Customer experience versus service is the core concept address to maximize customer c-store relationships. In this multi-part series, we will take a dive into the importance of Customer Experience (CX) and how to deliver it to every customer that comes into our convenience store. It is the most important marketing tool there is in our …

How c-store managers avoid overload is an important question for c-store chains. Many operators fear c-store manager burnout so much, they strictly limit changes that impact store managers. They even limit those changes that will make the store manager’s job easier. They often report there are just too many challenges with staffing, supply, regulations, and …

C-Store management questions CLEAR the air. Great managers use questions to build teamwork, develop new skills and avoid misunderstandings. Clarify problems Learn how your team thinks Encourage new thinking Appreciate staff knowledge and skill Respect your team Probing Questions Questions help to get answers and share information effectively. The goal of communication is to share …

Given c-store staffing issues and inventory shortages, there are many pros and cons of c-store managers using data analytics. Some argue that there is absolutely no way to ask store managers to do anything except to just keep the doors open. Hence, it can be scary to add another task to store managers for fear …

C-Store operators that try to control the store performance often cite one or more of these five reasons to use c-store retail data analytics. They find that c-store analytics saves time and increases profits by: Reducing c-store manager bias in decision making Pinpointing c-store problems quicker Recognizing good performance of cashiers Reducing anxiety about the …

Future proof your c-store POS system with consideration of your growth plans. There are several stages of growth to consider. It takes time to choose, purchase and implement a POS system. Changing a system in the future can be very disruptive to your business in terms of store closures, staff training and integration with other …

Key reasons for tobacco scan data incentive programs include margin management, customer traffic, and basket size. These factors help maintain your competitive position. Cigarette and OTP sales often range from 20 to 30% of a c-store inside sales. Customers that use tobacco rebate programs are frequent shoppers and know they can get what they need …

C-store managers are facing challenges of shortage, overload and isolation. Customers and vendors create a highly dynamic set of daily, small transactions. Each requires focus and accuracy. This demands a high level of energy to maintain a level of good work all day long. Labor and supply issues force hard decisions and require more management …

C-Store Growth Mindset: Making Peace with Accountability Is Published The C-Store Growth Mindset book has been published. The findings are based on a decade of operations and a career of retail data analytics. It chronicles family chains that practice the growth mindset to grow their chain. BandyWorks’ Tom Bandy and Mason Cowan published field-proven case studies …

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 …

Operators cannot ignore the labor shortage as they think about c-store staff retention and upselling. The shortage is so severe that many operators only part-jokingly say “If they are breathing, hire them.” All joking aside, the sentiment and frustration is real. Of course, many  important c-store selling opportunities are based on the cashiers work. For …

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 …