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1

7-Eleven Charges Ahead With ‘Massive’ Electric Vehicle Installation Project

7‑Eleven Inc.’s latest initiative calls for installing at least 500 Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at 250 select conve‑ nience stores in the United States and Canada by the end of 2022. The convenience retailer will own and operate the new DCFC ports.

2

Kevin Smartt Named Convenience Store News’ 2021 Retailer Executive of the Year

Kevin Smartt, CEO of Texas Born (TXB), previously Kwik Chek Food Stores Inc., has been selected the 2021 Retailer Exec‑ utive of the Year by Convenience Store News’ blue‑chip panel of convenience retailing leaders. Smartt, who has led his company for more than 25 years, currently serves as chairman of industry trade association NACS.

3

Bill to Ban All Flavored Tobacco Product Sales in Maine Moves Forward

The Maine Legislature’s Committee on Health and Human Services introduced a bill during a virtual hearing that would ban the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigar‑ ettes, flavored cigars and dips, and electronic cigarettes. Oppon‑ ents of the bill raised concerns about lost revenue and growth of the state’s black market

4

Wawa Brings Back ‘Free Coffee Tuesday’ Promotion

Wawa Inc. gave Wawa Rewards members an extra reward in May through its returning “Free Coffee Tuesday” campaign. This year, in addition to choosing from any existing hot coffee, members could redeem their rewards on the chain’s newest Boosted Blend hot coffee, which has 22 percent more caffeine, or a fresh‑brewed iced coffee.

5

GPM Celebrates Opening of First Store in Its Remodel Initiative

GPM Investments LLC welcomed customers to the first of what will be multiple stores that are part of the operator’s remodel initiative and showcase an enhanced store design. The fas mart store, located in Collinsville, Va., hosted a grand‑opening celebra‑ tion on June 10.

EXPERT VIEWPOINT

How to Sell Age‑Restricted Products on Your C‑store Mobile App

It can be difficult to navigate the advertising of tobacco products and alcohol due to the simple fact that they’re age restricted — meaning not all store visitors or loyalty program members have the ability to purchase the items until the legally determined age set by your state or local government, writes Melissa West, vice president, product marketing for PDI Software.

Because of these restrictions, choosing when and how to prom‑ ote these products becomes a more involved process to make sure you, your store and your manufacturers remain compliant with local laws. This is especially true when you’re eyeing prom‑ otional space within your mobile app and loyalty program.

As restrictions on tobacco and alcohol continue to shift year over year, it’s important for convenience retail owners and consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands to understand the benefits of showcasing products via a digital presence.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Refuel Sets Its Sights on At Least Tripling Its Current Store Count

Refuel Operating Co. LLC is making a name for itself as one of the fastest‑ growing convenience store retailers in the United States, and has no intentions of slowing down. What began as a single‑ store operation in 2010 has grown into a network of nearly 130 c‑stores spread out across a five‑state footprint.

“We love what we do. This is a great business to be in. Our mission is to continue to enjoy the industry and continue to grow,” Refuel CEO Mark Jordan told Convenience Store News.

Refuel’s acquisition‑based strategy is designed to roll smaller c‑store properties into a larger entity, achieving the advantages of enhanced operational efficiency, scale and brand‑building across a wider geographic footprint.

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MOST VIEWED NEW PRODUCT

Clear Demand Tobacco Pricing Solution

Price optimization provider Clear Demand launched a Tobacco Pricing Solution (TPS) that addresses tobacco pricing complexities by state, sub‑state, zone or individual store levels using POS, demographic, syndicated and retail science data. According to the company, tobacco retailers struggle with the complexity of data management spe‑ cific to promotional programs and state compliance requirements. TPS is the only rules‑based application capable of providing seamless integration and automation of promotional allowance management (buy‑down allowances) for enterprise and independent tobacco retailers, according to Clear Demand. Clear Demand Scottsdale, Ariz. (480) 699-5889 cleardemand.com