Convenience Matters

The deadline to upgrade fuel pumps to be EMV compliant has changed to April 2021, but that doesn't mean retailers should wait. There are expensive options and more cost-effective ones that can make the update a little easier. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

California sees electric vehicles as an important component to improving air quality. Utility companies also play an important role in supporting the transportation sector's need to improve air pollution. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

Are aluminum containers the next big thing for beverages? Infinitely recyclable, lighter, and easier for labeling, aluminum cans and bottles are finding their way into beverage coolers and craft breweries. Can consumers and retailers embrace this new trend? Yes they can! Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

The convenience channel is among the most vibrant and fastest growing channels in the US consumer packaged goods market, before and hopefully after the 2020 pandemic. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

There are many things to stay on top of when operating convenience stores to stay relevant and safe for customers, employees and to keep up with regulations. Working with a contract operator can streamline and professionalize operations and also help navigate difficult financial situations. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Init...

NACS Chairman Julie Jackowski shares how Casey's, one of the largest US convenience store chains, has addressed the coronavirus pandemic, what they are seeing and hearing at their 2,200 stores as well as how their operations have evolved. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Saving money and energy are both important and can coexist simultaneously. Hear how Energy Star resources can help stores do both. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

What do retailers need to know to win customers? What do customers want from and look for in stores that will win their loyalty? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

The retail climate was shifting rapidly from brick-and-mortar to online in 2019 and early 2020, but rapidly evolving changes in consumer ability to shop is moving that shift even more dramatically in light of the coronavirus pandemic. How can retailers maintain the relationships they've made with consumers during this period? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Dono...

NACS surveyed retail members to find out how they are responding to the coronavirus pandemic in their operations, product and foodservice offers and working with their communities. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

The coronavirus is having a massive effect on retail. It's dramatically curtailed how people move about, retail sales and economic productivity, but even after things return to business as normal, how drastically will the effects of the virus define this new normal? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

The coronavirus pandemic has led to an unprecedented drop in oil demand around the world. What does this mean for fuel retailers – both in the short term and long term? And what do you need to think about today as markets continue to wildly swing in trading? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

Gas station visits have evolved from a "have to" to "want to" trip. Gone are the days when dad filled up the tank while the family waited in the car. Now, people WANT to go in the store and retailers must embrace that inside experience to keep up. Hear 2020 consumer survey results on gas-buying habits. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of O...

One in 10 Americans has a food allergy. Dining out and traveling can be extremely challenging if food establishments, convenience stores and products don't contain accurate allergen information. Hear resources available to ensure you keep these customers for life. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Lindsay Buchanan, Marketing Coordinator, NACS

Since 1970, NACS has been publishing industry data, helping convenience retailers and their suppliers improve their businesses through benchmarking. Retailers evolved from counting cars to find the right corner for a store to today's highly-detailed analysis of products, expenses and more. Hear from leading retailers and researchers as we journey from past to present and on to what the future may...

People have turned to Consumer Reports for decades for reliable, unbiased and well-tested recommendations for products, including cars. This week we talked about electric, crossover and ICE vehicles and what consumers want and what they're really buying. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Over the past decade, electric vehicles have been a transportation hot topic. In this episode, we talk about customer trends, investing in electric vehicle charging equipment and if customers even want it. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

Ignoring the October 2020 deadline to accept chip cards at the gas pump could be a costly mistake. Hear why retailers shouldn't sit this one out. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Would you go back to a store where they genuinely cared about you, your pet, your hobbies and sold your favorite coffee and food? This guest knows you will. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

How do you wow customers? With enthusiastic employees, with product experiences they can touch and feel and a little nostalgia. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Customers trust that the fuel they're putting in their car is flawless, keeping their vehicle running smoothly and safely. And, station owners need to take proper steps to maintain the integrity and cleanliness of their storage tanks to eliminate corrosion and particles. Find out why proper maintenance for both is important. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Joh...

Relying only on demographics to stereotype customers might not be the best way to truly personalize their experience. Do you know what they really like, how they feel and what they value? Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

Breakfast needs to be convenient, fast and easy and it certainly doesn't hurt for it to be healthy. Hear about some convenience stores helping customers have great mornings! Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Vehicles and fuel types are evolving and some of those changes will come on rapidly in the new decade. How should retailers incorporate renewable, low carbon fuels into retail sales while still maximizing profit margins and competitive edge? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

Brand strategy is more than just a new logo or design. Brand is every way that a company communicates, what it stands for and a promise delivered to customers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute