More than 150,000 c-stores operate in the U.S., up 1.5% from a year ago. ALEXANDRIA, Va.—There are 150,174 convenience stores operating in the United States, a 1.5% increase from a year earlier, reversing a four-year decline, according to the 2023 NACS/NielsenIQ Convenience Industry Store Count. Convenience stores sell an estimated 80% of the motor fuels purchased by consumers in the United States. The new store count shows that 118,678 convenience stores sell motor fuels (79.0% of all convenience stores). Store count increases were recorded in 39 states and Washington, D.C., led by Georgia, which added 271 stores. California lost 53 stores, the most of the seven states that saw their counts decline. The industry growth was fueled by a 1,087-count increase in single-store operators, which now stand at 90,423 stores (60.2% of all convenience stores). In addition, there are “gas station/kiosk” stores that sell fuel but not enough of an in-store…

SAN BRUNO, Calif. — Coming across an undercover investigation into organic dairy farms by Animal Recovery Mission inspired actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist Bobak Bakhtiari to launch Hangry Planet, North America’s first fully plant-based convenience store. Hangry Planet offers carefully curated snacks, meals, certified organic desserts and more that are sourced and vetted to assure that every product in the store is sustainable, animal product free and cruelty free. This offers a unique experience for mindful consumers who can now shop with a clear conscience and no “fine-print” ingredients or farming reading required, according to Bakhtiari. “As an ecstatic steak and dairy/cheese enthusiast, I was abruptly buzz-killed by the reality of rampant abuse on dairy farms and how I have been blindly fueling abuse via traditional embrace of food choices,” he told Convenience Store News. “Further research on factory farming via AnimalEquality.org solidified the vision to prove that cruelty-free dining can be…

The company wants to install 10,000 high-power charge points in all key markets by 2030 Mercedes-Benz has come to CES in Las Vegas to make a far-reaching announcement. The German carmaker wants to build its own high-power charging network covering North America, Europe, China and other key markets. The North American strategy is the most concrete. Overall, Mercedes-Benz targets installing more than 10,000 ultra-rapid chargers worldwide by the end of this decade. That is when the company wants to be fully electric “wherever market conditions permit,” as reported. The announcement of a Mercedes HPC network now appears to ready the markets for the EV transition, in line with Daimler CEO Ola Källenius belief: “The tipping point is getting closer, and we will be ready as markets switch to electric-only by the end of this decade.” However, the strategic approach to high-power charging differs from the Ionity network Mercedes is running in…

Retailer says Customer Centricity framework offers the best path forward A new year is a great time to think about what’s next in the grocery industry, and that’s exactly what I did this month when I attended the CES Show in Las Vegas. The annual event likes to call itself the most influential tech event in the world, and that’s probably not an exaggeration. The show attracts throngs of people – more than 100,000 attendees and 3,200 exhibitors this year – from all over the world looking to get a glimpse at what the future holds.  Armed with a very good pair of walking shoes, I braved the mobbed halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center to specifically get a peek at the tech innovations likely coming to the grocery industry. I saw plenty of metaverse vendors (“immersive metaverse experience”!), connected fleet technologies, haptic solution providers, hologram customer service kiosks, autonomous grocery…

PERTH, Western Australia, 10 January 2023 – Chevron Australia will donate A$1 million to emergency flood relief and recovery efforts in Western Australia’s Kimberley region following severe flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie. Chevron Australia will also match employee donations dollar-for-dollar with all money raised supporting communities in the region who have experienced destruction and significant property damage. Chevron Australia acting managing director Kory Judd said, “Chevron Australia is committed to supporting Australian communities, particularly in times of need”. “We have all seen the devastation that has occurred in the Kimberley from the flooding, and our thoughts are with the community members who have been impacted, especially the regional, remote and indigenous communities who have been severely affected or become isolated. “On behalf of the company and our workforce, I would also like to send my gratitude to the community members and emergency workers who have courageously battled treacherous conditions to protect…