O'Connell Oil Looking to Sell
February 13, 2008 -- A deal is in the works to merger the Massachusetts-based c-store operator with Lehigh Gas of Bethlehem, Pa. >

U.S. Mint Releases New Presidential Coin
February 13, 2008 -- James Monroe's Virginia home will be the first place to get the new currency. >

Sheetz Promotes New Head of Human Resources
February 13, 2008 -- Stephanie Hoover will succeed Phil Freeman in his role as vice president of human resources. >

Leading Retailers Join Future Forum Lineup
February 13, 2008 -- CSNews' conference provides strategies and tactics for c-stores to defend their turf from outside invaders. >

more news >

Orange 5-Hour Energy
5-Hour Energy, a 2-ounce, energy shot-sized drink, has added a new flavor to its lineup -- Orange. >

more new products >

Hundreds Line Up For Free Gasoline
February 11, 2008 -- Florida church spreads God's word, gives away fuel at 7-Eleven.

"For the first time, Tesco has deployed an operating model which has been planned, installed and is being supported out of India."
-- Meena Ganesh, CEO; Tesco Hindustan, to the Business Standard.

Category Management
COMPETITIVE WATCH
February 11, 2008 -- N.Y. gourmet grocer DeCicco Markets will drop tobacco sales.

Category Management
Hershey Profit Drops in Fourth Quarter
January 25, 2008 -- Focus on brand-building and premium chocolates expected to boost U.S. sales.

As Seen In the February Issue of Convenience Store News:

Thorntons Plans Steady Growth
Chain to add eight to 12 of its 4,000-square-foot fresh market stores to existing markets in 2008

Details of Wal-Mart's Small Format Emerge
This year, Wal-Mart's small-format grocery stores in Arizona will compete with Tesco's new Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets

For more features from the current issue of CSNews, visit the In Print section.

The Latest Post CSNews' Spare Change Blog:
Fuel Margins -- Why Doesn't Our Industry Want Them?
Large- and mid-sized chains need to ask themselves some questions.

CSNews Online reported that light, sweet crude for February delivery achieved a historic milestone of $100 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange earlier this month. What do you think oil prices will do?:

Click here to vote. >

Latest poll results:

Your thoughts on the national economy: What is the possibility of a recession in 2008?

5 percent -- not going to happen -- 17%
25 percent -- 29%
50 percent -- 19%
75 percent -- 15%
95 percent -- almost guaranteed -- 20%

TOTAL RESPONSE - 82

Convenience Store News 2007 Industry Report
Industry sales rose by 12 percent to a record $523.9 billion in 2006, according to the Convenience Store News 2007 Industry Report. Through revealing retailer surveys and extensive statistical data, the report probes the total convenience industry picture, and examines the trends and sales results of the key merchandise and foodservice categories.

Convenience Store News 2008 Forecast Study
With the value of the dollar falling, the housing market bubble bursting and the worries of recession and inflation, consumer confidence is on the wane. These factors coupled with volatile gas prices have chilled c-store retailers expectations of consumer spending inside their stores. How will this affect the c-store industry and your business. This pdf contains the results of CSNews 5th annual Forecast Study, including a macroeconomic projection expected market conditions in 2008 and the impact they will have on sales, profit and growth of five major categories: motor fuels, tobacco, packaged beverages, snacks and confections.