Expert Viewpoints

In this issue's article on rising credit-card interchange fees, we describe MasterCard's recent announcement that it would post its rate schedule online and place a cap on the fees it charges retailers who accept cards for fuel purchases as a "tipping point" that may lead to some relief for c-store operators. As our story points out, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) played and continues to play a pivotal role in bringing this issue to a head and is to be commended for its efforts.

Over the years, we at Convenience Store News have been impressed with — and extremely grateful to — the many retailers in this industry who have seen the value of sharing information and participate enthusiastically in opportunities to do so.

The new Snap-n-Slide wall shelves from Eagle Foodservice Equipment provide an easy way to increase wall storage availability above sinks and tables.

Operators across all channels looking for some relief.

Customers are angry over the escalating price of gasoline, an undisputed reality of the market. How that anger is preempted, managed and/or handled at the store level, however, can do more than reduce costly drive offs. It can prevent injury and save lives.

New ElimiTaste Smoke Screen Insane MaxxMint, by Inhale Solutions Inc., is the first Xylitol-based chewing gum specifically formulated to reduce and, in some cases, eliminate the aftertaste from smoking cigars, pipes and cigarettes.

Bake'n Joy Foods, Inc. announces a new line of all natural/whole wheat PANfree 5.25-ounce pre-deposited muffin batters.

New from Scripto Tokai Corp. is a line of Hunting C-thru lighters for the avid or amateur hunter.