We're well into the year 2017, and the May 17th deadline for ensuring your store is up to date with new SNAP retailer stocking regulations is fast approaching. If you haven't already, look over the changes that have been made to stocking requirements and make sure your store is carrying all the right products to maintain SNAP retailer eligibility.

Seasonality is more important than you may think to your store’s success. It’s June now and you can surely count on your customers to start coming into your store for those summertime essentials. Sure, your regular customers will likely still visit to pick up their typical items, but many will likely start to change or add to their routine in one way or another. If your store isn’t capitalizing on the opportunity pick up some extra profit on summertime spending, you’ll really be missing out.

Owning and operating your very own business comes with a lot of responsibility, which for some people, can mean a lot of worry. While it can be easy to get caught up in the anxiety of failing or making mistakes, operating your c-store in a constant state of fear could be the reason your business is unsuccessful. Of course, you should always be trying to protect your business and your livelihood, but be aware of the consequences when unhealthy fear begins to take over your mindset.

We really can’t say this enough: Owning and operating a convenience store is a tough job. When you are a single store owner with very little help, this job is even harder. Not only do many c-store owners independently own and operate their store, they are often actually doing the day to day work inside the store too. With a demanding daily workload and the pressure to continue growing and expanding their business, it’s easy for the average c-store owner to become burnt out and lose sight of the...

When someone says “convenient store” or “c-store” some people think of a very small store, often connected to a gas station, filled with snacks and beverages. Many people frequent c-stores for their junk food fixes or grab-and-go meals. However, many business owners are redefining the c-store by making the most of their space and location and giving consumers a broader variety of reasons to come to their store. Now, with the right approach and effort, c-store owners can turn their store into...

Recently, the USDA passed a new rule regarding minimum stock requirements for SNAP authorized retailers. The changes to the rule are significant, but should not be very difficult for convenience store owners to comply with.

One of the toughest, yet most important, responsibilities that comes with being the owner and operator of a convenience store is keeping your store stocked with all of the products your customers want and need. This task is especially difficult when you’re a single store owner with nowhere near the same resources as the large chains and franchises. Many single store owners are left deciding whether they should just purchase their inventory from the local wholesale or club store, rather than...

Today, there are roughly 44.2 million Americans receiving food stamp benefits, including children. With an average of $125 in benefits being issued to each individual in the program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical part of the federal aid available to low income Americans. Over the years, the program has evolved a great deal and as changes continue to be made it’s important for both benefit recipients and the retailers that accept the benefits as payment for...

Tax Season is well underway, and while most of us would probably like to think about taxes as little as possible, it’s important that both you and your store are ready. Between filing your own business’ tax returns and your consumers filing theirs, there is plenty to consider between now and April 18th.

It’s 2017 and W-2s have been printed and mailed. While you’re planning for you own tax obligations, be aware that many consumers are filing their own taxes and likely receiving a refund. According to IRS data, “8 out of 10 US taxpayers will get a refund averaging just under $3,000”1. Often, these lump sums become the driving force behind a lot of irregular consumer spending habits. There are a lot of ways you can put your c-store in the position to make the most of this tax season.