Car IQ links with PDI to expand c-store payment network

The partnership will make vehicle-recognition payments for fleet owners available to more retailers across the country.

By Jeff Wells • June 28, 2023

Mapco unveils refreshed mobile app

The new tile, which includes personalized rewards, mobile fuel pay and a car racing game, has garnered more than 100,000 downloads in its first month.

By Jeff Wells • June 27, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from C-Store Dive

Top 5 stories from C-Store Dive 2023/2024

By C-Store Dive staff

Circle K pilots new augmented reality ads in Pokémon Go

The retailer recently served up a tie-in with the popular game that prompted users to head to their nearest store for a cup of coffee.

By Jessica Deyo , Jeff Wells • June 27, 2023

VenHub to open automated c-store in 2024

A pilot of the technology company’s robotics-based store is expected to open in three cities early in the year before expanding into the broader market.

By Jessica Loder • June 23, 2023

Parkland redesigns website and company branding

Among the new additions to the webpage is a simpler navigation interface to learn about each of the company’s three business units.

By Brett Dworski • June 23, 2023

Shell updates payment technology for 13,000 US sites

The technology from Gilbarco Veeder-Root will update payment touchpoints in both the forecourt and inside stores. 

By Jessica Loder • June 20, 2023

Pilot brings digital diesel payments to over 800 locations

Relay Payments’ app-based system uses secure codes to make transactions, allowing drivers to avoid worries about fraud, said Spencer Barkoff, the company’s co-founder and president.

By Jessica Loder • June 16, 2023

Nouria Energy debuts new mobile app

The New England retailer joins a growing list of c-store operators investing in their digital capabilities to boost loyalty and customer experiences.

By Brett Dworski • June 15, 2023

Shell investigating after EV charging network data found unprotected

The database, which is now inaccessible, reportedly contained contact information and addresses but not payment, passport or Social Security info.

By Jessica Loder • June 13, 2023

Aldi launches ‘virtual convenience store’

Aldi Express, which touts 30-minute delivery and a selection of nearly 2,000 items, joins similar Instacart-powered services from grocers like Kroger.

By Peyton Bigora , Jeff Wells • June 2, 2023

Warrenton Oil debuts car wash subscription program

The program covers the retailer’s 17 carwash locations and one spot that services trucks and other large vehicles.

By Jessica Loder • June 2, 2023

Instacart begins nationwide rollout of ChatGPT search tool

The tool allows customers to find products as well as recipes, food prep tips and more using “natural language” instead of keyword-based searches. 

By Catherine Douglas Moran • May 31, 2023

4 labor-saving foodservice tech solutions from the NRA Show

From a hand scanner that detects contaminates to a robot arm that can fry, salt and package food, technology is transforming the back of house.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 26, 2023

Stinker Stores to enhance loyalty program through customization and AI

Through a partnership with PAR Technology, the retailer will dig deeper into analytics and personalize offers to customers, the chain’s marketing director said in an interview.

By Jessica Loder • May 25, 2023

Yesway outlines new store formats as part of ‘aggressive’ growth plans

The company is “tinkering” with alternative store models like a superette and a frictionless nano store, CMO Derek Gaskins said at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.

By Brett Dworski • May 24, 2023

Thorntons adds fuel discount to rewards program

The program offers 5 cents off each gallon of gasoline when users fill up and weekly Flash Fuel offers of up to 20 cents off, with a cap of 35 gallons.

By Jessica Loder • May 19, 2023

What can retailers learn from Casey’s loyalty refresh?

An analyst who has worked on the retailer’s rewards program discusses its latest platform upgrade and where he sees c-store loyalty heading.

By Brett Dworski , Jessica Loder • May 18, 2023

The Road Ahead: Is computer vision being applied to the wrong problem?

The best way to take advantage of innovation may not be with flashy checkout tech, but revolutionizing inventory, reordering and other data-heavy tasks, writes columnist Frank Beard.

By Frank Beard • May 18, 2023

Casey’s revamps loyalty app

The refreshed platform makes it easier for members to track points, redeem rewards and check their lifetime savings totals.

By Brett Dworski • May 17, 2023

Road Ranger seeks to boost visits through cash-back app

The travel center company joins a number of other c-store chains that have partnered with Upside, including Casey’s, Circle K and Stinker Stores. 

By Jessica Loder • May 17, 2023

Stinker Stores pilots customer feedback technology

The platform collects input through smiley boxes, multiple choice buttons and QR codes placed around the four stores included in the test.

By Brett Dworski • May 15, 2023

Casey’s hires retail planning firm to improve supply chain, store layout

Relex, which has experience working with Circle K and Kwik Trip, uses AI to automate replenishment of items, reduce waste and improve usage of space.

By Jessica Loder • May 15, 2023

C-stores face the demographic cliff

C-store operators are facing an upcoming “demographic cliff” expected in 2030, but new technology can help.

May 15, 2023

Energy Mart adds Amazon One contactless payments

This is the second c-store chain to feature the palm-scanning technology, which has also rolled out to sports arenas and Amazon’s own brick-and-mortar retail locations.

By Jessica Loder • May 11, 2023

Back to Basics: How to build a sparkling car wash business

C-stores with enough space and a high-traffic location can add a fresh revenue stream — but handling maintenance and steep upfront costs can be tricky, experts say.

By Danielle McLean • May 10, 2023