Convenience Matters
451 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 25 ratingsWhether it’s for food, fuel, drinks or snacks — about half of the U.S. population is at a convenience store every day. We sell 80% of the country’s fuel and we are 4% of the total U.S. economy. We’ll talk about what we see at stores — and what the future may hold — as long as it’s convenient.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
#286 RINs, RFS and EVs and What They Mean to the Fuels Sector
May 31, 2021 04:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBA Renewable Identification Number, aka a RIN, is a credit that gets attached to every renewable fuel gallon that gets produced in the United States. In this episode, we're going to talk about renewable fuels, what's going on with the prices of RINs, how they relate to EVs and fuel demand. Related Links: RIN Alliance Fuels Institute Report "Biomass-Based Diesel: A Market and Performance Analysis NACS Magazine Article "Pass or Fail" September 2019 Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executiv...
#285 A Memorial Day Forecast of Miles and Smiles
May 24, 2021 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBAAA forecasts 34.4 million Americans will travel by car for the 2021 Memorial Day holiday weekend. How can convenience retailers prepare travelers for their safe return to the road? Related Links: AAA AAA Newsroom Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Andrew Gross, Public Relations Manager, AAA National Andrew manages media relations for AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety and ...
#284 Making Electric Vehicle Charging More Convenient
May 17, 2021 04:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBThe U.S. charging infrastructure is ramping up to keep up with EV owner demand. This innovative solution put charging in the hands of car owners...conveniently, of course. Related Links: Spark Charge Fuels Institute EV Market Regulatory Report Carpool Chats Episode #23: Charging on the Run Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Joshua Aviv, Founder/CEO, SparkCharge Joshua is a...
#283 Outlook Ahead: Convenience Priorities
May 10, 2021 04:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBWhile total industry transactions declined nearly 14% in 2020, basket sizes increased by almost 19% compared with 2019. We’re digging into those numbers to identify the opportunities retailers can activate this year and beyond. Related Links: NACS Research NACS State of the Industry Survey NACS State of the Industry Report Blog: The Why Behind Convenience Stores Previous Episodes featuring Lori Stillman: #223 The Future for Convenience is About Winning Trips #218 The Survey Says…C...
#282 Deliver More Convenience With a Store Refresh
May 03, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBConsumers are interested in a sense of fulfillment when they shop their local convenience store, whether through innovative products, store cleanliness or friendly interactions with employees. In this episode, we’re talking about how retailers can meet and exceed customer needs by incorporating modern store design. Related Links: Cenex LIFT Initiative Cenex Home Page Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, ...
#281 Convenience Voices: What Shoppers Say
April 26, 2021 04:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBNACS Convenience Voices research examines data from thousands of convenience store shoppers through mobile interviews to learn about their preferences, behaviors, attitudes and purchases. Hear about opportunities retailers can capitalize on to grow sales and increase customer frequency. Related Links: NACS Convenience Voices Program Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Stephanie Sikorski, Vice President of Marketing, NACS About our Guest: Leroy Kels...
#280 Matching Your Brand to Your Target Audience
April 19, 2021 04:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBA strong brand matches colors, words, emotions, beliefs, and attitudes to earn the customers that you want most. In this episode, the author of "Your Brand Sucks: How to Ignite a Brand that Doesn't," gives tips to create and nurture a successful brand. Related Links: Ernburn Brands Your Brand Sucks: How to Ignite a Brand That Doesn't NACS Marketing Leadership Program Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS About o...
#279 Combating Digital Fraud
April 12, 2021 04:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBThe global pandemic placed a new premium on physical health and safety and that's led to a rapid embrace of new mobile payment options. What can retailers and consumers do to ensure their own digital safety? Related Links: Conexxus Data Privacy Resources Conexxus Home Page Article: Is a Tailored Managed Fraud Service Right for Your Business? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations, NACS About our Guests:...
#278 It's Electric!
April 05, 2021 04:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBEnough dancing around, it's time to look ahead at the future of cars because an electric reality is coming quickly - very quickly if you live in places that mandate it soon like the UK. We're talking about what the future might hold for cars, customers and travel. Related Links: The Future of the Car & Roadside Retail Shop Talk LIVE Global Convenience Store Focus Electric Vehicle Council NACS topic: Electric Vehicles NACS Convenience Summit Europe The NACS Show 2021 Hosted by: C...
#277 Gas Prices in 2021
March 29, 2021 04:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBHow did gas prices get where they are in 2021 and what are some long-term implications for where gasoline demand and prices are going over the next few years? All that and more on this week's episode. Related Links: NACS Fuels Resource Center OPIS Blog OPIS Homepage Fuels Institute Report: Proposals to Ban the Sale of Combustion Engine Vehicles Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute About our Gu...
#276 How Fuels Move Through the Pipeline
March 22, 2021 04:00 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBThe Colonial Pipeline transports more than 100 million gallons of fuel each day from Houston, Texas, to the New York Harbor. Hear how refined product moves across this 5,500-mile system, and how it comes back online after a disaster strikes. Related Links: Interview with Daniel Gordon, VP & Chief Commercial Officer, Colonial Pipeline Company Consumer Energy Alliance Pipelines for America How Refineries and Pipelines Resume Operations NACS Fuels Resource Center Fuels Market New...
#275 Creating Workforces That Wow
March 15, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 29.4 MBEngaging customers is something Disney and convenience stores have in common. A former Disney employee-turned-convenience retailer shares how c-store employees can delight and exceed customer expectations each day with positive experiences that build brand loyalty and repeat customers. Related Links: https://www.convenience.org/Topics/HumanResources https://www.convenience.org/events/HR-Forum https://www.convenience.org/events/HR-Executive-Circle https://www.sprintmart.com/employmen...
#274 Retailer Deep Dive: 36 Lyn’s Lonnie McQuirter
March 08, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBThe Retailer Deep Dive series showcases industry leaders who are staying ahead of the ever-changing consumer and retail landscape. In this episode, Lonnie McQuirter of 36 Lyn Refuel Station shares how he relies on his NACS community to grow and how his Minneapolis community relies on him to thrive. Watch additional videos at convenience.org/36Lyn. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Lonnie McQuirter, Founder, 36 Lyn Refuel Station 36 Ly...
#273 What Customers Are Hungry for in 2021
March 01, 2021 05:00 - 26 minutes - 24.8 MBWith more people leaving their home kitchens and exploring new foods, convenience stores and restaurants are ready to re-capture customers. Mark DiDomenico of Datassential shares his insights on food and menu trends transpiring in 2021. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS About our Guest: Mark DiDomenico, Director, Customer Success, Datassential Mark DiDomenico has been following trends in the Foodservice ma...
#272 Why ESG Is Becoming Important to Retailers
February 22, 2021 05:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBAlthough environmental, social and governance (ESG) planning is voluntary, that could change with legislative efforts to drive greater sustainability programming in the future. What does this mean for convenience retailers as they consider how and when to implement ESG planning? Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, The Fuels Institute About our Guest: Jeff Hove, Vice President, The Fuels Institute Jeff Hove recently joined The Fuels Institute to deliver objective, fact-b...
#271 Should the Penny Stay, or Should the Penny Go?
February 15, 2021 05:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBThe great penny debate continues! Although many Americans support the penny, others say the currency doesn’t make sense. Listen to our conversation with the co-directors of “Heads-Up: Will We Stop Making Cents?” for both sides of the debate. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Zach Edick and Jamie Kovach, Directors, "Heads-Up: Will We Stop Making Cents?" Zach Edick and Jamie Kova...
#270 Retailer Deep Dive: The Goods Mart
February 08, 2021 05:00 - 13 minutes - 12.9 MBThe Retailer Deep Dive series showcases industry leaders who are leading the way by staying ahead of the ever-changing consumer and retail landscape. In this episode, Rachel Krupa at NYC's The Goods Mart shares some ideas that helped her business survive and thrive during the difficult year that was 2020. Watch additional videos at convenience.org/thegoodsmart. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS
#269 How the New Congress May Affect the C-Store Industry
February 01, 2021 05:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBFrom climate change to taxes, NACS lobbyists highlight some of the top industry issues already taking shape in the new 117th Congress. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS About our Guests: Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations, NACS and Jon Taets, Director of Government Relations, NACS In their roles of Directors of Government Relations for NACS, Paige Anderson and Jon Taets work to protect the bes...
#268 Outlook for 2021 Travel Patterns
January 25, 2021 05:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBFrom electric vehicle policy to emissions regulations, what will fuel travel look like in 2021? What will the incoming Biden Administration mean for travel and for vehicle sales in the U.S.? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute About our Guest: Dave Ruisard, U.S. Products Editor, Argus Media From gasoline to residual fuel oil to distillates to crude oil, David Ruisard has extensive experience in t...
#267 Always Be Closing: A Conversation with Derek Gaskins
January 18, 2021 05:00 - 29 minutes - 26.3 MBConvenience store marketers and merchandisers have to be on their toes, especially this year. We talked with the legendary Derek Gaskins on his experiences in the industry, with the pandemic and what he thinks makes the c-store industry awesome. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS
#266 Foodservice: Not Risky Business
January 11, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 32.8 MBWhen it comes to food safety in convenience stores, retailers agree that it is not a competitive advantage. The host of the popular Risky or Not podcast series joins us today to talk about safe food handling practices for retailers. Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#265 Special Episode: Vaccinating Essential Workers
January 08, 2021 22:00 - 28 minutes - 28.3 MBWhat you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine deployment in the U.S. as it relates to essential convenience store front-line employees. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Anna Ready-Blom, Director, Government Relations, NACS In her role of Director of Government Relations for NACS, Anna Ready-Blom works to protect the best interests of the convenience and fuel retailing indus...
#264 The Biden Administration and the C-Store Industry
January 04, 2021 05:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBAs President Joe Biden’s Cabinet takes shape, we talk with the NACS lobbying team at how his picks might affect the convenience retailing industry. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS
#263 Convenience Is King
December 28, 2020 05:00 - 38 minutes - 41.3 MBDespite its challenges, 2020 forced retailers to accelerate innovation which resulted in positive changes quickly. In this episode, we will look at all retail and talk about which of those new technologies may stick around for a while. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS
#262 Thriving In Chaos
December 21, 2020 05:00 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBChaos should not be what the "C" stands for in C-Store. Learn how to endure, survive and thrive in chaos as well as how to support your employees during their trying times. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#261 Vehicle Sales Outlook for 2021
December 14, 2020 05:00 - 24 minutes - 24.9 MBWhich vehicles will people be buying in 2021, what will they be doing and where will they be going with them? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute
#260 Nordic Retail Trends
December 07, 2020 05:00 - 23 minutes - 22.6 MBTake a trip with us to Sweden to hear about Reitan Group convenience stores and their super fresh food, self checkout technology and cashierless stores. Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS
#259 A Time for Heroes
November 30, 2020 05:00 - 28 minutes - 29.5 MBHeroes can be everywhere - in stores, in homes, in schools - and now, more than ever, we need them. You can be someone's hero. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS
#258 Making Spirits Bright
November 23, 2020 05:00 - 31 minutes - 31 MB'Tis the season for big beverage sales for retailers and in this episode we're going to talk about trends in spirits, pre-mixed cocktails and consumption trends in 2020. Listen to learn one thing Americans have excelled at in 2020. Read the full IWSR full report. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#257 What's New in European Convenience
November 16, 2020 05:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBWe reconnect with our NACS colleague, based in London, to find out what's new, different and growing in European convenience retail. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS
#256 Winning the Last Mile
November 09, 2020 05:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBThe retail landscape is being increasingly disrupted by last mile fulfillment and convenience retail is no exception. Last mile fulfillment presents an opportunity to expand a store’s sales reach while also introducing operational and implementation challenges. Download the free NACS research. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS
#255 May I See Your ID?
November 02, 2020 05:00 - 31 minutes - 29.4 MB90% of consumers support a nation-wide standard for age verification. NACS and Conexxus have developed a solution. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#254 Reimagining Transportation Trends in the U.S.
October 26, 2020 04:00 - 27 minutes - 29.7 MBWhere are people going and what are they doing in this next new normal? Finding that people make more purposeful store trips, do more outside activity and commute less, how can retailers adjust? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#254 Reimagining transportation trends in the U.S.
October 26, 2020 04:00 - 27 minutes - 29.7 MBWhere are people going and what are they doing in this next new normal? Finding that people make more purposeful store trips, do more outside activity and commute less, how can retailers adjust? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#253 Protecting Consumer Privacy
October 19, 2020 04:00 - 24 minutes - 24.1 MBRegulations are in place protecting consumer privacy. What do retailers need to know to protect - and remove - consumer information? Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#252 Protect Your Business From COVID-19 Lawsuits
October 12, 2020 04:00 - 28 minutes - 26.9 MBThroughout the pandemic, c-stores have stayed open, implementing smart protections for customers and employees. While that may increase risk to COVID-19 related lawsuits, it protects human life, which is most important. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#251 Keeping Compliant: Solving Permit Problems
October 05, 2020 04:00 - 27 minutes - 27.3 MBPaperwork gets lost and deadlines can get missed. The cloud is a perfect palace to manage and store it. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#250 Hurricanes and Their Effects on Fuel Supply
September 28, 2020 04:00 - 24 minutes - 23.7 MBActive hurricane seasons have the potential of disrupting the fuel supply. What more is in store for 2020? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute
#249 Loyalty Matters. A Lot.
September 21, 2020 04:00 - 25 minutes - 26.5 MBCapturing the attention of highly attentive customers who really like your brand is more important than ever. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#248 The Future of Forecourt Communication is in Pixels
September 14, 2020 04:00 - 30 minutes - 29.2 MBHow do you communicate to customers filling up or driving by? Bright, crisp signage that clearly articulates what's happening in the store can attract new and time-starved customers inside. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#247 Protecting the Industry One Tank at a Time
September 07, 2020 04:00 - 25 minutes - 24.7 MBIn this episode, we're talking about the importance of the unseen things at convenience stores like teamwork, leadership and environmental protections. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#246 Cheers for Beers
August 31, 2020 04:00 - 30 minutes - 31.6 MBHear how the beer and hard seltzer category is performing in convenience stores and what to maybe expect in 2021. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#245 Remember This? Fueling Through the Years
August 24, 2020 04:00 - 28 minutes - 31.3 MBJoin three fuel industry icons as they look back from full-service to the future of electric charging and how gas stations have changed over the years. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#244 From One to Many: Scaling Leadership
August 17, 2020 04:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBGrowing from running one convenience store to running many, best-selling author Jim Sullivan shares ideas to lead multiple teams with finesse. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#243 Are Liquid Fuels Dead?
August 10, 2020 04:00 - 25 minutes - 58.6 MBElectric vehicles are the exciting shiny object in the automotive world, but will they obliterate the market for combustible fuel engine vehicles? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute
#242 Protect Card Payments at the Gas Pump
August 03, 2020 04:00 - 22 minutes - 21.9 MBTackling EMV-compatible pump upgrades can be expensive, but there are solutions available to make it affordable and easy. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#241 Memory Matters
July 27, 2020 04:00 - 24 minutes - 25.7 MBCan you remember every customer's name that comes in your store? Can you remember your grocery list? What day is it? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#240 A Conversation with Andrew Thornton About Going Plastic-Free
July 20, 2020 04:00 - 28 minutes - 29.6 MBRetailer Andrew Thornton, Founder of a London convenience store that has tackled climate change head-on talks about his journey and the future of climate change in this new normal. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#239 What You Need to Know About DEF
July 13, 2020 04:00 - 22 minutes - 21.3 MBDid you know that diesel cars and trucks need diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to operate? Selling high-quality DEF can help retailers grow sales and keep diesel customers moving. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#238 Local Matters
July 06, 2020 04:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBThe U.S Census Bureau has incredible research tools to grow your business collected through the decennial survey and dozens of other annual businesses surveys. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS