Positive feedback from marketers, retailers and consumers [image-nocss] in Florida compelled CITGO to expand the reach and give away even more phone cards through its locally owned operations, it said.
More than 75% of CITGO retailers participating in the phone card program in Miami and Tampa, Fla., credit the phone cards for directly increasing fuel sales and encouraging consumers to visit the c-store and make additional purchases, said the company. Specific retailers have noted that the program generates new customers, it added, and one Florida retailer witnessed increased fuel sales of more than 3,000 gallons per month.
The program is supported by telecommunications firm Poplar Telecom Group, who provides phone cards and access to its international telecommunications network. Since the launch of the program in May 2008, nearly six million international phone cards have been distributed through local CITGO stations. The new programs in Wisconsin and New York will give away nearly two million more phone cards to CITGO customers.
"Poplar Telecom Group's partnership with CITGO has been a fantastic opportunity to provide more support to the network of local CITGO marketers and retailers," said Eddy Gorrin, operations manager with Poplar Telecom Group. "Our products not only help build relationships across the local communities, they also help drive convenience store traffic and sales of all products, including gas, groceries, lotto and, of course, phone cards."
The CITGO international phone card program was developed in alignment with the principles of competitiveness of its shareholder, Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PdVSA), the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. It has a network of nearly 7,000 local CITGO operations. The company is owned by PDV America Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of PdVSA.
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.