Posts by theo@aacs.org.au

The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) was proud to support The Distributors’ 2025 National Conference held last week at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast. As a cooperative of independent, locally owned logistics specialists, The Distributors are a critical enabler of the independent petrol and convenience sector. Their ability to deliver a broad range of products efficiently, reliably, and locally helps drive the performance and profitability of convenience stores right across the country. With economic conditions placing pressure on both consumers and retailers, the importance of agile, customer-focused supply partners has never been greater. The pandemic, followed by cost-of-living pressures and shifting consumer behaviours, has exposed the weaknesses of rigid supply chains – and has highlighted the value of flexible distribution partners like The Distributors who understand the nuances of the convenience channel. Throughout the conference, one clear message resonated: service is the cornerstone of success. “Retailers, suppliers and distributors must align on…

Melbourne, 22 May 2025 — APCO Service Stations proudly hosted its annual Tradeshow and Gala last week, bringing together store retailers, managers, suppliers and industry partners for two days of inspiration, collaboration and celebration across Melbourne. The week began on Wednesday afternoon with a dedicated Business Session at The Langham, Melbourne. Attendees heard from two expert guest speakers — Ross Williams from Safety Zone, who shared insights on safety leadership, and Scott Harris from Workforce Resilience, who focused on building strength and resilience in individuals and teams. Thursday morning began with a warm welcome and company update from APCO Director Robert Anderson. This was followed by a keynote presentation from Theo Foukkare, CEO of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), who delivered a comprehensive industry update and outlook for the convenience retail sector. The morning session concluded with closing remarks from APCO Foundation Chair Sharon Gleeson, who highlighted the…

The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has welcomed the Queensland Government’s proposed laws announced to further tackle the illegal tobacco and vape trade in the state. AACS CEO Theo Foukkare said that the Crisafulli Government have been very open in listening to all feedback provided by legitimate retailers and that it was great to see law makers aren’t waiting for the issue to continue to spiral further out of control. “QLD Health Minister Tim Nicholls has listened, acted swiftly and continues to show strong leadership on tackling this national crisis which continues to impact responsible retailers and jeopardise the safety of communities right across the country,” Mr Foukkare said. “The proposed laws to extend the interim closure orders from three days to three months will further help put an end to the dodgy operators who get raided, have their illegal stock confiscated and are up and trading again in…

NACS urges members to contact their Senators to support the Marshall-Durbin Amendment. NACS is asking its members and any business that accepts credit cards to contact their U.S. Senators and urge them to support the Marshall-Durbin Amendment, which was filed on Tuesday by U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Richard Durbin (D-IL), lead sponsors of the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA). This Marshall-Durbin Amendment is the Credit Card Competition Act, which would create choice for the processing of credit card transactions by requiring the largest U.S. banks that issue Visa or Mastercard credit cards to allow transactions to be processed over at least two unaffiliated card payment networks—the same process that has been used for debit card transactions for more than a decade. Sens. Marshall and Durbin offered their Amendment to be added to a larger GENIUS Act, a cryptocurrency bill NACS also endorses. If the Senate approves the Marshall-Durbin Amendment and includes…