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Hey there, fellow convenience store enthusiasts! Buckle up, because we’re about to take a whirlwind tour of the latest and greatest in the world of quick stops and impulse buys. From high-tech payment systems to mouthwatering treats, 2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer for our beloved convenience stores. So, grab your favorite slushie, and let’s dive into the 5 top newsmakers from Tuesday March 25^th that are redefining ‘convenience’ as we know it!

1. ACI Worldwide and Co-op – Powering Payments for the Future

• First up, it’s always interesting to see how technology is shaping our shopping experiences. Co-op, one of the UK’s big names, has extended its partnership with ACI Worldwide. This means they’ll be using ACI’s Payments Orchestration Platform to handle all their payments – in-store, online, and mobile. Imagine never fumbling for cash or waiting for card transactions again. With this tech upgrade, we might be heading towards a future where our smartphones do all the heavy lifting at checkout. What’s your preferred payment method when you’re in a hurry? https://www.businesswire.com/newsroom/industry/retail/convenience-stores

2. Chevron ExtraMile and Mars Wrigley – A Sweet Success Story

• Okay, let’s talk about something sweet! Chevron ExtraMile and Mars Wrigley have teamed up, and their collaboration has been a huge hit. They’ve seen some seriously impressive confectionery sales, blowing past the regional averages! What’s their secret? Smart placement of those tempting candy displays right above the ice cream bunkers. Genius! Plus, their planogram excellence, thanks to category captaincy, means everything is perfectly organized. Who can resist a well-placed Snickers bar when grabbing ice cream? I know I can’t. It’s always interesting to see how product placement can impact sales. It’s like they’ve cracked the code of our snack cravings! Have you noticed any clever product placements in your local convenience store that made you cave and buy something? https://csnews.com/2025-category-excellence-overall-partnership-chevron-extramile-mars-wrigley

3. KFC and Chick-fil-A – New Flavors and Big Sizes

• Now, for some fast-food fun! KFC has launched the ‘Dunk It Bucket,’ their first new bucket in ages. It’s packed with their classic tenders, fries, and those delicious, mashed potato poppers, plus a range of sauces. It’s like a flavor explosion in a bucket! And speaking of sauces, Chick-fil-A is expanding its retail presence with a new Parmesan Caesar Dressing. Plus, their signature sauce is now available in a massive two-pack at club stores. Perfect for those of us who can’t get enough of that flavor. It seems like the line between fast food and convenience stores is blurring more than ever. Do you think we’ll see more fast-food chains setting up shop in convenience stores soon? https://www.convenience.org/Media/Daily/2025/March/25/4-QSRs-Home-In-on-Sauces_FS

4. 7-Eleven’s Southland Reserve – Cold Brew Tea with a Twist

• Tea lovers, rejoice! 7-Eleven has introduced a new private label cold brew tea line called ‘Southland Reserve,’ and they’ve partnered with AriZona Beverages to make it happen. Cold brew tea? Sounds refreshing! It’s great to see retailers offering unique, high-quality private label options. With 7-Eleven stepping up their beverage game, it makes you wonder – what other unexpected products might we see convenience stores develop next? Gourmet ready meals? Artisanal coffee blends? https://www.convenience.org/Media/Daily/2025/March/25/3-7-Eleven-Releases-Cold-Brew-Tea_CatMan

5. EG America and PAR Retail – Loyalty Gets a Makeover

• Finally, let’s talk loyalty programs. EG America has teamed up with PAR Retail to relaunch their SmartRewards program. They’re using PAR’s loyalty platform to create a more personalized experience for customers. Think membership tiers, exclusive sweepstakes, and even early access to new products. It’s all about rewarding loyal shoppers and making every visit feel special. Currently, loyalty programs are everything. As loyalty programs get smarter, do you think we’ll reach a point where every purchase feels tailor-made for us? It’s exciting, but also a bit mind-boggling! https://www.cspdailynews.com/technologyservices/4-convenience-store-vendor-updates-tech-category

The Bottom Line

So, there you have it – a whirlwind tour of the latest happenings in the convenience retail world. From AI-powered inventory management to sustainable packaging solutions, the convenience store of tomorrow is shaping up to be a tech-savvy, Eco-friendly wonderland. What innovations would you love to see in your local convenience store? A robot barista? A 3D-printed snack machine? What news item caught your attention the most? And what do you hope to see next in the world of convenience? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks for hanging out, and I’ll catch you in the next post!