Opinion
Renovating without shutting down: The unique challenges of open-store convenience store remodels
Convenience store renovation differs from ordinary retail, requiring coordination of multiple business lines such as fuel, food, and merchandise while remaining operational. Contractors need to meticulously plan construction phases, logistics, and safety inspections to minimize disruption to operations.
The weakest link in your c-store’s cybersecurity strategy? It may not be what you think.
Convenience store operators invest heavily in payment system and customer data security, yet often neglect Automatic Tank Gauges (ATGs), a critical piece of infrastructure. With the rise of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, ATGs have become a potential entry point. This article explores the security risks of ATGs and proposes five practical steps to reduce risk and enhance resilience.
Complexity is the enemy: Why 2026 is about integration, not disruption, in c-store tech
Having weathered the stress tests of 2025, the convenience store industry reaches a strategic turning point in technology in 2026. Vontier Chief Product Officer Austin Lieb believes that the era of fragmented devices is ending, and a connected mobility ecosystem becomes the main theme. This article looks ahead to key industry trends over the next year from four dimensions: system integration, multi-energy management, workforce structure changes, and AI implementation.
The snacks we grew up with are at risk of disappearing from shelves – if they haven’t already
From fruit-striped gum to chocolate roll ice cream, many classic snacks that have accompanied generations are disappearing or declining in quality due to shifting consumer preferences, rising costs, and stricter regulations. Brands need to find a balance between maintaining quality and adapting to new demands, or they may be eliminated from the market.
Does your c-store business have a succession plan?
The succession dream of family-owned convenience store businesses contrasts sharply with the harsh reality. Data shows that only 30% of family businesses survive into the second generation, 12% into the third, and 97% disappear before the fourth. Through the perspective of industry expert Terry Monroe, this article analyzes the reasons for cross-generational succession failure and raises key questions: Does your business have multi-generational vitality? Can family members drive its growth?
When should c-stores operate 24 hours a day?
Addressing the operational issue of whether convenience stores should maintain 24-hour operations, industry veteran Brad Chivington, drawing on historical evolution and post-pandemic changes, proposes a quantitative assessment across four aspects: time-based customer flow, sales composition, nighttime labor costs, and market competition, recommending a reference period of 6 to 13 weeks of data. The article notes that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this decision, as it varies by store, customer base, and community.
How c-stores can be refrigerant compliance-ready
As U.S. environmental regulations tighten, refrigerant end users such as convenience stores face unprecedented compliance pressure. This article analyzes key changes in the proposed AIM Act Part III rules, including leak inspection frequency, reporting obligations, and new requirements effective in 2025, and explores how operations teams can address these challenges through audits, IoT monitoring, and automated data management.
How to drive traffic by leaning into loyalty
Facing foot traffic fluctuations and intensifying competition, the convenience store industry is viewing loyalty programs as a key to growth. Data shows that 79% of the top 100 chains have deployed loyalty programs. This article points out that true loyalty leaders need to go beyond points themselves, transforming platforms into customer identification and activation engines, achieving measurable foot traffic increases through customer segmentation, tailored promotions, and direct digital engagement.
Reality check: Seeing AI through a practical lens
Over the past six months, interest in AI has surged among consumers, businesses, and the U.S. government, but the retail industry should not dwell on future visions. Brooke Hodierne, Executive Vice President of Strategic Consulting at Insite AI, believes that AI can drive growth and efficiency right now. Using convenience stores and CPG as examples, she illustrates the practical value of AI in scenarios such as space planning and trade fund allocation, and clarifies two common misconceptions: AI is not a replacement for advanced analytics platforms, nor will it replace human employees. The article also proposes three application directions: assortment planning, price optimization, and promotion optimization, recommending that retailers clarify their internal goals and talent support before collaborating with brands.
How simplifying your menu can increase your profits
After the pandemic, convenience stores face cost pressures, making menu simplification a core strategy to enhance profitability. This article explains how to scientifically reduce menu items through operational analysis and consumer research (especially TURF analysis), retaining customer preferences while reducing complexity to achieve profit growth.