New year, new look for Convenience Store News Canada | OCTANE
We have some news exciting to share. Convenience Store News Canada and OCTANE are entering a new chapter—one that reflects how Canada’s convenience, fuel and car wash sectors now operate in the real world.
Starting with the January/February 2026 issue, Convenience Store News Canada | OCTANE will launch as a fully integrated magazine, bringing together convenience retail, forecourts and car wash coverage into one cohesive publication. The move replaces the long-running flipbook format, which presented CSNC on one side and OCTANE on the other.
The change mirrors a broader shift across the industry itself.
“In today’s market, the traditional separation between convenience stores, forecourts and car wash operations has largely disappeared,” says group publisher Sandra Parente, senior vice-president, EnsembleIQ, Convenience Store News - North America. “Operators increasingly view these components as one integrated ecosystem—designed to drive traffic, boost revenue and build loyalty. Our magazine is evolving in the same way.”
Several forces are accelerating that convergence. Consumers increasingly expect a seamless, one-stop experience. Fuel continues to act as the engine that drives visits. Car washes are evolving into one of the most profitable elements of many sites. And data, technology and loyalty platforms are tying everything together, from the pump to the store to the wash bay.
"The redesigned magazine reflects this reality with a refreshed look and a streamlined editorial structure, while allowing for more valuable editorial pages for features, news and opinion pieces," says editor and associate publisher, Michelle Warren.
"Readers can expect a new cover treatment that unifies the CSNC and OCTANE brands, along with a comprehensive table of contents designed to spark interest across the full range of content. A dedicated section will deliver deeper coverage of forecourt and car wash trends, expanded analysis and more operator stories, including specific content for our loyal car wash-only operators," explains Warren. "At the same time, CSNC will continue its core focus on convenience retail strategy, foodservice, beverage alcohol, technology, people, leadership and more. We know there’s value in our readers learning from and sharing insights across the business."
For advertisers and partners, the integrated format also creates new opportunities. Premium cover positions—including inside back cover and outside back cover—will now reach the entire subscriber base in every issue: That audience includes more than 29,000 subscribers nationwide, all of whom will now experience the full breadth of content in every edition.
Convenience Store News Canada | OCTANE remains committed to its role as the leading media brand serving Canada’s convenience, fuel and car wash industry. The redesign builds on that foundation, delivering the same trusted insights, data and analysis—now in a format that better reflects how the channel operates today.
As the industry continues to evolve, the magazine’s mission stays the same: to help c-gas leaders, retailers, operators, suppliers and partners understand what’s next, adapt with confidence and uncover new opportunities for growth.
The new look debuts in the new year, marking the start of an integrated approach to coverage for an increasingly integrated industry.
And, as always, for the latest news, information and expert insights, visit CCentral.ca and subscribe to our newsletters: twice weekly All Convenience, monthly All OCTANE and monthly New on Shelf.