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 …

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 …

For C-Store retailers running gas rewards, the decision to implement tobacco loyalty often creates conflicts at the pump. There are options to stay in compliance with your brand loyalty and still take full advantage of Altria Loyalty and RJR tobacco promotions.

RJR tobacco scan data is a key to maximizing C-Store sales and profits. However, many retailers ball with their RJR scan data promotions. Should you move forward with RJR?

Finding time is never easy. That is why, many top performers use a 5 Minute C-Store Daily Plan. They believe it means at least $20,000 in profits. “What would you rather me do? Take 5 minutes to know my store or just start to work?” This was the answer given by a successful c-store manager …

The key to increasing cigarette sales is multi-pack discounts. Many vendors provide scan data rebates, but getting your money for scan data is not enough to increase your sales. C-Stores provide a discount to your customers,  and therefore cigarette sales increase. Up-selling is the Key to Increase Cigarette Sales with Multi-Pack Discounts Lowering the price …

There are five keys to systematizing c-store growth.  They are helpful in order to add new stores and grow profits. Recently, new software solutions emerged. They help c-store operators optimize store performance. Operators for whom growth is the goal have started adopting these new software solutions. Of course,  store performance software compliments and goes way …

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 …

According to Convenience Store News the top 20 chains own 30% of all the c-stores in the USA. Growing same-store sales test even experienced operators. But the numbers reveal just how much more challenging it is to add new stores. In 2017, the total number of C-Stores in the United States increased by only 423. …

Generating growth provides cash and resources. The ROI of c-store growth is amazing. Driving extra sales puts profit directly to the bottom line. That is why promotions and upselling generate important results. The example below shows how a typical store with inside sales of $85,000 per month at a 27% margin can increase annual bottom …