Emily Boes

Cleveland, Ohio

Senior Editor at WTWH Media LLC

Senior Editor at Convenience Store Decisions

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Articles

Tobacco Shows Resilience Amid Regulation

1 week ago | cstoredecisions.com | Emily Boes

While cigarettes and smokeless tobacco took the largest share of tobacco dollars over the last year, cigars brought home $4 billion in sales at c-stores, remaining relatively flat overall, according to Circana. During the 12 weeks ending April 20, cigars dipped 3.7% in dollar sales and 9.4% in unit sales. Little cigars saw the greatest decrease in sales in the category (-29.5%), a trend echoed over the past year (-42.2%).
Modern Oral Nicotine Transforms the Backbar

2 weeks ago | cstoredecisions.com | Emily Boes

At Stillwater, Okla.-based OnCue, with 73 stores in Oklahoma and Texas, traditional oral products are seeing marginal declines as tobacco consumers transition to the modern oral nicotine pouch category, “which has obviously been on fire here as of late,” noted Chris Stevenson, category manager — tobacco and center store, OnCue. Nicotine pouch growth played a key role in helping to stabilize the overall tobacco category for the chain.
Cigarette Sales Slip, But Still Reign in Tobacco Category

2 weeks ago | cstoredecisions.com | Emily Boes

The top-selling segment among tobacco users, cigarettes, has seen a major shift in popularity over the past several years, with sales dropping as fewer customers indulge. Still, it will be some time before its top spot is overtaken. At Stillwater, Okla.-based OnCue, with 73 stores in Oklahoma and Texas, cigarette sales are declining across all channels. Despite this, Q1 2025 has seen a stronger start than Q1 2024.
Tobacco Outlook: Alternatives & Regulations

2 weeks ago | cstoredecisions.com | Emily Boes

A long-established player in the convenience store market, the tobacco customer has watched the category pivot and adjust on an as-needed basis, whether due to regulations, price increases or an influx of alternative choices. For years, regulations have been a point of contention for convenience store retailers, and a growing health-focused mindset has led to the introduction of nicotine-free and tobacco-free items.
Why Merchandising Matters for C-Store Retailers

3 weeks ago | cstoredecisions.com | Emily Boes

Strategic merchandising is an essential tool for increasing basket size and share of wallet. Customer time spent in-store at convenience stores isn’t usually long, and retailers must make the most of this time. By optimizing store layout and product placement, retailers can better their chances of higher sales and customer satisfaction.
Tobacco-Free, Nicotine-Free Alternatives Gain Ground in Convenience Retail

3 weeks ago | cstoredecisions.com | Emily Boes

The tobacco-free and nicotine-free segment is growing among tobacco consumers as factors such as health and inventory influence customer purchasing trends. Movement Fuels, with 14 locations across Texas and plans to expand, noticed customer interest grow significantly. “We had a customer who wanted to stop using nicotine at home because of his kids,” said Munira Mirmamadova, regional store manager at the chain. “He started with one of our herbal pouches and stuck with it.
Alabama Bans Most Vape From C-Stores

1 month ago | cstoredecisions.com | Emily Boes

Alabama delivered a blow to convenience store tobacco sets on May 14. The Governor signed HB8, which, among many provisions, allows most e-cigarette products to only be sold at specialty stores, according to NATO News. These are defined as having 50% of inventory in vapor products and alternative nicotine products. Only vape products that have received a marketing granted order via pre-market tobacco product application (PMTA) can be sold at c-stores.
Chicken Combo Special

1 month ago | cstoredecisions.com | Emily Boes

Krispy Krunchy Chicken is offering a deal now featuring its new Chicken Nuggets. The $5.99 Your Choice Combo offers incredible value with the choice of a select chicken item plus krispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside potato wedges. Guests can choose from the juicy new Chicken Nuggets, Cajun Chicken Sandwich, three-piece Bone-In Chicken or three-piece Chicken Tenders. At Krispy Krunchy Chicken, quality is a top priority, while continuing to focus on value and craveability.
Cubby’s Adapts With AI Audio

1 month ago | cstoredecisions.com | Emily Boes

Technology innovation is constant, allowing retailers new ways to better the customer and employee experience, create a smoother and more convenient interaction, and perform more efficiently. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been the backbone to many of these new endeavors, and for 35-store chain Cubby’s, that’s no different.
Casey’s Coffee Chatbot Drives Engagement

1 month ago | cstoredecisions.com | Emily Boes

The conversation in the convenience store industry about technology implementation and experimentation inevitably leads to one hot-button phrase: artificial intelligence (AI). And c-stores nationwide are determining how they can best mold AI for their specific goals. Casey’s, with 2,900 stores in 20 states, had two goals: educate customers on the chain’s new Darn Good Coffee lineup and increase interaction with and delight customers.