News

Four ways to build sales with pre-packs
When Steve Friesen is waiting in line at a store, he finds himself looking for last-minute deals to add to his basket. That’s why, as the owner of Thornview Grocery in Morden, MB, he uses promotional displays near the cash to incent his customers to pick up an extra item or two.
OCSA Update
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...

NACDA celebrates product innovation

As a convenience store retailer, it’s important to understand the value of product innovation. Not only does innovation build excitement and drive traffic into your c-store, it also keeps the entire industry relevant ...
OCSA encourages member involvement

For more information and industry updates from the OCSA, check out the March 2013 CONVENIENCE CONNECT newsletter.
Pumps & Pressure Inc. working with Rock-N-Wash ™

Pumps & Pressure Inc. is pleased to announce that we have been working with Sylvain Blouin on his recent Rock-N-Wash ™ project in Edmonton, Alberta. The site is unique with its dual exit lane concept and will have a state-of-the-art 100-foot Belanger ‘Touchless’ tunnel wash...
5 ways to boost snack sales

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.
NACDA and CCSA to host combined industry summit

The convenience-gas industry has been advocating togetherness, and two associations are taking a major step toward establishing this unity. The National Convenience Stores Distributors Association (NACDA) and the Canadian Convenience Stores Association (CCSA) are combining their industry events...
Convenience U CARWACS attendees learn about customer service

The key message from the 10th anniversary Convenience U CARWACS Show at Toronto’s International Centre March 5 and 6 was that everyone in the industry has a stake in ensuring that retailers give customers the best possible in-store experience. Without customer loyalty, independent, banner and chain retailers alike will have a hard time competing with other formats...
POS materials draw customers into BC c-store

Where constantly changing is the name of the game, Ray White is a perfect example of a retailer who doesn’t hesitate to make changes to his Agassiz, BC video and convenience store. Until a year and a half ago, MovieSource Convenience & Video was focused primarily on video. But when video stores lost steam and White noticed consumer demand shifting, he converted completely to a convenience store and turned his attention to improving his in-store environment with point-of-sale materials.
Learn to be social

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.