Posts by theo.foukkare@bigpond.com

AI is a non-negotiable for retailers. As the driving force behind a new era of hyper-personalisation, efficiency and sustainable retail experiences, its impact on the way we shop cannot be understated.  So as more and more retailers integrate the benefits of AI into their growth strategy, what will be next for this transformative technology? And how will it shape the way we shop? Today’s consumers are craving a truly unique shopping experience. Imagine a world where your shopping needs are not just met, but anticipated, simplifying the decision-making process like never before. The idea of data as the new currency is nothing new, but what is really setting retailers apart is how this data is used. We are only at the beginning, and as brands begin to scale their AI utilisation, its full spectrum ofbenefits for consumers and retailers alike will be uncovered. AI is a business necessity for retailers…

The ACCC has welcomed the Australian Government’s in-principle agreement to new competition and consumer laws recommended by the ACCC to address harms caused by digital platforms. The ACCC recommendations, made in its September 2022 Digital Platform Services Inquiry report, called for mandatory codes of conduct for certain digital platforms to prevent anti‑competitive conduct. Anti-competitive conduct identified in the report included self-preferencing, where platforms favour their own services in search results and app stores, and tying, for example with developers being forced to use app stores’ in-app payment systems that charge commissions of up to 30 per cent. The report also noted examples of unfair and arbitrary treatment of smaller businesses that rely on the platforms to reach customers. “Companies like Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft and Amazon supply services that most Australians use every day. These digital platforms are often unavoidable ‘gatekeepers’ between Australian businesses and consumers, giving them huge influence across…

The ACCC has today published eight principles to help businesses ensure any environmental marketing and advertising claims they make about their products or services are clear and accurate, and do not mislead consumers. The principles comprise the ACCC’s final guidance on environmental claims, which sets out the ACCC’s view of good practice when making environmental claims, as well as making businesses aware of their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law.  “Our final guidance helps to demonstrate how businesses can make clear, evidence-based environmental claims that consumers can understand and trust,” ACCC Acting Chair Catriona Lowe said. “Environmental claims are useful for consumers when they can easily understand what the environmental benefit is, and if there are any restrictions that can limit this benefit.” Ensuring such claims are clear and accurate not only helps consumers making purchasing choices, but also means the right incentives are in place for businesses to compete fairly…

Chains such as Circle K and Casey’s General Stores are seeing appetizing margins from selling food. Most people still think of convenience stores as just a pit stop for gas, a quick snack and a bathroom break. Not so at Casey’s General Stores a Midwest chain that also happens to be America’s fifth-largest pizza purveyor by number of kitchens. About three-fourths of transactions inside its stores don’t involve a fuel purchase. Meanwhile Wawa, an East Coast-based chain, has a cultlike following for its sandwiches.   Expect to see more fresh food, and more big chains too. Food is an appetizing opportunity for convenience stores. On average, food-service sales accounted for about a quarter of in-store sales for convenience stores but well over a third of in-store gross profits, according to industry group NACS. At Casey’s, the gross margin on prepared food and beverages is about 60%, while its margin on fuel…

Beer glasses clinked in celebration in the province of Ontario upon the announcement that the provincial government will not renew the Master Framework Agreement allowing for the expansion of beer and wine sales into convenience stores. Premier Doug Ford during a press conference says that the announcement that will see the sale of beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink cocktails in convenience stores, big box stores and all grocery stores in Ontario by 2026 is one of the biggest changes in alcohol sales in the history of the province and gives the citizens of the province more choice and convenience. “We’ve got to start treating people like adults here in the province. Folks, we all have busy lives, so just imagine on a Friday night in December, instead of being stuck in a long lineup at the LCBO, you’ll be able to pop into your local convenience store before heading out to the holiday…

GCSF puts spotlight on the convenience retail innovators Hall of Famer Joe Sheetz helps the family business shore up its future in convenience retailing. The Sheetz family name and Sheetz Inc. have become synonymous with convenience retailing. What started in 1952 as a single convenience store has evolved into one of America’s fastest-growing family-owned and -operated c-store chains with more than 700 stores across a six-state footprint — and still expanding — and more than 25,000 associates. Family leadership has been a hallmark of Sheetz Inc. since the company’s beginnings in Altoona, Pa., more than 70 years ago. Keeping a Sheetz family member at the helm is intentional, but there are fairly newer structures in place to ensure the company’s longevity should a Sheetz choose not to take over or cannot fulfill the role. “We do feel that we keep our name on the building because our family name is…