strengthens the customer experience by collecting important customer feedback directly as they shop. It may take courage and patience, but who better than your customers know what they want? It can be painful to hear, but learning abut problems directly and quickly can save time and help you to keep customers …

C-Store maintenance software saves time spent chasing maintenance assignments. No one wants to nag but the store manager is responsible to keep the store fully functional. If they do not know the status of maintenance work, then they must chase the work or risk having the problem left unfixed. Let’s face it, your store managers …