ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
July 2021
July 27
Food waste reduction company Too Good To Go launches in Canada
Toronto is the first Canadian market for the five-year-old company, which works with partners to sell surplus food at a discount
July 27
Mercedes sketches out all electric scenario by decade's end
The shift to electric vehicles "is picking up speed - especially in the luxury segment."
July 27
Nestlé and Starbucks to bring RTD coffee beverages to new markets
Global partnership expands to Southeast Asia, Oceania and Latin America.
July 27
Moose Country Petro-Canada lures customers will an array of extras
In addition to car wash, gas and convenience, newly rebranded site offers hand-tied fishing flies done by a local fisherman.
July 27
Tobacco CEO sees end to cigarettes in Britain in 10 years
Philip Morris has said that its future will not include Marlboro cigarettes as it shifts to electronic devices.
July 26
Join us to celebrate this year's Star Women in Convenience winners!
Gather in-person or virtually on September 29, 2021: Tickets are limited!
July 26
Duchess’ new flagship store delivers the royal treatment
U.S.-based c-store operator elevates the in-store experience.
July 26
Tech evangelist Marc Saltzman to host The All New Convenience U CARWACS Show Conference
The technology expert, TV and radio/podcast host, and author will provide valuable insights to help convenience, gas and car wash operators navigate changes and future-proof their businesses.
July 26
Circle K expands partnership with lottery app in six U.S. states
C-store giant brings the Jackpocket app to more than 1,300 stores.
July 16
Alimentation Couche Tard shares up after analyst upgrades following investor day
Analysts welcomed the retailer's approach to fresh food, EV, technology and growth.
July 15
Canada's zero emission vehicle goals parked for now
Plans have stalled until the United States sets its course.
July 15
LCBO Convenience Outlets dealing with new $250 delivery fee
Weekly, it could add $13,000 to operators' expenses.
July 15
Olivier Lemire promoted president of Keurig Dr Pepper Canada
Lemire steps into the role in October.
July 14
CICC's National Convenience Week initiative to raise funds and spirits
Celebration will honour industry heroes and support Make-A-Wish Canada.
July 14
What does the nicotine cap on e-cigarettes mean for c-stores?
Retailers will have to pull products that exceed the limit after July 23.
July 14
7-Eleven expands mobile checkout to more than 3,000 U.S. stores
Plan is to offer frictionless shopping at all U.S. stores by the end of 2022.
July 13
Registration is now open for the 2021 Star Women in Convenience Awards Event
Join us in-person or virtually September 29, 2021, as the industry comes together to honour the 2021 winners.
July 13
7-Eleven Canada's Norm Hower to deliver keynote at The All New Convenience U CARWACS Show
Talk will zero in on at how the international convenience store giant is reinventing the c-store experience by turning stores into multi-faceted testing grounds and what the company is learning about the future of convenience.
July 12
MTY Food Group reports $23M Q2 profit, restarts paying quarterly dividend
Some of its brands, including Country Style and Mr. Sub express concepts, are franchised and co-located with convenience and gas bars across the country.
July 12
Saskatchewan premier says Ottawa has rejected province's carbon pricing plan
Liberal government has adopted legislation that commits Canada to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
July 12
Toronto's financial district, PATH brace for longer recovery as businesses reopen
Underground retail hub is home to several convenience operators.
July 12
The NorthWest Company debuts new wellness retail concept
Inuulisautinut Niuvirvik store is located in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
July 12
Stellantis: 98% of models to be electric or hybrid by 2025
The models include a fully electric Ram pickup in 2024 and a hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee later this year, as well as small cars and an electric Dodge muscle car.
July 09
Supply disruptions may continue to plague operators and suppliers throughout 2021: NACS
Beverages were a particular challenge for U.S. operators, according to surveys.
July 09
OCSA calls on operators to raise funds during Ontario Convenience Store Week
Provincial initiative supports Children’s Foundation Hospitals in Ontario.
July 08
Teachable moments: Ryerson’s Janice Rudkowski on category management and the evolution of convenience
"It’s an interesting opportunity to rethink what convenience is. Every channel in retail right now is rethinking their identity because shopping behaviours are changing so quickly."
July 06
Parkland strengthens Quebec retail network with acquisition of Pétroles Crevier Inc.
Deal includes 174 retail locations and wholesale business.
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Rose Donatelli
National account manager, Lactalis Canada
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Anna Mazza
Specialist, wholesale distribution, Suncor Energy Inc. (Petro-Canada)
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Valery Zamuner
General counsel, SVP legal affairs and corporate secretary, Alimentation Couche-Tard
July 05
2021 Star Women in Convenience winner: Chrystal Adkins
Key account manager and water category lead, Nestle Canada
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Manon Francoeur
Procurement manager, Proximity Banners, Metro Inc.
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Diana Masri
Business area manager, Imperial Tobacco Canada
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Jennifer Stewart
President and CEO, Canadian Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (CIPMA)
July 05
Gas prices climb across the country, with analysts expecting more rises down the road
Average prices in Canada up 30 cents since the beginning of the year.
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Nikoletta Charamis
National key account manager, Sobeys Wholesale
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Chantal Jalette
Operations manager, Les Entreprises Sylvain Turgeon (Petro-Canada)
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Cherrie Palo
GDP & health and safety compliance manager, Wallace & Carey Inc.
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Rebecca Winter
Director of sales and customer service, Payment Source
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Véronique Dubois
Management consultant, convenience and gas, Sobeys Capital Inc.
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Tiina McCombie
National petroleum director, National Energy Equipment, Inc. (NEE)
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Jody Rubino
Regional retail & marketing manager, W. O. Stinson & Son Ltd.
July 05
Who are the 2021 Star Women in Convenience?
A full list of winners, plus links to individual profiles.
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Laura Gray
Marketing director, PepsiCo Beverages Canada
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Cindy Tal
Regional operations manager, Parkland Corporation
July 05
Website now features French and Korean languages for your reading pleasure
Click on the globe icon in the top right corner of the home page and make your selection.
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Karen Demetriou
Senior business development leader, Conagra Brands
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Melissa Kwok
Manager, Canadian marketing channel execution, Parkland Corporation
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Mélanie Racine
Director, human resources, Groupe F. Dufresne
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Alissa Woo
National campaign manager, marketing—Canada, Alimentation Couche-Tard
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Rebecca Fitzpatrick
Key accounts representative, Vomar Industries Inc./Tank Traders
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Judi Saliba
Senior sales executive, TFI Food Equipment Solutions
July 05
Oil is rebounding, but rural municipalities are waiting on their bills
Several Saskatchewan communications are out money because oil and gas companies working within their borders declared bankruptcy in recent years.
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Courtney Brodersen
Ontario regional sales manager, JTI-Macdonald Corp.
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Leena Halim
Program & marketing manager, SRP Companies Canada
July 05
2021 Star Woman in Convenience winner: Cynthia Moscato
Senior marketing manager, Quebec West Division, Couche-Tard
July 05
Goodbye to masks?
Vaccinations are picking up speed, but retailers are still looking to public health officials for guidance on COVID safety protocols
July 02
Consumers are sipping their snacks: Report
Beverages are increasingly being used as a source of nutrition and even as substitutes for food.
June 2021
June 30
Rabba Fine Foods champions Rabba Roots Community Program
Company donates baby food products to The Compass, a Mississauga, Ont.-based charitable organization.
June 30
Introducing the 2021 Star Women in Convenience!
30 women, 30 stories of inspiration, passion and success
June 30
Alimentation Couche-Tard sees gradual return to normalcy amid reopening
The company is looking at adjacent sectors such as dollar stores, travel retail, grocery and quick service retail, said CFO Claude Tessier.
June 30
Couche-Tard announces results for Q4 and Fiscal 2021
"We did more than maintain the status quo... our company culture and balance sheets are stronger than ever before."
June 29
Ontario enters Step 2 of reopening on June 30
Here's what that means for convenience and gas operators
June 29
Liberals say by 2035 all new cars, light duty trucks sold in Canada will be electric
Until now the government had set 2040 as the target.
June 29
Highlights from The Sweets & Snacks Expo live event
Back to business as these 4 trends take centre stage.
June 28
'We're bullish but we're realists too:' Empire prepares for more stable grocery sales
Through wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc., the company operates fuel and c-stores.
June 25
Nestlé Canada updates recalls of Drumstick ice cream cones over allergen concerns
Canadian Food Inspection Agency continues to investigate
June 24
Product of the Year Canada accepting entries for 2022
Time is running out to enter Product of the Year Canada and take advantage of the early bird offer. Deadline: June 30, 2021.
June 23
Couche-Tard hires new ad agency
Taxi is the AOR for the Circle K and Couche-Tard banners in Canada.
June 22
Parkland to roll out electric vehicle charging ports across B.C.
Up to 100 EV ultra-fast charging ports across 25 sites will be branded On the Run to connect with the company's convenience store brand.
June 21
Imperial Oil and Loblaw expand PC Optimum loyalty program
Points will be redeemable on gas, car washes at Esso stations.
June 21
Health Canada proposes ban on most vaping flavours it says appeal to youth
Plus, nicotine cap will take effect for e-cigarette manufacturers on July 8, and retailers will have to pull products that exceed the limit after July 23.
June 21
Foodservice providers grapple with rising food costs, menu prices expected to rise
High shipping rates, delays and increases in grain costs have sent food prices soaring for restaurants and, in turn, c-stores offering foodservice.
June 21
GM, Ford outdo each other with electric vehicle investments
Automakers are competing for what's expected to be a $5 trillion market during the next decade.
June 21
N.L.'s $505 million aid for oilfield a sign of strength, not a precedent: Minister
Terra Nova reached an agreement in principle that will see it continue, at least until the fall, rather than shut it down entirely.
June 18
Claire Bara promoted to president of A. Lassonde
Claire Bara has been appointed president of Lassonde's Canadian subsidiary A. Lassonde Inc.
June 18
Sales of frozen foods heat up during the pandemic: Report
Brands will need to figure out how to make their products stand out, which is especially important for new entries to the category.
June 16
Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Digital Mosaic partner to unlock subscription car wash sales at the pump
"We believe this technology is the future of car wash," says Chris Whitle of Gilbarco Veeder-Root North America.
June 16
Consumer insights and more at Path-to-Purchase Live this November
Find out how brands are partnering with retailers to monetize rapidly-changing consumer behaviours.
June 16
CICC members step up to volunteer at Peel Hockey Hub vaccination clinic
“Helping bench COVID-19 is why we answered the call and our frontline workers stepped up to participate today," Steve Pitts, Circle K VP of operations-central Canada. "We will continue to do our part to fight the pandemic all day, every day.”
June 14
Alberta is gambling its future on carbon capture
On the same day Keystone XL was officially axed, Alberta's oil and gas industry made two massive bets designed to extend the life of the oilsands indefinitely.
June 14
Guru Organic Energy and PepsiCo Beverages Canada sign distribution agreement
Effective October 4, 2021, PepsiCo Beverages Canada will sell, distribute, and merchandise Guru's organic, plant-based and better-for-you energy drinks to convenience customers nationwide.
June 14
Field Agent study reveals where Canadians pay the most (and least) for milk
Prices vary widely by region and retailer.
June 14
Walmart getting rid of cashiers at B.C. store as part of test
Walmart is replacing cashiers at its Terrace store in northwest B.C., with self-serve checkouts this summer, making it a test project along with a select number of other outlets in Canada.
In an emailed statement to
June 14
7-Eleven Canada launches 7Now delivery app
Canadians will be able to get 24/7 around the clock pick-up and delivery within 30 minutes.
June 14
Trend Talk: Sustainability in the convenience sector
CSNC editor and associate publisher Michelle Warren joins Retail Leader's Amy Baxter on the Trend Talk podcast to discuss sustainability in the convenience sector.
June 10
Keystone XL pipeline project cancelled by TC Energy after over a decade of delays
Another Canadian
Construction on the pipeline was suspended earlier this year after newly elected U.S. President Joe Biden fulfilled a campaign promise to cancel its presidential permit in January.
June 10
Dollarama sales climb despite restrictions amid ongoing demand for discount products
The Ontario government's stay-at-home order issued in April banned the in-person sale of non-essential goods, limiting purchases in brick-and-mortar stores to groceries, cleaning supplies and other essentials.
June 10
2021 Star Women in Convenience Winners will be announced June 30
Here's how you can be among the first to know.
June 10
N.S.-based Hanhams Gas and Convenience expands into wholesale
For Half Island Cove residents, it's a welcome addition and proprietor Dave Hanhams has been pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction.
June 08
OLG launches Instant Top Up with a commission incentive
Double the commission promo runs until the end of the month.
June 08
Ontario begins reopening its economy on Friday. Here's what you need to know
Essential retail can open at 25% capacity and more highlights.
June 08
Embracing the fourth daypart: Snacking
As consumer routines have changed, the dayparts are not as defined as before the pandemic.
June 08
Nova Scotia gas prices to rise due to COVID-19 markup, energy regulatory says
The temporary markup comes on top of a permanent increase in the retail margin on gas prices approved earlier this year.
June 08
CICC supports Peel Hockey Hub, but says more needs to be done to vaccinate essential retail workers
“Our industry is on the frontline and we want to ensure that we play a critical role in reaching the goal line in the battle to defeat COVID-19."
June 08
McCain Foods aims to have fully sustainable agricultural practices by 2030
McCain Foods Ltd. has set a target to source its potatoes from farms using sustainable agriculture by the end of the decade.
June 08
Does Canada need another pipeline, feds ask days after Biden cancels Keystone XL
Canada's Natural Resources Minister: "I don't know.''
June 07
Let's not sugar coat the sugar tax
Newfoundland and Labrador introduce a new tax of 20 cents per litre on sugary drinks, starting April 2022.
June 07
Building a winning operator-distributor relationship
Distribution partners play a crucial role in the success of c-stores. Leaders share insights for making the most of this important relationship.
June 07
Kum & Go introduce mobile ordering
U.S.-based convenience operator's app update allows for pick up at the pumps or curbside.
June 03
ONroute partners with InComm Payments
Prepaid and gift card selection to be offered in convenience stores at 23 travel plazas.
June 01
Sheetz stakes claim as first c-store chain to accept bitcoin
U.S.-based family business operations more than 600 convenience, cafe and fuel locations.
June 01
7-Eleven to install 500 electric vehicle charging ports by end of 2022
Initiative includes 250 locations in Canada and the U.S.