The following summary and its attached report are the tenth in ongoing series by the W. Capra Data Science team on the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on the industries we service over time. The previous reports can be found in the following links: first report, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth.…
Category: PETRO+
COVID-19 Accelerates Digital Momentum
This article originally appeared in the online edition of CStore Decisions, written by contributor Erin Del Conte. CStore Decisions’ online content can be found here. As the COVID-19 pandemic rolled across the U.S., convenience stores with frictionless checkout or order-ahead options found themselves ahead of the curve in adapting to social distancing requirements while still…
Why Not to Delay Your AFD EMV Implementation
If you are old enough, you might remember when there were no cards. Merchants transacted through cash, and service stations were no different. In order to save money and avoid risk, many countries, especially those “in development” continue to transact via cash only. In many countries that have decided to pursue card acceptance, even adopting EMV…
Protect Your Sites Before the Wolves Arrive
This is not an article about the Outdoor EMV liability shift for gas stations. It is not about how all the major card brands announced they are pushing back the compliance date until mid-April 2021. This is an article reminding you that no matter when the liability shift finally happens, if you have financial responsibility…
W. Capra Announces Newest Associate Director
CHICAGO–W. Capra Consulting Group, the leading retail technology, payments and strategic implementation consultancy is excited to announce the promotion of Susan Chan to Associate Director – Retail Petroleum Architecture and Assurance. “Sue has a unique ability to use her deep knowledge and natural leadership ability to help convenience and fuel retailers navigate the challenging technology…
Nonstop, Look & Listen
This article originally appeared in the CStore Decisions. CStore Decisions’ online content can be found here. “Epic Convenience” was the title for my planned remarks for the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association (NECSEMA) annual expo, which I didn’t get to share because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But I was prepared to share…
POS Opportunities Expand
This article originally appeared in the online edition of CStore Decisions. CStore Decisions’ online content can be found here. In 2020, new point-of-sale (POS) solutions, including frictionless solutions, are giving c-store retailers much to consider. “Retailers continue to be confronted by POS solution providers’ attention to delivering software to support EuroPay, Mastercard and Visa (EMV)…
The Epic & Evolving Convenience of C-Stores
W. Capra’s Ed Collupy* had been invited by the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association (NECSEMA) to speak at their 2020 annual Expo on the latest technologies in the Convenience / Petro industry. The event was unfortunately cancelled due to current circumstances. Ed’s remarks were to be titled “Epic Convenience.” He’d prepared an…
Analysis of the Texas AFD Anti-Skimming Regulation
Introduction to the Regulation On September 1st, 2019 Texas Legislature created Chapter 607 of the Texas Business and Commerce code related to card skimmers on automated fuel dispensers (AFDs). This chapter requires petroleum merchants to implement procedures to prevent, detect, and report the installation of skimmers on their unattended AFDs. The Office of the Attorney…
C-store Operators Move Technology Investments to the Must-Have Column
This article originally appeared in a print edition of Convenience Store News, written by contributor Melissa Kress. Convenience Store News’ online content can be found here. Not that long ago, technology initiatives were a nice-to-have in the convenience channel, a bonus to stand out in the competitive set. But today, convenience store operators are moving technology from…
Averting the Digital Dilemma
This article originally appeared in a print edition of Convenience Store News, written by contributor Thomas Malloy. Convenience Store News’ online content can be found here. Most c-store operators are by now already familiar with the Internet of Things (IoT). Small sensors and tiny tech machines talk to each other and to us via our…
Defend Against Dollar Stores: C-stores can protect their turf against value retailers by focusing on strengths and differentiation
This article originally appeared in a print edition of Convenience Store News, written by contributor Tammy Mastroberte. Convenience Store News’ online content can be found here. Convenience Store Operators face competition from within the industry, as well as outside of it. This includes quick-service restaurants, drugstores and the expanding dollar store market. While dollar stores…