Industry Roundup: The Top 10 Most-Read Stories in October
NATIONAL REPORT — Various convenience store chains' plans for growth were among the stories important to CSNews Online readers last month. In the latest Industry Roundup, we present the top 10 most-read stories for the month of October, based on reader views:
1) Amazon to Launch Convenience Stores
Amazon.com Inc. is moving into the brick-and-mortar world with plans to open convenience stores and curbside pickup locations. The small stores would offer produce, meats, milk and other perishable items. Customers could also order items with longer shelf lives, such as peanut butter and cereal, for same-day delivery.
2) Trump vs. Clinton: Who Would Be Better for C-stores?
For the issues affecting convenience store operators, some are crystal-clear and some are clear as mud.
3) Seven & i Reveals Details of Planned 7-Eleven Growth Boom
7-Eleven Inc. parent company Seven & i Holdings Co. plans to expand its North American convenience store holdings dramatically via acquisitions. The Tokyo-based company plans to have 10,000 convenience stores in North America by its fiscal 2019 year, compared to 8,900 stores it had as of June 30.
4) Former Pilot Flying J Execs Want to Move Trial
Former Pilot Flying J executives are seeking a change of venue for their upcoming trial on charges related to allegations of fraud in the company's fuel rebate program. In a court filing, attorneys for Mark Hazelwood, former president; Scott Wombold and John Freeman; former vice presidents; and other ex-employees asked a federal judge for permission to file a lengthy request to change the location of their trial.
5) 7-Eleven Unplugs Belly's iPad Loyalty Program
Two years after initiating their relationship, 7-Eleven Inc. and Belly are dropping their partnership. "Belly continues our partnership with 7-Eleven in a capacity that better aligns with both of our long-term goals," Belly spokeswoman Lauren Licata told the news outlet. "We have not yet publicly announced the next phase of our relationship."
6) Buc-ee's Halts Plans to Move Into Louisiana
In March, Buc-ee's revealed plans to open a 60,000-square-foot retail store with more than 90 fueling stations at the Greens at Millerville, a 56-acre development in Baton Rouge, La. However, the company has now canceled those plans because it was unable to secure additional locations in Louisiana.
7) CSNews Inducts Third Class of Top Women in Convenience
The third-annual event recognized and celebrated 62 women in the convenience channel. This year's winners included 24 senior-level leaders, five mentors, 21 rising stars, five store managers and two single-store owners, as well as five female leaders awarded Women of the Year.
8) Turnover Still Plagues C-store Industry
Operating a convenience store involves juggling many duties, from keeping the store clean and functioning, to setting up and breaking down displays, to planning promotions. Perhaps the most important duty, however, is managing the workforce — and building the right team is one of the biggest challenges, according to the findings of the 2016 Convenience Store News HR & Labor Study.
9) Delek Makes Bid to Acquire Remainder of Alon USA
Delek U.S. Holdings Inc. proposed to acquire the remaining portion of Alon USA Energy Inc. it does not already own. The all-stock transaction would see Alon stockholders receive 0.44 of a share in Delek for each share of Alon owned.
10) CST Sets Date for Couche-Tard Merger Vote
CST Brands Inc. shareholders will vote on its proposed acquisition by Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. on Nov. 16 at its headquarters, located at 19500 Bulverde Road, Ste. 100, in San Antonio at 9 a.m. local time. If approved by CST shareholders and government agencies, the acquisition is expected to be completed in early 2017.