News

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.
Boost sales with POS materials

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...
How to overcome the challenge of staff engagement video

Check out this video featuring Kumar Gurdita, owner of Queen’s Quay Convenience in Toronto, as he explains how he engages and motivates his staff in order to provide the best shopping experience for his regular customers...
10 things you must do at The Convenience U CARWACS Show

The Toronto Convenience U CARWACS Show turns 10 this year, and the industry can’t wait to get together and celebrate at Toronto’s International Centre March 5 and 6...
OCSA winning battles for retailers

From the fight for beer and wine sales in c-stores and the looming threat of a plastic bag ban in Toronto, to the increasing concern over contraband tobacco and tragic incidents of fuel theft, 2012 was a tough year for Ontario c-store owners.
How to become a multi-site success

While other teenagers were embroiled in the usual high school drama, Lucky 13 owner Ray Seguin was off to a precocious start in the retailing game, hatching business plans with his siblings for what has become an independent c-store chain in the North Bay, Ont. area...