ELECTRIC-VEHICLE OWNERS WANT THE FULL GAS STATION EXPERIENCE

EV drivers want to trust their car to the man who wears the star, according to study that reveals what kind of locations they envision for their recharging needs. Current public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) are far from meeting consumer wants and expectations, according to data from AutoPacific’s recent EV Consumer Insights Study. And it appears that EV drivers want to trust their car to the man who wears the star, just like in the Texaco ads of old. EV consumers have a long list of charging station attributes that are important to them and what the ideal public charging station should look like. From easy-to-see and -read charging speed and pricing signage to offering additional basic vehicle care services such as windshield cleaner, air pumps for filling tires and vacuums, future EV consumers would like a public charging experience that more closely mirrors traditional gas stations and fueling facilities. Although…

Read More

PEAK RETAIL CRIME COMMITTEE WELCOMES WA PREMIER’STOUGHER PENALTIES FOR OFFENDERS

The leaders of the nation’s peak retail crime committee including the National Retail Association (NRA), the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) and the Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) have welcomed tougher measures announced by the Western Australian Government to combat shoplifting and petty theft. In welcoming the proposed new laws, including the introduction of jail sentences for low level stealing offences of up to two years, and increasing fines to $24,000 the leaders of the NRA Retail Crime Committee said such measures are a necessary requirement to address the concerning rising trend and issues associated with retail crime. Lindsay Carroll, Acting Chief Executive Officer, NRA said: “The NRA’s Retail Crime Committee has worked closely with the WA Police Force to highlight the need for additional deterrents for offenders, including sentencing reform. “The proposed reforms target low value, high frequency offending which plague a significant section of the retail…

Read More

2024 – A KEY YEAR FOR FURTHER RETAIL CRIME COLLABORATION

The National Retail Association (NRA), the Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) and the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), are gearing up for another year of working collaboratively on retail crime issues and are open to welcoming new members and attendees. The NRA’s Retail Crime Committee is a longstanding forum which engages closely with Police Forces across the country, retailers and landlords, and key stakeholders such as the Shop Assistants’ Union (SDA), to discuss and resolve retail crime issues, including policy and operational issues, through a collaborative partnership. Sadly, incidences of retail crime – whether they be opportunistic retail theft, violent behaviour, or organised crime – have been increasing with a significant business and community impacts. In their 2023 wrap-up, the following issues were raised by the industry: In locking in their 2024 calendar, the NRA’s Retail Crime Committee meetings will be held across all jurisdictions. This year, new…

Read More

THE 4 TRENDS SHAPING E-COMMERCE IN 2024

In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world, understanding your audience is the key to success. Our 2023 Online Consumer Behaviour Global Report takes you on a journey through the minds of today’s shoppers, uncovering their preferences, motivations, and online shopping trends. Whether you’re a brand or a marketplace, our report provides the knowledge you need to make informed, data-driven decisions and drive your strategies forward. Get detailed insights into the shopping habits of global shoppers. Download your copy here. 

Read More

NEW RESEARCH REVEALS DUNKLEY VOTERS WANT ACTION ON BLACK MARKET VAPING CRISIS

New research reveals Dunkley voters want action on Black Market Vaping Crisis. A new survey commissioned by the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has revealed Dunkley voters overwhelmingly want vaping products to be strictly regulated in the same way as alcohol and tobacco – and they’ll base their vote on it. The survey of 601 Dunkley voters conducted from February 9 -12 found: Summary results are available on the next page. An open invitation is provided to all Dunkleycandidates to receive a briefing from AACS on the full survey results. Theo Foukkare is available for interview on 0423 003 133

Read More

JAPAN’S FAMILYMART DEPLOYS CLEANING ROBOTS AT 300 C-STORES

The new machines also will carry products for sale as the country’s workforce shrinks. Japan’s FamilyMart has begun using robots to clean floors as the country’s second-largest convenience retailer faces a labor shortage, reported Nikkei Asia. The robots will be rolled out at 300 company-operated stores nationwide by the end of February. According to the company, the move is a first for major convenience stores in Japan. FamilyMart began introducing the robots at some stores in late January and will make them available to franchise locations for a monthly fee from April onward. Each robot cleans the floor five times a day—a task that store staffers do three times a day for a total of about an hour. This will free up time for employees to do such tasks as stocking shelves and training. “As the workforce decreases, we would like to coexist with robots in order to run stores with…

Read More