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Kwik Trip Leads 2021 Ranking of Top 10 U.S. Gas Station Brands

Consumers have spoken, and the top gas station banners from coast to coast include regional and national players. According to USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards, La Crosse, Wis.-based Kwik Trip Inc. takes the crown. Known as Kwik Trip in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and as Kwik Star in Iowa, the family-owned company operates more than 675 convenience stores.

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Gopuff Enters the Made-to-Order Food Business

The new offering brings made-to-order hot and fresh food to customers alongside everyday essentials. Gopuff’s mobile kitchen facilities are within or adjacent to its micro-fulfillment centers, enabling customers to order breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night food and drinks alongside any other essentials, all in a single order for a flat fee of $1.95.

3Wawa & Giant Eagle Reinstate Mask Mandates as Delta Variant Spreads Months after officials across the country lifted mask mandates, some retailers are again asking employees and customers to cover up as the Delta strain of COVID-19 leads to an uptick in cases. Wawa, Pa.-based Wawa Inc. reinstated its mask mandate for employees, effective Aug. 4, while Giant Eagle Inc., parent company of Pittsburgh-based GetGo convenience stores, said it would again require employees to wear masks beginning Aug. 6.

4Circle K Forms Exclusive International Partnership With Bitcoin Depot Bitcoin Depot ATM kiosks enable users to exchange cash for cryptocurrency. More than 700 bitcoin ATMs have already been installed in 30 states under the partnership, providing users with immediate access to bitcoin and more than 30 other cryptocurrencies.

57-Eleven Franchisees Report Staffing Challenges A 17-question survey of 422 participants, conducted on behalf of the National Coalition of Associations of 7-Eleven Franchisees, found that 97 percent of franchise owners have had trouble staffing their store(s) over the past year, and 96 percent said they or their designee had worked more shifts than they typically work during the last 60 to 90 days.

EXPERT VIEWPOINT

Reinventing the C-store for the Digital Future

The current c-store format may be heading for the same fate as video rental in today’s convenience-obsessed, digital world. The channel is ripe for disruption, and yet current investment is around upgrading food and beverage options, leaving broader trends and technological possibilities on the table, writes Bill Chidley, partner and executive director, strategy and insights at ChangeUp.

Tomorrow’s c-store must lead the consumer definition of “easy” by redefining and innovating the business with respect for the rising tide of convenience across all retail and e-commerce. There are three areas where c-stores can regain their convenience advantage: extend the store as we know it; use AI to broaden and tailor the assortment; and out-Q QSR competitors.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

TravelCenters of America’s Latest Initiative Focuses on the Guest Journey

One of TravelCenters of America Inc.’s (TA) key pillars is knowing who the guest is and making sure the guest is at the center of everything it does. As guests’ shopping needs change, TA will adapt as well to serve their needs. As part of this, the retailer is focusing on the guest journey at its stores, according to Kaitlin Wolfe, vice president of merchandising.

This has led to a new site reflow initiative. The retailer completed 20 reflows through June 2021, and has plans to complete almost 70 for the year. Features of the site reflows include new branded wayfinding signs and depending on the investment level at the site, new fixtures and electronic shelf labels.

“We have been spending a lot of time at TA trying to better understand our guests and the site segmentation. Through the reflow process, my team is completing space-to-sales and profit analysis that helps us make recommendations that will enable us to serve the guest — whether that site is more professional driver focused or it is more motorist focused, or it may be a split,” Wolfe told Convenience Store News.

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MOST VIEWED NEW PRODUCT

Juicy Drop Gummy Dip ‘N Stix

Bazooka Candy Brands introduces the latest extension of its Juicy Drop brand: Juicy Drop Gummy Dip ‘N Stix. The product’s unique packaging is designed with a center compartment filled with fruit-flavored sour gel, surrounded by chewy candy stix. Consumers can dip as much or as little as they like to create their ideal sweet and sour experience. Juicy Drop Gummy Dip ‘N Stix come in four fruity flavors: Knock-Out Punch, Blue Rebel, Wild Cherry Berry, and Watermelon Blast. Each package has a suggested retail price of $1.79 to $1.99.

The Topps Co. Inc. New York bazookacandybrands international.com