LAS VEGAS -- Another day, another collection of words of wisdom. Here’s a look at some of what CSP Daily News’ editors learned, overheard and observed during the second day of the 2014 NACS Show in Las Vegas.
From CSP’s Retail Leader of the Year Dinner
- Father Sam J. Susser: Sam L. Susser was “the best 10-year-old golfer in the country.”
- Daughter Sophie Susser: “My dad taught me everything I know with patience and purpose.”
- Sam L. Susser himself: “I’m flattered and appreciative for the comments made tonight, but I’m also smart enough not to let it go to my head.”
Price Sensitivity
Consumers are very good at accurately guessing the current price of gas, but they are not so good at remembering from where they are trending. What is consistent: the percentage who say gas prices have an impact on their feelings about the economy, which hovers around 85%. And typically, price becomes a proxy for the product.
Numbers for Thought
Of the about 1.3 million hours of work put in at Tedeschi Food Shops c-stores in 2013, almost 1 million were from part-timers. “Our part-timers are touching our customers more often than all other [employees],” said Tedeschi’s Roger Ahlfeld. “Maybe we should start thinking about the difference in how [those employees] are treated.”
Thick as a Brick
Human resources consultant Terry McKenna urged retailers at the Strategy Implementation vs. Execution session to find the "loose brick" in their competitors' facades, and then exploit that fissure. How can you outdo them in an area where they're clearly the weakest?
From the Show Floor
One common innovation theme in beverages: Reaching out to new drinking occasions. The evidence: Monster’s caffeine-free Unleaded; Coca-Cola’s growing line of non-carbonated beverages, including, this year, milk(!); Sparkling Ice with its new line of lightly carbonated iced teas.
Know Your Competition
Some jerky companies have decided they're not comparing themselves to other jerky companies. Krave stacks up its calorie and protein count next to salty snacks; the company is clearly going after, and winning, female consumers, considering half of its consumers have two X chromosomes. Same goes for Fusion Jerky, which talks up its all-natural, no preservatives varieties, including a chicken jerky.
Is It Just Me or ...
Are the costumed characters organizing against us? CSP saw Mr. Peanut and the Kool-Aid guy almost come to blows, but then embrace. The Pringles-guy seemed to have something on his mind other than formed chips. And the Tastykake creature? Frankly, I think it's the leader of this uprising. That "face" seemed way too aware.
College Bound
When it comes to testing a new menu item, Cumberland Farms goes through Penn State’s sensory panel. "So it's not five guys sitting around a room saying I liked it or I didn't like it."—Keith Boston, Cumberland Gulf Group
Mobile Control
Controlling fuel pumps via mobile link: It’s just like watching your home via a remote camera and a smartphone app. That day is coming soon, according to a Gilbarco rep.
Consumers: They’re Just Like Us
While consumers may say price is the most important factor in their fuel purchase decision, data show that several factors, from price to location to a site's operational performance influence the final choice.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.