The5For

Hey there, c-store operators and industry enthusiasts! Welcome back to The 5 For, your quick dive into the news shaping our world. Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, brought us some interesting insights, from the continued dominance of food service to crucial reminders about who our customers really are. Let’s jump in!

Here are The 5 For May 13th:

1. Casey’s Proves It’s About More Than Just Gas

We’ve been talking about the evolution of the convenience store for years, and Casey’s continues to be a prime example of a chain successfully transforming itself into a food destination. A recent piece highlighted just how much their customers are craving their pizza – it’s not just an add-on anymore, it’s a significant draw.

The Impact: This reinforces the idea that a strong, fresh food program can be a major differentiator and revenue driver, moving beyond the traditional fuel and roller grill model. Customers are looking for convenience in grabbing a meal, not just a snack or a tank of gas.

What You Should Do: If you haven’t already, seriously evaluate your food service offerings. Can you expand? Can you improve quality? Think about what local customers are missing and how you can fill that gap. Pizza might not be your answer, but finding your own food niche is key. Investing in a quality food program, even a small one to start, can build customer loyalty and increase basket size significantly.

2. Don’t Forget Who Got You Here: The Mature Audience

In the hustle to attract younger demographics, it’s easy to overlook the loyal customers who have been with you for years. A reminder surfaced this week about the importance of engaging with mature audiences. This demographic often has significant purchasing power and values reliability and personal service.

The Impact: Ignoring older customers means leaving money on the table and potentially alienating a stable customer base. Their shopping habits and media consumption might differ from younger groups, requiring tailored approaches.

What You Should Do: Review your marketing and in-store experience. Are your promotions accessible and easy to understand for all age groups? Is your store layout easy to navigate? Consider targeted advertising in local print or radio, or even in-store events that appeal to this group. Don’t underestimate the power of friendly service and a personal touch – something that resonates strongly with mature customers.

3. Memorial Day Travel Set to Be HUGE

Get ready for a busy one! Projections for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend indicate a record number of travelers will be hitting the roads. This is fantastic news for convenience stores, particularly those located on key travel routes.

The Impact: Increased traffic means higher demand for fuel, snacks, drinks, last-minute travel supplies, and of course, restrooms. It’s a prime opportunity to maximize sales volume.

What You Should Do: Start planning now! Ensure you have adequate stock of high-demand items like bottled water, soda, chips, and travel snacks. Check your fuel levels and make sure pumps are in good working order. Staff up accordingly to handle the increased customer flow efficiently. Make sure your restrooms are spotless – a clean store is a welcoming store for weary travelers! Consider running special promotions on popular travel items.

4. NACS Voices Support for Tax Reconciliation Legislation

Our industry’s voice in Washington is important. NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) showed support for tax reconciliation legislation that includes provisions beneficial to convenience retailers, such as making the 199A qualified business income deduction permanent and increasing bonus depreciation.

The Impact: Favorable tax laws can significantly impact your bottom line, reducing tax burdens and encouraging investment in your business through things like accelerated depreciation on new equipment or store upgrades.

What You Should Do: While you don’t need to become a tax policy expert overnight, staying informed about legislative efforts that affect small businesses and the convenience store industry is crucial. Support industry associations like NACS that advocate on your behalf. Understanding potential tax benefits can also inform your investment decisions for the future. See more here.

5. Stinker Stores Named CStore Decisions 2025 Chain of the Year

A big congratulations to Stinker Stores for being recognized as Chain of the Year by CStore Decisions! This kind of recognition highlights excellence in the industry and offers insights into what makes a successful chain tick.

The Impact: Stinker Stores’ success likely stems from a combination of factors – maybe it’s their operational efficiency, innovative offerings, strong company culture, or deep community ties. Their achievement provides a case study for others in the industry.

What You Should Do: Take a look at what Stinker Stores is doing. Read articles about their strategies and philosophy. What can you learn from their success? You don’t need to copy them exactly, but identifying best practices in areas like technology adoption, employee engagement, or community involvement can inspire improvements in your own operations.

Bonus Item: The Rise of News Influencers

This one is a bit broader, coming from a Teen Vogue piece, but it’s worth thinking about in the context of reaching future customers. The article discusses how younger people are increasingly getting their news from social media influencers.

The Impact: While you’re likely not going to hire a TikTok news influencer to promote your latest coffee flavor, this trend speaks to the changing landscape of information consumption. This change is especially notable among younger demographics. It highlights the power of social media and the influence of trusted voices (even if “news” influencers are a complex topic).

What You Should Do: This is less about direct action and more about understanding the evolving media habits of younger consumers. If attracting a younger crowd is part of your strategy, consider where they spend their time online. Determine how you can have a relevant presence there. This can be achieved through engaging social media content about your products or local events. It’s a reminder that reaching future customers requires understanding their world.

The Bottom Line

That wraps up The 5 For May 13th! Lots to think about this week, from capitalizing on travel surges to ensuring your business is built on a strong foundation of great food and attentive service for all your customers.

What are your thoughts on these stories? How are you preparing for the Memorial Day rush? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay smart and keep those doors open!