Convenience Stores

Retailers, including c-stores and gas stations, are increasingly turning to apps to drive engagement with customers and promote frictionless experiences in store.

2020 has been an extraordinary year for the convenience industry, which stepped up as an essential service to provide Canadians with the goods and services needed during the pandemic.

Quebec intends to ban the sale of flavoured vaping cartridges and limit nicotine content in an effort to stem an increase in youth vaping in the province.A recent report from the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control found that a third (32%) of high school students consume tobacco products or its by-products“With the growing popularity of vaporization products, especially among young people, it becomes imperative to act to prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine because of these products,” Health Minister Christian Dubé said December 9, 2020 in a statement.According the Montreal Gazette, "in 2015, Quebec banned the sale of flavoured tobacco products and saw a reduction in the number of high-schoolers smoking such products within 30 days.

The Convenience Industry Council of Canada says the border closure between Quebec and New Brunswick may have helped choke off the illegal tobacco trade in Atlantic Canada.

Rabba Kitchen by Paramount will feature the best of both brands, says Rabba Fine Foods president Rick Rabba Rabba Fine Foods and Middle Eastern restaurant chain Paramount Fine Foods are creating a bespoke prepared food offering for the grocery chain’s newest store in Toronto’s Regent Park neighbourhood, set to open next year.

A new study is highlighting the extent of the illegal cigarette market in Canada and the cost to provincial treasuries in foregone tax revenue.

Ontario will allow restaurants to permanently sell alcohol with food takeout and delivery as it makes changes to support the industry through the pandemic.The province announced the change Wednesday night along with other relief measures.Attorney General Doug Downey says the changes are meant to support the sector that has struggled with shutdowns and regulatory changes during COVID-19.Other permanent changes include nixing a licensing requirement for third-party delivery services and reducing the price of spirits consumed on-site.Licensed operators may also serve alcohol on docked boats under the new rules, and alcoholic drinks can be included in delivered food boxes and meal kits.The province will also allow alcohol manufacturers to deliver their own products and to sell spirits and wine at farmers markets.No word, yet, on when beer and wine will also be available in convenience stores.

Retail shrinkage, due to employee theft, shoplifting and errors, is an ongoing issue for c-store operators.