Now that Summer has arrived, shoppers are reaching for cold and satisfying treats to help deal with the rising temperatures. With gas prices at all-time lows, customers are able to spend more money on the food items they want inside of c-stores. When it comes to frozen treats customers are becoming more selective when deciding which items they want. Many customers are opting for premium brands or more expensive healthier options, selecting the right cold products is important to continue...

In 2016, it was estimated that almost $7 billion would be spent on food for the Fourth of July. Otherwise known as America's Independence day, this holiday has become an annual time of relaxation and celebration with family and loved ones. With most spending the holiday eating, it is important that you are carrying the holiday essentials. Here are our top six item categories that customers will be looking for to celebrate the Fourth of July this year.

In 2016, it was predicted that 35 percent of Americans are planning to take a family vacation 50 miles or more away from home. With so many people traveling you need to make sure your store is appealing so that customers are more likely to stop in and make a purchase.

In January 2017, 63.8 percent of c-store shoppers made a candy or gum purchase. This makes your customers' favorite sugar cravings an important category in your c-store. Learning about who they are and why they are buying can help you offer the best selection.

The convenience industry is an exciting fast paced world where owner's can look forward to exciting growth in the coming years. Within the last thirty years the number of c-stores has dramatically increased by 63%, showing that people are taking advantage of how profitable owning a convenience store can be.

Jack Link's has rolled out a whole new twist on their famous meat links. Now introducing a breakfast line with high and complete protein meat that will allow customers to enjoy Jack Link's any time of day. Jack Link's A.M. will allow customers to pick from bacon or sausage flavors that will appeal to a variety of tastebuds. Their goal was to create an innovative product for the breakfast category, something with options for everyone. From sweet to salty to smoky, Jack Link's A.M. is a diverse...

Rewards programs are emerging as one of the most helpful tools that c-store's can use to keep customers coming in. Rewarding your customers for being loyal is not just for big chains anymore. Creating a program can be easy and stress-free if you have the right information and tools.

By 2018 there will be more mobile devices than people on the planet. This means that mobile is one of the easiest ways to communicate and build relationships with your customers. A mobile application for your store will allow you to engage with them in their preferred method of communication, and explore a whole new way of marketing products in your c-store.

Ravi Patel is the owner of Little Giant convenience store in Calhoun, Georgia. For the last six years, Patel has strived to make his business better than his competition by going above and beyond in the areas of customer service and convenience.

Candy dollar sales are predicted to grow 1.8 percent in 2017. Take advantage of this growth by learning the current trends that customers will want to buy from your c-store.