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

#221 Retailers Weigh In On The New Normal 02.04.2020 33:50

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

#220 Broader Retail Implications from Coronavirus 30.03.2020 39:01

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

#219 The Pandemic's Impact on Fuel Supply and Demand 27.03.2020 23:59

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

#218 The Survey Says...Consumers Love Convenience 23.03.2020 23:27

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...

#217 Food Allergens and Food Safety 16.03.2020 21:59

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

#216 The Evolution of Convenience through Data 09.03.2020 15:51

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...

#215 Are Consumers Really Interested In Electric and Hybrid Vehicles? 02.03.2020 22:13

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

#214 EV Infrastructure and Fuel Retailers 24.02.2020 26:53

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

#213 EMV: Ready or Not? 17.02.2020 25:07

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

#212 Put People First to Grow Profitability 10.02.2020 26:50

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

#211 Design the Ideal Customer Experience 03.02.2020 27:53

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

#210 Clean Fuel = Happy Cars 27.01.2020 23:02

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...

#209 Values Matter, Demographics Don't 20.01.2020 26:02

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

#208 Rise and Shine with Healthier Breakfast Choices 13.01.2020 23:35

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

#207 Evolving to Alternative Fuel Sales 06.01.2020 21:36

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

#206 Brand Strategy 30.12.2019 21:22

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

#205 Good Jobs Strategy 23.12.2019 22:16

One out of five jobs is considered a 'bad job'. In this episode, we'll find out how to offer 'good jobs' which translates to great employees and happy customers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#204 Sustainability Strategy for People, Planet, Prosperity and Convenience 16.12.2019 22:25

The term sustainability has become a catch-all for seemingly everything - recycling, energy, EVs, CSR, packaging, etc. How do you know what to tackle and how can it actually save you money? Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS

#203 The ABCs of CBD 09.12.2019 22:02

What exactly is CBD? Can you sell it or buy it in stores legally? Can you eat it and pass a drug test? Learn about CBD, hemp, THC and how to stay on the right side of the law. Hosted by: Stephanie Sikorski, Vice President of Marketing, NACS and Erin Pressley, Vice President Education and Media, NACS

#202 Increasing Fuel Options for Consumers 02.12.2019 20:22

Liquid fuels continue to be the primary source of transportation power in the U.S. Hear where the liquid fuels market is today, what's available and what's next. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

#201 Food Safety: Beyond Just Food 25.11.2019 29:55

Keeping food safe and customers healthy goes beyond just food and includes clean kitchens, bathroom and employees. Learn some things that you might not have thought of. Don't forget - don't touch the key! Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS

#200 Culture That Rocks 18.11.2019 25:18

Create a customer experience that differentiates your store and delivers sustainable results. How can you become the "business of choice" that rocks? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#199 Making Something Big Featuring Daymond John 11.11.2019 19:34

Daymond John is not only a pioneer in the fashion industry but also a shark on ABC's "Shark Tank," multiple New York Times bestselling author and branding guru. He shares how a "can-do" attitude is necessary for continued success in life and in the convenience industry. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

#198 Educating Consumers to Care About Fuel Quality 04.11.2019 21:14

Consumers don't generally pay attention to the quality of gasoline they put into their cars. But, fuel marketers, the US EPA and the auto industry do. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

#197 Convenience Rockstars Part 2 Featuring Chuck Maggalet and Tanner Krause 28.10.2019 23:03

Vision and strategy are critical to growing a business, but it can't happen without execution. Hear from two of the most prominent rockstar leaders in today's convenience industry how they make it all happen. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS