News

Essential services: Cross Canada update
C-stores and gas stations across the country remain open under ever-changing guidelines, according to the Convenience Industry Council of Canada's Coast to Coast Update.
Video and printable guidelines remind customers to shop smart
Retail Council of Canada (RCC), on behalf of the retail industry in Canada, is sharing a short video and other resources outlining the precautions and guidelines convenience, grocery and drugstore shoppers should follow to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.It's a welcome move, as retailers struggle to keep themselves and staff save from customers who "just don't get it."Convenience Store News Canada and Octane asked c-store and gas operators about how the crisis is affecting their business and here's what we heard in terms of how customers are behaving in-store."We still have groups of young kids/teens coming in together for snack items.

CFIB battles for benefits for COVID-19 affected business

After weeks of pressure from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the federal government announced new programs to support businesses during the COVID-19 public health crisis.The wage subsidy will increase from 10% to 75%. “We asked for this from the beginning and won the battle thanks to member support,” the CFIB said in a public statement.
Why empty shelves don't mean we're out of food: How Canada's supply chain works

Shoppers are facing empty shelves at some stores due to unprecedented demand for food and other goods even as grocers assure Canadians coping with the COVID-19 outbreak that plenty of new items are on the way and manufacturers say they have the raw materials they need.Temporary shortages are to be expected in spite of a supply chain working in overdrive, experts say, because the system isn't built to predict extreme, large-scale changes in buyer behaviour.Shoppers stockpile for a number of reasons, said Mike von Massow, an associate professor at The University of Guelph.
Manitoba increases tax on cigarettes

With the tabling of it's most recent budget, Manitoba is increasing tobacco-related taxes.
Essential services: Convenience and gas are open for business across Canada

C-stores and gas stations across the country remain open under ever-changing guidelines, according to the Convenience Industry Council of Canada's Coast to Coast Update.
Circle K stores introduce critical emergency measures

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate, Alimentation Couche-Tard and its wholly owned subsidiary Circle K, are implementing critical emergency measures for the protection and support of the health and safety of its customers and employees around the globe.In provinces and territories across Canada, c-stores remain open, serving communities.[caption id="attachment_23686" align="alignright" width="300"] New screens at cash.[/caption]Brian Hannasch, Couche-Tard president and CEO, said in a release: "I know these are stressful, difficult days as we see the effects of this global pandemic on our lives, workplaces, and neighbourhoods.
How can the federal wage subsidy program help your business?

If your revenues have decreased by 30% you will be eligible for this subsidy The number of employees will not determine your eligibility This subsidy applies to not-for-profit organizations and charities, as well as companies big and small The government will subsidize 75% an individual's salary on the first $58,700 earned, which will mean up to $847/week.
Exclusive research shows COVID-19 is driving shoppers into c-stores

Among the many change-of-life impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, convenience stores are seeing an increase in shoppers who typically would go to supermarkets for their grocery needs.According to a new study conducted by Convenience Store News Canada's parent company, EnsembleIQ, 15% of shoppers said they are more likely to shop at convenience stores for groceries due to the pandemic.
Here's what to do if an employee gets COVID-19

The Retail Council of Canada has published a standard operating procedure checklist to help retailers take action should there be an identified COVID-19 case at your location.