The Best of the Best

Due to a coincidence in timing this year, Convenience Store News is announcing the winners of three of our most popular industry award competitions this month.

In this special cover story package, we recognize the best new store designs, the best-in-class convenience foodservice retailers and the best new products introduced by vendors into the convenience store industry in 2014.

Why do we need industry award programs? Since CSNews? inception more than 40 years ago, we?ve recognized leading retailer companies (Top 100, Top 20 Growth Chains, Retailer Innovator of the Year, etc.) and leading retailer people (Hall of Fame, Retailer Executive of the Year, Top Tech Executive, etc.). Award programs do two things. First, they acknowledge outstanding achievement and give us all an opportunity to thank an individual or company for its contributions to the industry?s overall prosperity. Second, they stand as examples of the type of innovation and leadership we all can aspire to attain.

Featured in this issue, CSNews? Store Design Contest showcases convenience stores in the United States and from around the globe that have differentiated themselves from the pack through design innovation and attentiveness to customer needs. Awards are presented to retailers and designers for Best Original Design, Best Interior Design, Best Low-Cost Remodel, Best Mid-Cost Remodel and Best Sky?s the Limit Remodel, as well as specialty categories.

CSNews? Foodservice Innovators Awards ? presented in partnership with Tyson Foods ? recognize convenience retailer leaders that are raising the bar on quality, service and innovation in the fast-growing and critically important foodservice category.

Finally, the 18th annual CSNews Best New Products Awards, the original new products recognition program for the convenience store industry, puts the spotlight on 20 items launched in the past year that tap into the latest emerging consumer trends, from one-handed protein snacks to healthy ?bites? meant for sharing.

These award winners truly represent the best of the best in the convenience store industry.