Joe Sheetz shares how the retail chain examines market trends and adjusts its long-term strategy in the latest NACS Convenience Matters podcast NACS Online With 500-plus convenience stores throughout six states, Sheetz is one of the most successful convenience retailers in the country. From its popular MTO sandwich program, to its work with the Partnership…
By Brad Tuttle // Money America first? That hasn’t been the case lately when it comes to booze. The surging strength of the U.S. dollar means that wholesale importers have been paying cheaper prices for foreign alcoholic beverages making for higher American consumption of alcohol that’s not homegrown. The Wall Street Journal reported recently that alcohol imports in the U.S.…
By Randall A. Denha, J.D., LL.M.* Donald Trump is now the President, and both chambers of Congress are under Republican control. As such, we appear to be poised for potentially substantial changes in the estate tax, gift tax, generation-skipping transfer tax, and income tax laws. However, as with all other aspects of political life in…
January 25, 2017 – Food retail stores are often the anchors of commerce in urban and rural communities across the state. The Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA) commissioned a study by Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) to better understand the industry’s contribution to the state’s economy. Michigan’s food retail industry…
By ANAHAD O’CONNOR // The New York Times What do households on food stamps buy at the grocery store? The answer was largely a mystery until now. The United States Department of Agriculture, which oversees the $74 billion food stamp program called SNAP, has published a detailed report that provides a glimpse into the shopping…
By Kathy Hayden // Progressive Grocer Despite a lot of attention from investors and media last year, the longevity potential of meal kit delivery programs is still up in the air. These kits have hit a nerve among busy families searching for a way to put a decent dinner on the table, but the pre-planned,…
The latest NACS consumer fuels survey finds that 57% of consumers have a rosy view of the economy NACS Online Consumer optimism remains very strong at the start of 2017 despite a continued rise in gasoline prices. For the third month in a row, a majority of consumers (57%) say they are optimistic about the…
The Food Channel’s Top Ten Food Trends for 2017 predict what’s next in the world of food NACS Online The Food Channel has released its take on the Top Ten Food Trends for 2017, the 29th year in which the editorial staff has looked into its culinary crystal ball to predict what’s next in food.…
Lottery tickets in many states require payment in cash, but some states are considering changing that to accept credit or debit cards NACS Online In many states, you can pay for your gas, snacks and drinks at a convenience store with a credit or debit card, but you can’t buy lottery tickets. Some states are…
West Bloomfield, MI. (DEC.9, 2016) – The Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA) applauded the House passing Senate Bill 853 on Thursday, December 1st. SB 853 would prevent local governments from banning or setting fees for containers like bags, cups, bottles or packaging. If signed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, the bill would take effect 90…