Convenience stores saw record sales in stores in 2023, according to newly released data from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). Total convenience industry sales in 2023 were $859.8 billion, of which $327.6 were from in-store sales. The average basket—what customers spent per visit—increased 3.7% to $7.80. Overall, total industry foodservice sales—which includes prepared food; commissary; and hot, cold and frozen dispensed beverages—represented 26.9% of in-store sales, up 1.3 percentage points in 2023 from the year prior. Profits from foodservice were even more impressive: 37.3% of total in-store profits. Four of the five categories that comprise foodservice made the top 10 in-store sales categories, led by prepared food, which grew 12.2% to $51,500 per store per month, making it the No. 1 category for in-store sales. Other foodservice categories in the top 10 were hot dispensed beverages, cold dispensed beverages and commissary items. Convenience stores, which sell an estimated 80%…

The first self-serve table­top bubble-tea machine has launched for conveni­ence stores, with each cup sold generating nearly £5 in profit. Blue Ice Machines be­gan promoting the Bub­ble Bliss machines last month, showcasing the equipment to retailers at the Booker trade show and online. The machine offers three flavours of the pop­ular soft drink, weighs 41kg, and is 60cm wide, 43cm deep and 71cm high. It costs £2,620 plus VAT. Alternatively, it is available through leasing for £98 a month, plus VAT. It includes a holder for cups and straws. A separate machine to seal the soft drinks is re­quired, measuring 34cm wide, 25cm deep and 64cm tall. Both require a standard electrical supply to operate. Available flavours in­clude mango, strawberry, peach, lychee, raspberry, watermelon and passion­fruit, with green apple, classic pearl and kiwi flavours to come. Custom­ers can also add sachets of tapioca balls to the drinks. Pricing The company recom­mends retailers charge…

Amazon is phasing out its Just Walk Out cashier-less technology at grocery stores, reported The Information. After an 18-month pause, the e-commerce giant is getting ready to open a new batch of Amazon grocery stores, albeit without the grab-and-go checkout system that relied on cameras and sensors capturing what consumers left with. Instead, it will introduce Dash Carts, which allow shoppers to scan their groceries as they move through the store, keeping a running tab of purchases. Tony Hoggett, Amazon’s senior vice president of grocery stores, told The Information that “Amazon will also revamp the majority of its existing Fresh locations into ‘version two’ stores … removing Just Walk Out where it’s already installed while sprucing up the stores across the board.” The Information noted that, according to Hoggett, Amazon has already overhauled a handful of its Fresh stores in California and Illinois into version two stores, which also feature brighter…

Victoria will finally set up a tobacco licensing scheme, more than two years after it was recommended, as part of a crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade that has sparked a spate of fire bombings. Premier Jacinta Allan told Raf Epstein on ABC Mornings that the government was working a new licensing scheme with legislation set to be introduced by the end of 2024. “We’re working through the different areas of government. This is one of those areas of government that covers a few different agencies. There’s health, there’s justice, there’s police, there’s a whole range of different areas that are intersecting,” Ms Allan said. There will be a period of consultation, the premier said. “There’s many of these small businesses who run a small business and we’ve got to make sure that we support them on this change because many of the shops that sell cigarettes, there’s many other…

7-Eleven International announced the successful completion of its acquisition of 7-Eleven Australia convenience stores.  “We are thrilled to become one team and create stronger synergy with 7-Eleven Australia. For nearly 50 years, the 7-Eleven Australia team has built the legacy of the brand as a top choice for convenience. Together, we can enhance customer experience in the store,”  said Ken Wakabayashi, President and CEO of 7-Eleven International. The two companies agreed to the $1.11 billion deal in November 2023, and now the international company has added more than 750 stores in the country to its portfolio. Both parties identified opportunities to transform the Aussie company’s merchandise and fuel offer, expand product assortment and introduce new high-quality fresh foods. “It is about continuing to grow our store network in Australia and providing unrivaled customer experiences and quality products,” said Angus McKay, 7-Eleven Australia CEO and Managing Director. With the successful transition…

Viva Energy is set to embark on a $250 million-plus revamp of its network of convenience stories and fuel stations to adapt them to the transitioning demands of its customers after wrapping up its $1.215 billion takeover of South Australia’s OTR Group. Chief executive Scott Wyatt said the acquisition, announced last April, not only immediately provided Viva with 226 additional convenience stores but also offered the opportunity to take an extremely successful proven offer in South Australia and roll it out nationwide. Viva, partly owned by commodities trader Vitol, owns the Shell-branded network of petrol stations. Over the next five years, Viva will overhaul its existing network of Coles Express stores, refreshing and rebranding them under the “On the Run” name and with a stronger focus on food to suit the changing demands of customers and the gradual shift towards electric vehicles. “It’s really about transforming our business from being a fuel…