CStore Decisions

This month we’re doing something a little bit different at the CStoreTalks podcast. It’s our first-ever recap episode. This month I’m sharing a compilation of insights that have been shared on the CStoreTalks podcast over the last several months. We’ll hear thoughts from Nick Triantafellou, director of marketing & merchandising, Weigel’s; Damon Bail, VP of retail operations and marketing, Valor Oil & HOP Shops convenience stores; Lindsay Griffith, marketing and communications engagement manager for InConvenience Inc.; and Harman Aulakh, VP of marketing, Onvo. In this podcast we’ll be exploring three ways to improve your c-store business. Plus, insights on the changing demands of c-store customers and what it is they want today.

Amanda Yaw, director of marketing for Green Valley Grocery talks about the chain's growth plans and areas of focus from foodservice and technology to new-to-industry stores.

With the second-generation of the family active in management of the company, and fresh off a major acquisition that more than doubles its footprint while adding vertical integration opportunities, H&S Energy has its sights set on continued growth. Today, H&S Energy operates more than 260 stores in California, Oregon and Nevada. The company currently operates under the proprietary banners Power Market, as well as Pinnacle 365, and it’s also an Extra Mile franchisee.

It’s been five years since Chestnut Petroleum Distributors began aligning its fleet of stores under the Chestnut Market banner. Now, with more visibility in its marketplace, Chestnut Market is mastering execution and consistency with help from its Retail Is Detail program while growing through remodels and new store builds. It’s also making bold strides with a stronger focus on food and the imminent launch of its new mobile app and loyalty program. Today, the chain operates approximately 75 company-operated convenience stores in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, and it’s also a major distributor for Exxon Mobil, Shell, bp, Gulf and Irving, supplying fuel to about 230 locations in the Tri-State area. Now, with the second generation of the family business taking on leadership roles, the chain has its sights set on continuing to expand its footprint in the Tri-State area.

CStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte and Seth Bridges, founder of Rival IQ, discuss the 2023 Social Media Awards. For the third year in a row, Kwik Trip claimed the top spot as the overall winner across platforms. Listen for more on which chains took first and second place on the various platforms. New this year, the social media awards include TikTok, in addition to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Bridges details what this year's winners did well, and the trends ahead for social media in 2023. Hint: C-store retailers should consider joining TikTok, if they're not already active on the popular platform.

Erin Del Conte, executive editor of CStore Decisions, speaks with Christy Patient, regional director of operations at Circle K, co-chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Council and co-chair of the Women’s Council, about her experiences as a woman in business.

Erin Del Conte, executive editor of CStore Decisions, speaks with Joy Almekies, senior director of food services, Global Partners about her experiences as a Gen X woman in the convenience store industry.

CStore Decisions Executive Editor Erin Del Conte and Seth Bridges, founder and head of product for Rival IQ, discuss the 2022 Social Media Awards. Bridges explains the methodology behind the awards and what the winners are doing well. He also shares best practices on social media for retailers for the year ahead.