The rise of more complex and digitized supply chains is leading to an uptick in risks. Supply chains and retail landscapes are getting more digital, but not all companies are adapting. In fact, too many seem to be turning a blind eye. In a survey from the 2023 Convenience Store News Technology Study, only 38 percent of respondents called improving data security a top business priority. As we enter 2025, the new year presents an opportunity for convenience store leaders to learn more about the key cybersecurity threats and what can be done to mitigate these threats. The Supply Chain is the Priority As supply chains become more complex and digitized, bad actors are seizing on opportunities for cyberattacks — and there are many more than most retailers realize. Consider the recent discovery of vulnerabilities in automatic tank gauge (ATG) industrial control systems (ICS). Researchers revealed critical vulnerabilities in six ATG…

Z Energy is rolling out a nationwide upgrade of its retail sites, with renovations set to continue until 2026. The project, which began in 2022, aims to modernise store layouts and improve the customer experience. Tim Bailey, Head of Retail at Z Energy, said the role of service stations is evolving. “With our highly mobile population, busy lifestyles and increasing desire for fresh and convenient food and drink, service stations are becoming as much about fuelling people as they are about fuelling vehicles.” One of the key changes is an expanded focus on coffee, with trained baristas and distinctive orange group-handle coffee machines installed across Z stores. “A lot of people design their mission around where they’re going to grab that cup of coffee,” Bailey said. “Our coffee business has grown really well off the back of that.” The upgrades also include additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at selected…

The local industry registered its fourth consecutive year of growth thanks to both a rise in sales as well as in the number of outlets throughout the country. Convenience store sales in Japan reached a record high of 11,795.3 billion yen in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth, according to the Japan Franchise Association. The strong performance was driven by several factors, including increased demand from international visitors to Japan. Soft drinks and other products also saw strong sales, fueled by an extended period of hot weather throughout the year. By the end of 2024, the number of c-stores in Japan had increased to 55,736, an increase of 23 stores compared to the previous year. On a same-store basis, sales grew by 1.1% compared to the previous year. The rise in customers, which increased by 0.9%, was attributed to the expansion of low-priced products and the introduction of…

Nestlé Australia has unveiled a new $30 million investment in its Campbellfield factory in Victoria, the home of KitKat. The state-of-the-art technology will bring digital and AI capabilities that will improve the iconic KitKat wafer, and enable further KitKat innovation, while also supporting an increased production capacity. Nestlé General Manager Confectionery, Andrew Lawrey, shared that the investment is testament to Nestlé’s ongoing support for local manufacturing and to delivering new and delicious flavours for consumers. “KitKat fans love to see new ways to break – and the new technology we have installed in our factory allows us to create new flavours and fillings, textures and tastes! “Part of the investment is a new wafer oven, which will enhance the entire KitKat range by improving our wafer quality. We’re excited that this new technology will help us to deliver a crispier, more consistent ‘snap’ – the iconic break that KitKat is famous for. “There is a slight change in our wafer…

AI, customer loyalty, ordering platforms and employee feedback took center stage. The National Retail Federation (NRF) held its annual conference and expo at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, January 12-14. 1: AI Everywhere AI, of course, was extremely present—like Toshiba’s MxP Vision Kiosk. Toshiba described it as an “innovative self-checkout kiosk that utilizes computer vision and AI to automatically identify items at checkout for a faster, more efficient and seamless shopping experience. Part of the new MxP portfolio, this solution offers simplified and accurate checkout for shoppers and opt-in biometric payment options to expedite the checkout experience.” During the “Retailers moving from vision to value with AI” education session, Carrie Tharp, VP of global solutions and industries at Google Cloud, discussed how AI is constantly evolving and changing how retailers can utilize it to connect with customers, enhance customer service and personalize shopping. “Generative AI will be…