Convenience Matters

Gas station visits have evolved from a "have to" to "want to" trip. Gone are the days when dad filled up the tank while the family waited in the car. Now, people WANT to go in the store and retailers must embrace that inside experience to keep up. Hear 2020 consumer survey results on gas-buying habits. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

One in 10 Americans has a food allergy. Dining out and traveling can be extremely challenging if food establishments, convenience stores and products don't contain accurate allergen information. Hear resources available to ensure you keep these customers for life. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Lindsay Buchanan, Marketing Coordinator, NACS

Since 1970, NACS has been publishing industry data, helping convenience retailers and their suppliers improve their businesses through benchmarking. Retailers evolved from counting cars to find the right corner for a store to today’s highly-detailed analysis of products, expenses and more. Hear from leading retailers and researchers as we journey from past to present and on to what the future may hold. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS 

People have turned to Consumer Reports for decades for reliable, unbiased and well-tested recommendations for products, including cars. This week we talked about electric, crossover and ICE vehicles and what consumers want and what they're really buying. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Over the past decade, electric vehicles have been a transportation hot topic. In this episode, we talk about customer trends, investing in electric vehicle charging equipment and if customers even want it. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

Ignoring the October 2020 deadline to accept chip cards at the gas pump could be a costly mistake. Hear why retailers shouldn't sit this one out. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Would you go back to a store where they genuinely cared about you, your pet, your hobbies and sold your favorite coffee and food? This guest knows you will. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

How do you wow customers? With enthusiastic employees, with product experiences they can touch and feel and a little nostalgia. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Customers trust that the fuel they're putting in their car is flawless, keeping their vehicle running smoothly and safely. And, station owners need to take proper steps to maintain the integrity and cleanliness of their storage tanks to eliminate corrosion and particles. Find out why proper maintenance for both is important. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

Relying only on demographics to stereotype customers might not be the best way to truly personalize their experience. Do you know what they really like, how they feel and what they value? Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

Breakfast needs to be convenient, fast and easy and it certainly doesn't hurt for it to be healthy. Hear about some convenience stores helping customers have great mornings! Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Vehicles and fuel types are evolving and some of those changes will come on rapidly in the new decade. How should retailers incorporate renewable, low carbon fuels into retail sales while still maximizing profit margins and competitive edge? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

Brand strategy is more than just a new logo or design. Brand is every way that a company communicates, what it stands for and a promise delivered to customers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

One out of five jobs is considered a 'bad job'. In this episode, we'll find out how to offer 'good jobs' which translates to great employees and happy customers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

The term sustainability has become a catch-all for seemingly everything - recycling, energy, EVs, CSR, packaging, etc. How do you know what to tackle and how can it actually save you money? Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS

What exactly is CBD? Can you sell it or buy it in stores legally? Can you eat it and pass a drug test? Learn about CBD, hemp, THC and how to stay on the right side of the law. Hosted by: Stephanie Sikorski, Vice President of Marketing, NACS and Erin Pressley, Vice President Education and Media, NACS

Liquid fuels continue to be the primary source of transportation power in the U.S. Hear where the liquid fuels market is today, what's available and what's next. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

Keeping food safe and customers healthy goes beyond just food and includes clean kitchens, bathroom and employees. Learn some things that you might not have thought of. Don't forget - don't touch the key! Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS

Create a customer experience that differentiates your store and delivers sustainable results. How can you become the “business of choice” that rocks? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Daymond John is not only a pioneer in the fashion industry but also a shark on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” multiple New York Times bestselling author and branding guru. He shares how a “can-do” attitude is necessary for continued success in life and in the convenience industry. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute