National Association of Convenience Stores

Convenience Matters

Business EN ↓ 529 episodes

Whether it's for food, fuel, drinks or snacks — about half of the U.S. population is at a convenience store every day. We sell 80% of the country's fuel and we are 4% of the total U.S. economy. We'll talk about what we see at stores — and what the future may hold — as long as it's convenient.

Author

National Association of Convenience Stores

Episodes

#246 Cheers for Beers 31.08.2020 30:46

Hear how the beer and hard seltzer category is performing in convenience stores and what to maybe expect in 2021. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#245 Remember This? Fueling Through the Years 24.08.2020 28:31

Join three fuel industry icons as they look back from full-service to the future of electric charging and how gas stations have changed over the years. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

#244 From One to Many: Scaling Leadership 17.08.2020 30:05

Growing from running one convenience store to running many, best-selling author Jim Sullivan shares ideas to lead multiple teams with finesse. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#243 Are Liquid Fuels Dead? 10.08.2020 25:31

Electric vehicles are the exciting shiny object in the automotive world, but will they obliterate the market for combustible fuel engine vehicles? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

#242 Protect Card Payments at the Gas Pump 03.08.2020 22:47

Tackling EMV-compatible pump upgrades can be expensive, but there are solutions available to make it affordable and easy. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

#241 Memory Matters 27.07.2020 24:25

Can you remember every customer's name that comes in your store? Can you remember your grocery list? What day is it? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#240 A Conversation with Andrew Thornton About Going Plastic-Free 20.07.2020 28:14

Retailer Andrew Thornton, Founder of a London convenience store that has tackled climate change head-on talks about his journey and the future of climate change in this new normal. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#239 What You Need to Know About DEF 13.07.2020 22:49

Did you know that diesel cars and trucks need diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to operate? Selling high-quality DEF can help retailers grow sales and keep diesel customers moving. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#238 Local Matters 06.07.2020 27:20

The U.S Census Bureau has incredible research tools to grow your business collected through the decennial survey and dozens of other annual businesses surveys. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#237 Retailer Decision Making for EVs 29.06.2020 22:04

There's no doubt about it, electric vehicles are here to stay. While EVs are increasing in popularity, there are near-term challenges that have the potential to temper large-scale expansion. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

#236 Consumer Decision Making for EVs 29.06.2020 26:12

85% of consumers think that EVs are the future of cars or are a very interesting idea. EVs present positive benefits to consumer but they're still slow to get purchasing traction. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

#235 Category Close-up: Packaged Beverages 22.06.2020 26:32

What could be more refreshing on a hot day than a cold drink? Find out how the packaged beverage category is making a splash. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#234 Category Close-up: Cold Dispensed Beverages 22.06.2020 29:59

Convenience stores are a destination for beverages. Refresh your knowledge on how cold drinks can fuel customer visits. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#233 Category Close-up: Fueling 22.06.2020 26:14

Convenience stores sell 80 percent of the fuel in the U.S. Find out how technology has helped this category change and grow. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#232 E-commerce When We Need it Most 15.06.2020 29:31

Delivery and pickup has been clutch for consumers who can't or won't leave the house or car. Online back office systems to check inventory, track orders, and automate the supply chain have been crucial for retail and foodservice businesses. Whenever things get back to normal, did your business pass the test of conforming to the new e-commerce normal? Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic...

#231 New Normal Retail Store Design 08.06.2020 28:26

Six feet apart, minimal contact, sanitizer stations and plexiglass. Are these the staples of convenience retail store design going forward in the new normal? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#230 EMV Upgrades Made Easier 01.06.2020 21:02

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

#229 Utilities and Transportation Sector Work to Lower GHGs 25.05.2020 20:39

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

#228 Realizing the Value of Aluminum for Retailers 18.05.2020 25:52

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

#227 The Convenience Customer 11.05.2020 28:43

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

#226 Understanding the Art of Convenience Retail 04.05.2020 27:25

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...

#225 Stories from the Field: Casey's Julie Jackowski 27.04.2020 26:54

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

#224 Energy and Cost Savings When They are Needed Most 20.04.2020 26:10

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

#223 The Future for Convenience is About Winning Trips 13.04.2020 22:17

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

#222 Changes in Customer Behavior During the Pandemic 06.04.2020 28:56

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...