Tag Archives: Convenience Stores

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X5 to divest small-format convenience stores operating under the Perekrestok Express brand in Moscow

Moscow, 2017-Oct-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — X5 Retail Group (“X5” or “the Company”), a leading Russian food retailer (LSE: FIVE), plans to concentrate on its three major formats: Pyaterochka proximity stores, Perekrestok supermarkets and Karusel hypermarkets. The Company’s small-format convenience stores operating under the Perekrestok Express brand in Moscow will be put on sale. X5 has selected Renaissance Capital to assist with preparation of the deal. Perekrestok Express accounts for less than 1% of X5’s revenue.

X5 Retail Group CEO Igor Shekhterman said: “Convenience stores like those that Perekrestok Express operates in Moscow, which have a selling space of up to 200 sq m, certainly have potential. However, they represent a fairly narrow segment of Russia’s modern food retail market, in which proximity stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets occupy more than a 90% share. With our market share in these formats steadily growing, we have decided to focus our full attention on continuing to develop the customer value propositions of Pyaterochka, Perekrestok and Karusel, including in Moscow.”

This year, X5 has successfully bolstered its major retail formats, while also improving the quality of its store portfolio in Moscow. To achieve this, the Company has, among other things, leased over 100 premises that previously hosted Monetka and Sedmoi Kontinent stores. By the end of this year, these locations will reopen as Pyaterochka stores and Perekrestok supermarkets.

For further details please contact:
Maxim Novikov
Head of Investor Relations
Tel.: +7 (495) 502-9783
e-mail: Maxim.Novikov@x5.ru

Andrey Vasin
Investor Relations Officer
Tel.:+7 (495) 662-88-88 ext. 21-456
e-mail: Andrey.Vasin@x5.ru

Source: X5 Retail Group

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Godiva chocolates makes debut in Sainsbury’s supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide

Godiva chocolates makes debut in Sainsbury’s supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide

LONDON, 2017-Sep-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sainsbury’s customers across the country can now treat themselves to delicious Belgian chocolates with the premium Godiva chocolate brand going on sale in 500 stores. This is the first time the Godiva brand has ever been sold in a UK supermarket.

From Sunday 3rd September, Godiva chocolates will be available in 500 Sainsbury’s supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide. Before this, the Belgian brand was only available in 11 locations in the UK, including Harrods and its own Godiva boutiques.

The new range includes the exclusive Godiva Masterpiece Collection, including filled chocolate tablets and individually wrapped pieces, as well as gifting and sharing boxes and tablets from Godiva’s core range, all expertly crafted with premium Belgian chocolate.

To make the Godiva chocolate range really stand out for customers, bespoke display fixtures have also been designed for the majority of stores.

The Godiva launch follows the introduction of a number of food concessions and brand partnerships in Sainsbury’s supermarkets. Patisserie Valerie cakes and gateaux are now available at 18 in-store bakery counters while the retailer is launching 30 more Sushi Gourmet concessions by the end of the financial year, bringing the total number of in-store sushi counters to 50.

In June, Sainsbury’s also opened a Crussh concession in its Pimlico store in London, selling premium ‘fit food’ and freshly made juices, smoothies and coffees.

Sainsbury’s Category Manager for Impulse, Rachel Clark, said: “We’re committed to offering our customers the greatest choice of delicious and differentiated food in our stores. Godiva is a leading, premium chocolate brand and the partnership we’re announcing today is a great example of how we’re innovating in our stores to bring our customers an exciting choice of high-quality products and brands that many won’t be able to find anywhere else.”

Jon Eggleton, Managing Director UK & Ireland, pladis said: “Godiva combines nine decades of traditional Belgian chocolate artistry with the latest innovation to offer a sensory experience that is loved by consumers worldwide. We are hugely excited to be expanding in the UK, working with Sainsbury’s to bring luxurious, premium products and in-store experiences that are brand new to this market. The Masterpiece range will showcase three of Godiva’s best-selling signature flavours crafted in the shape of the original boutique chocolates: The Ganache Heart, Hazelnut Oyster shell and Caramel Lion. We are confident this launch will delight discerning chocolate lovers across the UK.”

SOURCE: Sainsbury’s

MEDIA CONTACT

For corporate press enquiries please contact press_office@sainsburys.co.uk or call 0207 695 7295.

 

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Sainsbury’s kicks off Argos Click & Collect service in convenience stores nationwide

Sainsbury’s kicks off Argos Click & Collect service in convenience stores nationwide

 

London, 2017-Aug-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Customers will be able to pick up their Argos and Tu orders from over 100 Sainsbury’s Local stores by the end of 2017. One year after the acquisition of Argos, this furthers Sainsbury’s strategy of serving customers whenever and wherever they want to shop. 100th Argos digital store in a Sainsbury’s supermarket opened in Barnstaple, North Devon on 19 August.

Sainsbury’s today (29 August 2017) announced it is launching the popular Argos Click & Collect service in 100 Sainsbury’s Local convenience stores nationwide.  The initiative will enable customers to order Argos products and Tu clothing online and collect their purchases closer to where they live or work.  The launch follows a successful three month trial in six Sainsbury’s Local stores.

Announcing the launch, Sainsbury’s Group CEO, Mike Coupe, said:
“As customer shopping habits change, people increasingly want flexibility, speed and choice. More customers than ever are ordering online and choosing to collect from a store, which makes their lives easier and frees up their valuable time.  Offering the Argos Click & Collect service in Sainsbury’s Local stores makes it even more convenient for our customers to buy our products.”

He added, “Argos’ leading digital capability is an important differentiator for Sainsbury’s and is key to our future strategy. Over half of all Argos sales originate online and around 80 per cent of customers then opt to collect their purchases from one of our stores, that day or the next.”

The launch of the Argos Click & Collect service to 100 Sainsbury’s convenience stores is due to be complete by the end of 2017.

The acquisition of Home Retail Group in September last year enabled Sainsbury’s to accelerate its strategy to be a multi-product, multi-channel retailer, serving customers quickly and conveniently whenever and wherever they want to shop.  Less than one year on from the  acquisition, Sainsbury’s opened its 100th Argos digital store in a Sainsbury’s supermarket in Barnstaple, North Devon and the plan to open 250 Argos digital stores in Sainsbury’s supermarkets is on track for March 2019, six months ahead of the original schedule.

Source: Sainsbury’s

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Sunoco LP to divest a majority of convenience stores to 7-Eleven for $3.3 billion

  • Executes definitive agreement to divest a majority of convenience stores to 7-Eleven for $3.3 billion
  • Includes 15-year take-or-pay fuel supply agreement with 7-Eleven starting with approximately 2.2 billion gallons annually
  • Launches sales process for remaining convenience stores in North and West Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma
  • Investor call scheduled for 8:00 AM Central Time on Thursday, April 6th 

DALLAS, 2017-Apr-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) (“SUN”) today (Apr 06, 2017) announced that it entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement for the sale of a majority of its convenience stores to 7-Eleven, Inc. (“7-Eleven”).

Total consideration in the transaction is $3.3 billion in cash plus fuel, merchandise and other inventories.  SUN expects to use the proceeds to repay indebtedness and for general partnership purposes.

SUN President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Owens stated, “The sale of these retail assets to 7-Eleven is the beginning of an exciting evolution for SUN into a premier nationwide fuel supplier.  Our supply agreement with 7-Eleven provides SUN with a predictable long-term income stream, and this transaction quickly allows SUN to improve its financial profile.”

Assets being sold to 7-Eleven include approximately 1,110 convenience stores in 19 geographic regions primarily along the East Coast and in Texas, and the associated trademarks and intellectual property of the Laredo Taco Company and Stripes.  As part of the transaction, SUN will enter into a 15-year take-or-pay fuel supply agreement with a 7-Eleven subsidiary under which SUN will supply approximately 2.2 billion gallons of fuel annually.  This supply agreement will have guaranteed annual payments to SUN, provides that 7-Eleven will continue to use the Sunoco brand at currently branded Sunoco stores and includes committed growth in future periods.

Approximately 200 convenience stores in North and West Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma will be sold in a separate process.  SUN’s Aloha Petroleum business unit in Hawaii will continue to operate its highly efficient and integrated business model within SUN.  Likewise, the transaction does not include SUN’s highly successful APlus franchisee-operated stores.

SUN’s transaction with 7-Eleven is the first step in SUN’s strategic shift away from company-operated convenience stores to focus on its industry-leading fuel supply business.  Led by the iconic Sunoco fuel brand and successful APlus franchise, SUN plans to be a leading consolidator in the domestic wholesale fuels business, supplying fuel to a network of more than 8,900 locations of third-party dealers, distributors and other commercial customers, with an enhanced focus on MLP qualifying income. Additionally, the proceeds received in this transaction will be used to further enhance SUN’s credit profile and leverage profile.

This transaction is subject to regulatory clearances and customary closing conditions and is expected to close by the fourth quarter 2017.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“JP Morgan”) served as SUN’s exclusive financial advisor for the transaction.  In addition, SUN has retained JP Morgan to market the approximately 200 remaining convenience stores in North and West Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Conference Call

Sunoco LP management will hold a conference call on Thursday, April 6, at 8:00 a.m. CT (9:00 a.m. ET) to discuss the transaction.  To participate, dial 201-389-0877 approximately 10 minutes early and ask for the Sunoco LP conference call.

About Sunoco LP

Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) is a master limited partnership that operates 1,345 convenience stores and retail fuel sites and distributes motor fuel to 7,845 convenience stores, independent dealers, commercial customers and distributors located in 30 states. Our parent — Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (NYSE: ETE) — owns SUN’s general partner and incentive distribution rights.

Cautionary Statement Relevant to Forward-Looking Information

This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding future events. These forward-looking statements are based on SUN’s current plans and expectations and involve a numbers of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to vary materially from the results and events anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please refer to the “Risk Factors” section of SUN’s most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K and in other filings made by SUN with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  While Sunoco may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if new information becomes available.

Contacts:
Investors:
Scott Grischow
Senior Director
Investor Relations and Treasury
(214) 840-5660
scott.grischow@sunoco.com

Patrick Graham
Senior Analyst
Investor Relations and Finance
(214) 840-5678
patrick.graham@sunoco.com

Media:
Alyson Gomez
Director – Communications
(469) 646-1758
alyson.gomez@sunoco.com

SOURCE: Sunoco LP

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NACS survey: strong sales at convenience stores to continue into the second quarter of 2017

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Apr-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — A combination of low gas prices, strong consumer confidence and warmer weather is expected to continue the year’s already strong sales at convenience stores into the second quarter of 2017, according to the results of a survey of convenience store owners conducted by NACS.

A sizable percentage of retailers surveyed say that low gas prices have grown sales in 2017: 47% say that low gas prices helped grow in-store sales and 42% say that low gas prices grew fuel sales over the first three months of the year. Convenience stores sell 80% of the fuel purchased in the United States.

A full 80% of convenience retailers expect in-store sales to increase this summer compared to last year, and 57% expect their fuel sales to increase compared to last summer.

“Low gas prices will encourage increased traffic on the roads and in our stores,” said Terry Handley with Casey’s General Stores (Ankeny, IA).

Other factors also point to stronger sales at convenience stores. John Clark at Alpine Mart (Stowe, VT) expects sales to increase because of strong consumer confidence and the warmer weather. And strong employment numbers also will be good for sales, said Marc Strauch at Cameron Park Petroleum (Folsom, CA).

Approximately three in four retailers are optimistic about the economy (76%), the convenience store industry (73%) and their own business prospects (73%) over the next three months. This retailer optimism mirrors consumer optimism. A record 61% of consumers said they were optimistic about the economy, according to the March 2017 NACS Consumer Fuels Survey.

An increasing percentage of retailers are optimistic about food sales: 53% of all retailers optimistic about their business prospects cite food sales as the reason. Overall, 57% of retailers say that sandwiches and meals will grow their sales, with 35% citing healthy packaged snacks and 28% citing fruits and vegetables.

The move toward selling more food ties into consumer trends. Consumers are increasingly selecting locations to fuel based on the quality of the food inside the store, according to the findings from a NACS national survey of consumers.

Convenience stores also sell more beverages as the weather heats up, and retailers are expecting the same to happen this quarter: 63% say packaged beverage sales (soda, bottled water, teas) will increase, and 43% say that fountain drinks (both cold and frozen) will increase.

In addition, retailers are adding new food and beverage offerings in stores to help further increase expected sales. Big T Mini Mart (Alhambra, CA) is adding beer and wine while Nisqullay Markets (Olympia, WA) is adding grab-and-go food for time-pressed drivers.

“We want to change the customer mindset from a location of fuel with food products to a food and beverage destination with fuel products,” said Scott Blank with Bi-State Oil Co. (Cape Girardeau, MO).

Beyond products, retailers also are putting an emphasis on store operations. “I expect our growth to come from our efforts to improve our customers’ experience through brighter lighting, a clean bright store and friendly service,” said Mark Speaks with Git ‘n Run Mobil (Gilbert, AZ). In Bigfork, MT, Ferndale Market is focusing more on local customers rather than tourists, with an emphasis on sandwiches and fresh fruits and vegetables.

“Planning is the key. We expanded our fueling locations to help drive traffic inside the store to our new healthier choices in our foodservice area like fresh fruit smoothies and salads on demand. Couple that with strong consumer confidence and we expect to have a great second quarter!” said Dennis McCartney with Landhope Farms (Kennett Square, PA).

The quarterly NACS Retailer Sentiment Survey tracks retailer sentiment related to their businesses, the industry and the economy as a whole. A total of 79 member companies, representing a cumulative 3,281 stores, participated in the March 2017 survey.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Contact:

(703) 684-3600 (phone)
(703) 836-4564 (fax)

Source: NACS

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NACS: convenience stores contributed nearly $1 billion to charities over the past year

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2016-Oct-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Convenience stores contributed or collected nearly $1 billion to charities over the past year, according to a national survey of retailers released today by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

More than 97% of convenience store companies responding to the survey say they donate to charities. The median charitable contribution per store is $4,100 in direct contributions and $2,500 in donations collected. This means that, as an industry, the 154,195 convenience stores in the United States contribute or collect approximately $990 million a year to benefit charities.

Nearly two-thirds of all convenience retailers (64%) say they support five or more charities in their communities. And more than four in five (83%) companies say they’ve have been engaged in community giving for more than a decade.

Nearly nine in 10 (88%) donate to local charities such as church groups, shelters, health-related organizations and other non-sports groups. More than three in four (76%) contribute to youth sports and activities and more than two-thirds (69%) contribute to local schools via the PTAs and other fundraising activities.

Four in five convenience store companies (80%) say they’ve made donations when there was a specific emergency or crisis in the community. “We are the stores that people turn to in crisis,” said Steve Williams with Bobby & Steve’s Auto World (Minneapolis, MN).

More than nine in 10 Americans (91%) say that they live within 10 minutes of a convenience store, according to a national consumer survey conducted by NACS. In rural areas, convenience stores are often the only place in town to buy grocery items, fuel or other products or services. More than 8 in 10 rural Americans (81%) say that a convenience store is within 10 minutes of their home, according to the same survey.

“We are truly your neighborhood store—not just a stop and go for gas and snacks,” said Jessica Murphy with Humboldt Petroleum (Eureka, CA).

More than three in five (62%) retailers say make local product/food donations for charity events and 53% provide product to shelters to support those in need.

Convenience retailers stressed the importance of local contributions that help the immediate community they serve. Landhope Farms (Kennett Square, PA) donates a portion of sales from its food program during certain months to support a local charity. “This makes our customers and associates feel good because everyone knows the money is going to a great local cause that helps people in our immediate area,” said the company’s Director of Operations Dennis McCartney.

Retailers also noted that their convenient locations in the community also make them convenient locations for groups to hold events: 60% allow their property to be used by local groups for fundraising events.

They also say that they receive donation requests on a regular basis and tend to select those that are most appropriate for the community. Overall, 60% examine requests on a case-by-case basis while 8% develop a set amount that they contribute to causes annually.

“Our industry must choose wisely,” noted Bob Honkala from Bud’s Citgo (Somonauk, IL), which donates to a broad array of charities. “Choose what fits your company best,” added Jay Ricker with Ricker’s (Anderson, IN), which contributes to a number of local and national causes.

A total of 115 member companies, representing a cumulative 1,728 stores, participated in the September 2016 survey of convenience retailers. The national consumer survey was conducted in September 2015 by Penn Schoen Berland in which 1,111 U.S. adults were surveyed.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

SOURCE:  NACS

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Convenience stores sales surged over the first half of 2016 according to NACS survey

ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2016-Jul-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Convenience stores sales surged over the first half of the year as lower gas prices fueled more driving and Americans embraced the continued addition of fresh and healthy food options, according to a survey of convenience retailers released today by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

More than two in three convenience retailers (70%) say that in-store sales in the first half of 2016 were higher than the same period last year. A majority (54%) also say that fuel sales were higher compared to the first half of 2015. Only 8% of retailers say that in-store sales were lower in the first half of 2016 compared to a year ago.

Retailers continue to add fresh items to their product mix: 43% say that they have added more fresh fruit or vegetables this year; 39% have added more packaged salads; and 30% have added more cut fruits and vegetables. Overall, 85% of retailers say they sell fresh fruit or vegetables, an 8-point increase over last year.

Retailers also are selling more prepared foods and see food service as a growth opportunity: 64% say that they are confident in their ability to compete with quick-service restaurants for customers.

Golden Pantry Food Stores (Watkinsville, GA) and Flash’s C-Store (Sheridan, WY) are among the many companies that say they are adding more prepared foods and fresh fruit and salads. Meanwhile, SpartanNash (Grand Rapids, MI), which operates Quick Stop convenience stores, is expanding its nuts and seeds, jerky and protein bar selections. Overall, 94% of retailers surveyed say they sell health bars and 92% sell nuts and trail mix.

“It’s not a matter of ‘if’ we are going to evolve; it’s a requirement,” said Dennis McCartney with Landhope Farms Corp. (Kennett Square, PA), which is investing in new foodservice equipment to add new items to its menu.

Meanwhile, bottled water sales continue to grow at convenience stores. Nearly half of all retailers (48%) say they have expanded their bottled water offerings and even more (59%) say they increased their nutraceuticals and enhanced water selections. Convenience stores sell an estimated 50% of all single-serve bottled water purchases in the United States.

As a result of strong sales and continued success selling new items, more than two in three convenience retailers (68%) say they are optimistic about their own business prospects and 63% are optimistic about the industry’s prospects. Sales this summer are expected to be strong because of “dry, hot weather and tourist traffic,” noted Rich Spresser with Pester Marketing (Denver, CO).

However, there are areas of concern. Retailer optimism over their own business prospects, while still strong, has dropped 20 points from the 83% who said they were optimistic a year ago.

The drop in optimism is led by bigger concerns about the economy. A minority of retailers (47%) now say they are optimistic about the overall U.S. economy, down from 61% a year ago. Retailers say they are apprehensive about regulations, especially those targeting wages, which could lead to higher direct store operating expenses.

Why the downward trend in overall optimism? The most common reason is summed up by Robin Gabriel with Shell Food Mart (Hinsdale, IL): “The election” and the overall negative political climate.

The quarterly NACS Retailer Sentiment Survey tracks retailer sentiment related to their businesses, the industry and the economy as a whole. A total of 110 member companies, representing a cumulative 1,905 stores, participated in the June 2016 survey.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Contact:
(703) 684-3600 (phone)
(703) 836-4564 (fax)

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Convenience stores sales surged over the first half of 2016 according to NACS survey Convenience stores sales surged over the first half of 2016 according to NACS survey

Source: NACS

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Record 2015 in-store sales for convenience stores in U.S. – NACS State of the Industry Summit

CHICAGO, 2016-Apr-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — U.S. convenience stores experienced record in-store sales in 2015, led by strong growth in foodservice products. These industry’s overall metrics for 2015 were released today at the NACS State of the Industry Summit, taking place April 11–13 in Chicago.

Convenience stores sell 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and a continued period of low gasoline prices caused the overall sales in the convenience and fuel retailing industry to decrease significantly, dropping 17.4%. However, low gas prices and a recovering economy benefited retailers by driving more consumers inside the store. This resulted in total sales inside of the store reaching a record $225.8 billion in 2015.

​Industry Snapshot ​2014 ​2015 ​% Change
​U.S. Store Count ​152,794 ​154,195 ​0.9%
​Inside Sales ​$213.5B ​$225.8B ​5.8%
​Fuel Sales ​$482.6B ​$349.0B ​(27.7)%
​Total Sales ​$696.1B ​$574.8B ​(17.4)%
​Pretax Profit ​$10.4B ​$10.6B ​1.6%

 (Sources: Nielsen/TDLinx; NACS)

Overall, 69.2% of total industry sales were motor fuels, but motor fuels only accounted for 39.5% of profit dollars. Motor fuels continued to drive sales dollars, but in-store sales drove profitability.

Foodservice, a broad category that includes prepared and commissary foods, hot dispensed beverages (coffee) and cold and frozen dispensed drinks, continues to be a key focus for growth in the convenience store channel, contributing 20.8% of in-store sales in 2015 and accounting for 33.7% of gross profit dollars.

Convenience store pretax profits increased in 2015 to $10.6 billion, despite a slight decrease in the average gas margin, which was 21.6 cents per gallon before expenses.

Top 10 In-Store Categories
The top 10 in-store categories ranked by sales dollars represent about 80% of all in-store sales. In 2015, nine out of 10 top in-store categories had positive sales and all 10 had positive gross profit dollar growth. Factors such as low fuel prices and more discretionary income in consumers’ wallets drove shoppers inside convenience stores with more money in their pockets to spend.

Snacking categories, including alternative snacks, salty snacks, candy and packaged sweet snacks, all had strong growth as some consumers, especially millennials, moved toward snacking and away from traditional meals. This is highlighted by the fact that for the first time, alternative snacks, a category driven by protein- and energy-rich items, has landed in the top 10.

Here’s how in-store sales were broken down in 2015:

  • Tobacco (cigarettes and OTP): 35.9% of in-store sales
  • Foodservice (prepared and commissary food; hot, cold and dispensed beverages): 20.8%
  • Packaged beverages (carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, juices, water and teas): 15.1%
  • Center of the store (candy; sweet, salty and alternative snacks): 10.7%
  • Beer: 7.2%
  • Other: 10.3%

Foodservice accounted for 33.7% of gross profit dollars in 2015. Packaged beverages were second, accounting for 18.8% of gross profit dollars. While tobacco products constituted 35.9% of in-store sales dollars, they accounted for only 16.8% of gross profit dollars.

Despite record in-store sales, direct store operating expenses (DSOE) outpaced inside gross profit dollars in 2015. If DSOE remains high throughout 2016 and beyond, this trend will create challenges for convenience retailers as they look to grow their businesses.

Beyond sales, convenience stores remain an important part of the economy. The convenience and fuel retailing industry employed 2.5 million people in 2015 (a 2.9% increase from 2014). If total industry sales were compared to the GDP of other nations, our $574.8 billion industry would rank at number 21, just above Switzerland.

The industry’s 2015 metrics are based on the NACS State of the Industry survey powered by its wholly owned subsidiary CSX, the industry’s largest online database of financial and operating data. Complete data and analysis will be released in June in the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2015 Data.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, posted $696 billion in total sales in 2014, of which $483 billion were motor fuels sales. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

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NACS: Convenience stores poised to capitalize on the growing trend of consumers seeking healthy products according to new Hudson Institute report

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2015-10-9 — /EPR Retail News/ — Convenience stores are poised to capitalize on the growing trend of consumers seeking healthy, more convenient products, according to a new Hudson Institute report.

“Consumers’ desire for convenience is a growing trend and a notable convenience store opportunity,” according to “Health & Wellness Trends and Strategies for the Convenience Store Sector” a report commissioned by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

To grow sales, the 152,794 convenience store operators in the United States should look beyond simply meeting the needs of their traditional customers and embrace the growing customer segment that is demanding more and more better-for-you items that can be conveniently purchased, according to the report, authored by Hank Cardello, senior Fellow and director of the Hudson Institute’s Obesity Solutions Initiative, and Steve French, managing partner and co-owner of the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI).

Overall sales at convenience stores, including motor fuels, were $698 billion in 2014, roughly equal to sales at restaurants ($709 billion), and more than those at supermarkets ($638 billion).

Convenience store shoppers are consuming more healthy food items, such as vegetables, fruits and healthy snacks compared to a year ago, and 75% of convenience store customers say they are eating healthier than they used to, according to the Hudson Institute report.

In addition, the number of convenience store shoppers interested in healthy foods that can be eaten “on-the-go” has increased from 59% to 66% in the past seven years, and healthier snacking has become the norm.

Convenience retailers should place a focus on two primary consumer segments to grow sales: continuing to serve their traditional core consumer segment of “Eat, Drink & Be Merrys” and the growing segment characterized as “Fence Sitters,” who represent 38% of convenience store shoppers and typically spend more, yet are often unsure where they can find convenient, better-for-you options. Overall, 34% of Fence Sitters say that there is “no convenient locations nearby” to purchase healthy foods and 41% say “it is not convenient or easy to find” better-for-you products.

In particular, easy-to-access prepared foods present an opportunity for convenience stores with foodservice operations to capitalize on this customer’s desire to eat healthier more often. Foodservice sales are 19% of the industry’s $213.5 billion in in-store sales.

“Convenience stores have an opportunity to bridge this gap and own convenient foodservice—especially breakfast—when nutrition is considered most important and Fence Sitters are currently eating healthier options during this meal occasion in particular,” according to the report.

There also is considerable opportunity to grow sales through education—both by communicating the availability of better-for-you products and by highlighting how better-for-you “tastes great and is quick to prepare or can be eaten on the go.”

“By focusing on products and messaging that meet the need for healthier products—on-the-go, breakfast and kid-targeted convenience—convenience stores can drive significant, new growth in this emerging category,” the report concluded.

The insights in the report were based on the proprietary Health & Wellness Trends Database managed by the NMI, which has analyzed and compiled more than 80,000 consumer surveys since 2001.

The 10-page report is available for download.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,700 stores across the country, posted $696.1 billion in total sales in 2014, of which $482.6 billion were motor fuels sales. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,600 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

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7‑Eleven, Inc. to acquire Tedeschi Food Shops, Inc.’s 182 convenience stores in greater Boston area and in New Hampshire

BOSTON, 2015-5-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — 7‑Eleven, Inc. announced today that it has agreed to acquire Tedeschi Food Shops, Inc.’s approximately 182 convenience stores in the greater Boston, Massachusetts area and in New Hampshire.  The transaction is anticipated to close in mid 2015, subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Tedeschi is a respected brand and this acquisition fits in perfectly with 7‑Eleven’s growth strategy,” said Stan Reynolds, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of 7‑Eleven, Inc. “This move was made possible by 7‑Eleven reinvesting the return from previous successful acquisitions to continue the company’s growth as the world’s largest convenience retailer.  These high-volume, high-performing locations complement our existing real estate portfolio in the Boston, Massachusetts and New Hampshire area.”

7‑Eleven expects to extend job offers to most Tedeschi Food Shops employees who are affected by this acquisition upon successful completion of their pre-employment screening process and continued satisfactory performance.  Currently, 7‑Eleven, Inc. operates and franchises 164 stores in the greater Boston area and New Hampshire.

About 7‑Eleven, Inc.
7‑Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7‑Eleven operates, franchises or licenses nearly 10,500 7‑Eleven® stores in North America.  Globally, there are more than 55,400 7‑Eleven stores in 16 countries.  During 2013, 7‑Eleven stores generated total worldwide sales close to $84.5 billion.  7‑Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently.  Accolades include: #2 on Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies for 2013, #1 on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2014 Top Global Franchise list, #10 spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 2015 and #3 in Forbes magazine’s Top 20 Franchises to Start.  7‑Eleven is # 3 on Fast Companymagazine’s 2013 list of the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Retail.” 7‑Eleven places among Top Veteran-Friendly Companies for 2014 by U.S. Veterans Magazine and is among GI Jobs magazine’s Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2014. Hispanic Magazine named 8-Eleven among its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7‑Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program.  Find out more online at www.7‑Eleven.com.

Contact: 
Stephanie Shaw
7‑Eleven, Inc.
972-828-5837
Stephanie.Shaw@7-11.com

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National Association of Convenience Stores survey: 6 in 10 American consumers say that convenience stores are offering healthier, nutritious products and serving sizes

ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2015-4-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Over one in three Americans (34%) say that they have purchased more snacks that are considered “healthy choices” over the past year, and they are increasingly turning to convenience stores for these healthy purchases, according to survey results released today by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

More than six in 10 American consumers (61%) say that convenience stores are offering healthier, nutritious products and serving sizes. This was the third consecutive year that a majority of Americans say that convenience stores are providing more better-for-you items.

Sales reflect growing consumer choice for food items in convenience stores. Nearly six in 10 consumers (59%) and seven in 10 of those age 18-34 (70%) say that convenience stores offer food that they feel comfortable eating. Foodservice sales at convenience stores increased 9.7% in 2014, according to NACS data.

In particular, consumers are purchasing more fresh and nutritious food in convenience stores. Overall, 44% of Americans say that convenience stores offer nutritious items, which is a strong increase from the 30% who felt that way in 2013. In addition, 43% say that convenience stores are a place to get fresh food items. Convenience stores sales of fresh fruits and vegetables (whole commodities like apples, bananas and oranges as well as fresh-cut/value-added produce like prepared salads, fruit cups and other packaged produce) increased 10.3% to $362 million in 2014, according to Nielsen data.

“Convenience stores are increasingly becoming food markets for time-starved consumers seeking snacks, meals and grocery items that are both fast and healthy,” said NACS Chairman Steve Loehr, vice president of operations at LaCrosse, WI-based convenience store chain Kwik Trip.

The NACS survey was conducted by Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates LLC; 1,103 consumers were surveyed April 7-9, 2015.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 151,000 stores across the country, posted $696 billion in total sales in 2013, of which $491 billion were motor fuels sales. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,600 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

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Wincor Nixdorf and Wayne Fueling Systems to showcase hardware and software solutions for fuel and convenience stores at 2014 NACS Show in Las Vegas, October 7-10

Wincor Nixdorf to Feature Products at NACS Show October 7-10, 2014 in Las Vegas

Paderborn, Germany, 2014-10-8— /EPR Retail News/ — Wincor Nixdorf, a global leader in advanced and innovative retail technologies, announced in June 2014 it will form a global alliance with Wayne Fueling Systems and will showcase hardware and software solutions for fuel and convenience stores at the 2014 National Association of Convenience Stores Show in Las Vegas October 7-10.

“Wincor Nixdorf is proud to be launching our global portfolio of fuel and convenience automation solutions. The alliance with Wayne Fueling Systems brings the full value of Wincor Nixdorf to the fuel market said Javier López-Bartolomé, Senior Vice President, Region Americas, and Wincor Nixdorf USA President and CEO. “We are excited about our relationship with Wayne Fueling Systems and about demonstrating our integrated product suite for fuel and convenience stores at Wayne’s booth at NACS.”

Convenience stores and other small retailers selling fuel today face numerous challenges, including globalization, increasing competition, new technologies and channels, rising personnel costs, and decreased brand loyalty among customers. These challenges require comprehensive, innovative solutions using ideas that expand on the traditional markets and make use of new potential. Wincor Nixdorf Service Stations International’s products offer companies unique opportunities to strengthen their customer relations, achieve value growth, and increase return on investment, while simultaneously reducing the total cost of ownership. The company’s fully integrated portfolio of products and services rapidly adapt to current market requirements and react dynamically to future challenges.
In Las Vegas, Wincor Nixdorf will demonstrate its point-of-sale (POS) application with cash management, mobile POS, back-office and head-office solutions, which is integrated in Wayne’s environment.

“Together, these two global leaders offer a comprehensive, fully integrated solution for convenience stores and services stations around the world, enhance customer experiences and bring more flexibility to the fueling industry by offering broader access to payment and loyalty systems,” explains Horst von Wels, Vice President and Head of Service Station International at Wincor Nixdorf. “Retail fuel station operators benefit from faster end-to-end implementation of new functions, more innovative enhancements to existing solutions, and highly efficient project rollouts. Equally important, they also benefit from a long-term secure investment in global platforms based on flexible technology that is designed to provide one base for a multitude of different business processes and retail store networks. ”

Together, Wincor Nixdorf and Wayne offer complete hardware (Wincor Nixdorf BEETLE™ POS terminal), software (Wincor Nixdorf NAMOS™ i-SERVICE STATION), and on-going service capabilities. They cover point-of-sale, back-office and head-office software, cash management (Cineo C1010 and C6010), and mobile point-of-sale. The solutions will be fully integrated in the Wayne environment, including the Wayne Fusion™ forecourt system and fuel dispensers, and will show the great capability of valuable functionality across a full range of retail fuel systems to benefit global, regional, national oil companies, branded wholesalers, high-volume retailers, fleet operations, and independent fuel station retailers.

The (National Association of Convenience Stores) Show 2014 will take place from October 7 – 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wincor Nixdorf and Wayne Fueling Systems will be demonstrating in booth #6621.

For information on the NACS show, visit http://www.nacsonline.com/nacsshow/Pages/default.aspx.

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