Topics: Operations

Dare to Be Different: Victron Energy Stands Out with Customized Locations

Differentiation can be the key to gaining a competitive advantage, and Victron Energy has gone all in on standing out. “My dad liked to call Victron Energy the custom home builders of convenience stores," said Mohamed Sharaf, who handles the company's business development, while speaking at NATSO Connect. "We want to build and make our customers, locals and travelers going through feel like each location is completely customized to the city or town it is located in.” More

Two Ideas to Make it Easy for Professional Drivers to Park and Get Food at Your Travel Center

Adding convenience for drivers can help boost sales and grow wallet share, and two NATSO members shared simple yet effective strategies they are using to leverage their customers' behaviors, drive revenue growth and build loyalty. More

FRANdata Shares Research: How Truck Stops and Travel Centers Can Grow Their Business with Franchise Partners

Franchisors are in growth mode. With great foot traffic, ideal space, and an openness to partnering, truck stops and travel centers are a great fit. In this episode of "The Truck Stops Here," host Amy Toner invites guests Edith Wiseman, President, FRANData and Christina Niu, Director of Research from FranData to discuss their recent research project for NATSO. More

RVers are Hitting the Road, Travel Centers are Ready

The recreational vehicle industry has been experiencing nearly 45 years of long-term growth but saw a spike in traffic due to the pandemic, creating an opportunity for travel centers to serve them. “RV customers are an untapped potential. Oftentimes, these customers are retirees with extra time and more disposable income. They purchase a large number of gallons and are an opportunity for additional general merchandise and food sales,” Darren Schulte, NATSO’s vice president, membership, said. More

Great Ideas in Action: Shelf Lights at Travel Centers Make Products Pop

The right lighting can enhance the in-store experience, boost sales and spur loyalty. Cameron Cloeter, founder and president of Lighting for Impact, has seen the addition of shelf lighting boost sales by anywhere from 3% to 40% because it entices customers to shop and draws their attention to the products. More

Sprint Mart’s New Travel Center Is Extra Special

Sprint Mart opened a new 16,000-square-foot travel center in Vance, Alabama this year. Herb Hargraves, Sprint Mart's chief operating officer, joined Amy Toner, executive director of the NATSO Foundation, on the podcast to share the great things happening at the new Sprint Mart. It boasts a 150-seat diner, a huge bakery, its proprietary grab-and-go fried chicken and catfish program Chix and 15 cooler doors. Its forecourt includes 12 gasoline pumps and five diesel lanes. More

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee to Mark Up the REPAIR Act

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) announced that the subcommittee will markup 16 bills on Nov. 2, including H.R. 906, the REPAIR Act. More

Key Findings in New Study of Professional Driver Behavior at Truck Stops and Travel Centers

Gather the key findings on how often professional drivers fuel, rest and shop at travel centers during their work week, what brings them inside and their expectations around wait times, employee interaction, and food and loyalty preferences. More

Ideas to Reduce Shrink at Your Travel Center as Retail Theft Increases

Isaiah Britt, merchandising manager for Donna’s Truck Stop in Marysville, Washington, said shrink of even small items can add up to big losses. “If you’re stealing $100 from me, that has a bigger impact than if you’re stealing from Walmart,” he said. More

A Look at JJ’s Travel Plaza, Family Owned and Operated Since 1980

Nick Stanley, vice president of JJ’s, joined the podcast to talk about the family-owned and operated convenience store and travel plaza JJ's, which is headquartered in Huntington, Indiana. More

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