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
#237 Retailer Decision Making for EVs
June 29, 2020 04:10 - 22 minutes - 23.9 MBThere’s no doubt about it, electric vehicles are here to stay. While EVs are increasing in popularity, there are near-term challenges that have the potential to temper large-scale expansion. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute
#236 Consumer Decision Making for EVs
June 29, 2020 04:00 - 26 minutes - 26.3 MB85% of consumers think that EVs are the future of cars or are a very interesting idea. EVs present positive benefits to consumer but they're still slow to get purchasing traction. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute
#235 Category Close-up: Packaged Beverages
June 22, 2020 04:20 - 26 minutes - 26.1 MBWhat could be more refreshing on a hot day than a cold drink? Find out how the packaged beverage category is making a splash. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#234 Category Close-up: Cold Dispensed Beverages
June 22, 2020 04:10 - 29 minutes - 28.5 MBConvenience stores are a destination for beverages. Refresh your knowledge on how cold drinks can fuel customer visits. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#233 Category Close-up: Fueling
June 22, 2020 04:00 - 26 minutes - 25.7 MBConvenience stores sell 80 percent of the fuel in the U.S. Find out how technology has helped this category change and grow. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#232 E-commerce When We Need it Most
June 15, 2020 04:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBDelivery and pickup has been clutch for consumers who can't or won't leave the house or car. Online back office systems to check inventory, track orders, and automate the supply chain have been crucial for retail and foodservice businesses. Whenever things get back to normal, did your business pass the test of conforming to the new e-commerce normal? Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#231 New Normal Retail Store Design
June 08, 2020 04:00 - 28 minutes - 29.8 MBSix feet apart, minimal contact, sanitizer stations and plexiglass. Are these the staples of convenience retail store design going forward in the new normal? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#230 EMV Upgrades Made Easier
June 01, 2020 04:00 - 21 minutes - 19.2 MBThe deadline to upgrade fuel pumps to be EMV compliant has changed to April 2021, but that doesn't mean retailers should wait. There are expensive options and more cost-effective ones that can make the update a little easier. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#229 Utilities and Transportation Sector Work to Lower GHGs
May 25, 2020 04:00 - 20 minutes - 20.5 MBCalifornia sees electric vehicles as an important component to improving air quality. Utility companies also play an important role in supporting the transportation sector's need to improve air pollution. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute
#228 Realizing the Value of Aluminum for Retailers
May 18, 2020 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBAre aluminum containers the next big thing for beverages? Infinitely recyclable, lighter, and easier for labeling, aluminum cans and bottles are finding their way into beverage coolers and craft breweries. Can consumers and retailers embrace this new trend? Yes they can! Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#227 The Convenience Customer
May 11, 2020 04:00 - 28 minutes - 29.7 MBThe convenience channel is among the most vibrant and fastest growing channels in the US consumer packaged goods market, before and hopefully after the 2020 pandemic. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#226 Understanding the Art of Convenience Retail
May 04, 2020 04:00 - 27 minutes - 26.2 MBThere are many things to stay on top of when operating convenience stores to stay relevant and safe for customers, employees and to keep up with regulations. Working with a contract operator can streamline and professionalize operations and also help navigate difficult financial situations. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#225 Stories from the Field: Casey’s Julie Jackowski
April 27, 2020 04:00 - 26 minutes - 27.4 MBNACS Chairman Julie Jackowski shares how Casey’s, one of the largest US convenience store chains, has addressed the coronavirus pandemic, what they are seeing and hearing at their 2,200 stores as well as how their operations have evolved. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#224 Energy and Cost Savings When They are Needed Most
April 20, 2020 04:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBSaving money and energy are both important and can coexist simultaneously. Hear how Energy Star resources can help stores do both. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#223 The Future for Convenience is About Winning Trips
April 13, 2020 04:00 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MBWhat do retailers need to know to win customers? What do customers want from and look for in stores that will win their loyalty? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#222 Changes in Customer Behavior During the Pandemic
April 06, 2020 04:00 - 28 minutes - 30.2 MBThe retail climate was shifting rapidly from brick-and-mortar to online in 2019 and early 2020, but rapidly evolving changes in consumer ability to shop is moving that shift even more dramatically in light of the coronavirus pandemic. How can retailers maintain the relationships they've made with consumers during this period? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#221 Retailers Weigh In On The New Normal
April 02, 2020 04:00 - 33 minutes - 37.9 MBNACS surveyed retail members to find out how they are responding to the coronavirus pandemic in their operations, product and foodservice offers and working with their communities. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#220 Broader Retail Implications from Coronavirus
March 30, 2020 04:00 - 39 minutes - 42.6 MBThe coronavirus is having a massive effect on retail. It’s dramatically curtailed how people move about, retail sales and economic productivity, but even after things return to business as normal, how drastically will the effects of the virus define this new normal? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#219 The Pandemic’s Impact on Fuel Supply and Demand
March 27, 2020 04:00 - 23 minutes - 24.8 MBThe coronavirus pandemic has led to an unprecedented drop in oil demand around the world. What does this mean for fuel retailers – both in the short term and long term? And what do you need to think about today as markets continue to wildly swing in trading? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#218 The Survey Says...Consumers Love Convenience
March 23, 2020 04:00 - 23 minutes - 25.3 MBGas station visits have evolved from a "have to" to "want to" trip. Gone are the days when dad filled up the tank while the family waited in the car. Now, people WANT to go in the store and retailers must embrace that inside experience to keep up. Hear 2020 consumer survey results on gas-buying habits. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#217 Food Allergens and Food Safety
March 16, 2020 04:00 - 21 minutes - 21.3 MBOne in 10 Americans has a food allergy. Dining out and traveling can be extremely challenging if food establishments, convenience stores and products don't contain accurate allergen information. Hear resources available to ensure you keep these customers for life. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Lindsay Buchanan, Marketing Coordinator, NACS
#216 The Evolution of Convenience through Data
March 09, 2020 04:00 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MBSince 1970, NACS has been publishing industry data, helping convenience retailers and their suppliers improve their businesses through benchmarking. Retailers evolved from counting cars to find the right corner for a store to today’s highly-detailed analysis of products, expenses and more. Hear from leading retailers and researchers as we journey from past to present and on to what the future may hold. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#215 Are Consumers Really Interested In Electric and Hybrid Vehicles?
March 02, 2020 05:00 - 22 minutes - 22.3 MBPeople have turned to Consumer Reports for decades for reliable, unbiased and well-tested recommendations for products, including cars. This week we talked about electric, crossover and ICE vehicles and what consumers want and what they're really buying. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#214 EV Infrastructure and Fuel Retailers
February 24, 2020 05:00 - 26 minutes - 29 MBOver the past decade, electric vehicles have been a transportation hot topic. In this episode, we talk about customer trends, investing in electric vehicle charging equipment and if customers even want it. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#213 EMV: Ready or Not?
February 17, 2020 05:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBIgnoring the October 2020 deadline to accept chip cards at the gas pump could be a costly mistake. Hear why retailers shouldn't sit this one out. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#212 Put People First to Grow Profitability
February 10, 2020 05:00 - 26 minutes - 24.8 MBWould you go back to a store where they genuinely cared about you, your pet, your hobbies and sold your favorite coffee and food? This guest knows you will. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#211 Design the Ideal Customer Experience
February 03, 2020 05:00 - 27 minutes - 27.2 MBHow do you wow customers? With enthusiastic employees, with product experiences they can touch and feel and a little nostalgia. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#210 Clean Fuel = Happy Cars
January 27, 2020 05:00 - 23 minutes - 23 MBCustomers trust that the fuel they're putting in their car is flawless, keeping their vehicle running smoothly and safely. And, station owners need to take proper steps to maintain the integrity and cleanliness of their storage tanks to eliminate corrosion and particles. Find out why proper maintenance for both is important. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute
#209 Values Matter, Demographics Don't
January 20, 2020 05:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBRelying only on demographics to stereotype customers might not be the best way to truly personalize their experience. Do you know what they really like, how they feel and what they value? Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#208 Rise and Shine with Healthier Breakfast Choices
January 13, 2020 05:00 - 23 minutes - 23.3 MBBreakfast needs to be convenient, fast and easy and it certainly doesn't hurt for it to be healthy. Hear about some convenience stores helping customers have great mornings! Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#207 Evolving to Alternative Fuel Sales
January 06, 2020 05:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBVehicles and fuel types are evolving and some of those changes will come on rapidly in the new decade. How should retailers incorporate renewable, low carbon fuels into retail sales while still maximizing profit margins and competitive edge? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute
#206 Brand Strategy
December 30, 2019 05:00 - 21 minutes - 21.9 MBBrand strategy is more than just a new logo or design. Brand is every way that a company communicates, what it stands for and a promise delivered to customers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#205 Good Jobs Strategy
December 23, 2019 05:00 - 22 minutes - 21.3 MBOne out of five jobs is considered a 'bad job'. In this episode, we'll find out how to offer 'good jobs' which translates to great employees and happy customers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#204 Sustainability Strategy for People, Planet, Prosperity and Convenience
December 16, 2019 05:00 - 22 minutes - 22.8 MBThe term sustainability has become a catch-all for seemingly everything - recycling, energy, EVs, CSR, packaging, etc. How do you know what to tackle and how can it actually save you money? Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS
#203 The ABCs of CBD
December 09, 2019 05:00 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MBWhat exactly is CBD? Can you sell it or buy it in stores legally? Can you eat it and pass a drug test? Learn about CBD, hemp, THC and how to stay on the right side of the law. Hosted by: Stephanie Sikorski, Vice President of Marketing, NACS and Erin Pressley, Vice President Education and Media, NACS
#202 Increasing Fuel Options for Consumers
December 02, 2019 05:00 - 20 minutes - 19.5 MBLiquid fuels continue to be the primary source of transportation power in the U.S. Hear where the liquid fuels market is today, what's available and what's next. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#201 Food Safety: Beyond Just Food
November 25, 2019 05:00 - 29 minutes - 29.7 MBKeeping food safe and customers healthy goes beyond just food and includes clean kitchens, bathroom and employees. Learn some things that you might not have thought of. Don't forget - don't touch the key! Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS
#200 Culture That Rocks
November 18, 2019 05:00 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MBCreate a customer experience that differentiates your store and delivers sustainable results. How can you become the “business of choice” that rocks? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#200 Culture that Rocks
November 18, 2019 05:00 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MBCreate a customer experience that differentiates your store and delivers sustainable results. How can you become the “business of choice” that rocks? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#199 Making Something Big Featuring Daymond John
November 11, 2019 05:00 - 19 minutes - 23.8 MBDaymond John is not only a pioneer in the fashion industry but also a shark on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” multiple New York Times bestselling author and branding guru. He shares how a “can-do” attitude is necessary for continued success in life and in the convenience industry. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#198 Educating Consumers to Care About Fuel Quality
November 04, 2019 05:00 - 21 minutes - 20.8 MBConsumers don't generally pay attention to the quality of gasoline they put into their cars. But, fuel marketers, the US EPA and the auto industry do. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#197 Convenience Rockstars Part 2 Featuring Chuck Maggalet and Tanner Krause
October 28, 2019 04:00 - 23 minutes - 22.5 MBVision and strategy are critical to growing a business, but it can't happen without execution. Hear from two of the most prominent rockstar leaders in today's convenience industry how they make it all happen. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS
#196 Convenience Rockstars Part 1 Featuring Kum & Go and Maverik Inc.
October 21, 2019 04:00 - 23 minutes - 22.9 MBOn this week's episode, we talk with leaders of two of the most admired companies in the convenience industry about strategy, vision and their favorite rock bands. Find out what Beyonce, Springsteen, Maggelet and Krause have in common. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#195 Creating Strong Teams Can Be An Adventure
October 14, 2019 04:00 - 25 minutes - 21.7 MBChampion adventure racer Robyn Benincasa shares the inspirational story behind Project Athena and teaches us how ordinary teams can be extraordinary when given the right encouragement. Learn more about how to get involved with Project Athena at https://projectathena.org. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#194 Fuels by the Numbers
October 07, 2019 04:00 - 27 minutes - 28.4 MBNACS collects a lot of sales data from retailers throughout the year. What are the metrics related to fuel sales, what do they mean for convenience stores and gas stations and what might they mean for drivers and consumers? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute
#193 Undertaking a Digital Transformation
September 30, 2019 04:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBCustomers expect seamless, convenient shopping experiences in stores and on their mobile devices. Are you ready to give that to them? Digital Transformation is the use of technology to solve problems often using cloud computing and the Internet of Things. Gunter Pfau, Founder and CEO of Stuzo explains how necessary and easy it can be to mesh your brick-and-mortar store front with your digital one. To learn more, visit https://www.stuzo.com. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strateg...
#192 A Conversation with Don Rhoads
September 23, 2019 04:00 - 22 minutes - 24.3 MBWe are joined by NACS Board Member Don Rhoads, President & CEO of the Convenience Group in Vancouver, Washington. He talks with us about his two Minit Mart stores and why he stresses the importance of giving back to those communities. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute
#191 Listening to the Industry
September 16, 2019 04:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBNACS President & CEO Henry Armour shares his perspective of NACS, the industry, customers and stores while looking back at his career at the helm of the convenience industry's international association. With a cross-country road trip recently under his belt, he talks about the state of the industry and the future as he sees it. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute
#190 How Do You Measure Up With Your Competition?
September 09, 2019 04:00 - 21 minutes - 21.8 MBBenchmarking is a process of measuring your company's performance in order to identify internal opportunities for improvement. NACS expert researcher, Jayme Gough, walks us through some NACS tools to help retailers and suppliers be best in class. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS
#189 The End of Car Ownership?
September 02, 2019 04:00 - 20 minutes - 23.5 MBReports allude to the idea that the end of personal vehicle ownership is inevitable; however, consumers have some say in that. Join us as we chat with Micah Muzio, Managing Editor, Video, of Kelley Blue Book and take a deeper dive into consumer purchasing trends. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute