Loyalty Marketing

It’s been a busy spring for the Ontario Convenience Stores Association, as it works on files ranging from Free Our Beer and contraband tobacco to the Ontario budget and the plastic bag ban in Toronto...

Consumers are often looking for something quick to tide them over between meals, and the c-store is often the go-to destination to fill this need. Retailers can build on the excitement around bestselling snacks like potato chips, tortilla chips and nuts by also stocking innovation that captures emerging trends.

To call the Alcona Esso in Innisfil, Ont. just a gas station or convenience store would be inaccurate. But you also can’t refer to it simply as a lube shop, car wash or drive-thru coffee and doughnut shop, either. Alcona Esso features all of these services, but it’s much more.

In every issue of YCM/Octane we share stories from convenience, gas and wash retailers who are using social media to build a community of loyal customers. Pictured above is Scott Knack, owner of Alcona Esso in Innisfil, Ont. Over the last couple of years, Scott and his team have built up a Facebook following of more than 1,400 people. Check out their social media story "Making Friends" in the January issue of YCM/Octane. It's full of innovative ideas and tips to help you learn from their success.

Do you want to sell beer and wine in your c-store?

March 1, 2013, Aurora, Ontario -   Pioneer Energy LP, based in Burlington, Ontario, has renewed one of the most successful petroleum loyalty card programs in Canada - Pioneer Bonus Bucks - continuing their profitable relationship with LoyalMark Division of KESM Transaction Solutions Inc.

Consumer promotions from major suppliers give retailers the opportunity to focus on their customers, providing them with the exciting in-store environment they can’t wait to shop...

In the small community of Sioux Narrows, Ont., word travels fast. That’s why Anthony Gill, owner of Gill’s Trading Post, uses point-of-sale materials to ensure his customers notice new products and promotional deals available in his store...