CHRONICLE NEWSLETTER SOUTH TEXAS MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OCTOBER 2023
STMA CHRONICLES TABLE OF CONTENTS STMA vendor contact list � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3 Featured stores of the month � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6 - 7 Convenience Foodservice Retailers Urged to Find Their Niche � � � 12 - 13 In The Box October 2023 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 22 October 2023 Promo Sheet � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 23 Convenience Store Retailers Urged to Take Up Fight Against � � � � 20 - 21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS RIYAZ MOMIN Director IMTIYAZ PRASLA Director ARIF MOHAMMED Director BAHADUR RATNANI Director RAFIK MOMIN Director AHMED BADARPURA President NAUSHADALI MAREDIA Vice. President INAYAT MOMIN Hon. Secretary SHAUKAT MOMIN Treasurer OCTOBER 2023 2 STMA Newsletter October 2023
SOUTH TEXAS MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION VENDOR CONTACT LIST COMPANY VENDOR CONTACT NAME EMAIL ADDRESS PHONE NUMBER ALKA HYDRATE WATER ADRIAN MENDIOLA [email protected] 210-385-9264 AMCOM RESEARCH COMPANY BRYAN HENN 412-401-0938 BIG RED (KDP) BENNY JARAMILLO [email protected] 210-669-5360 BIG RED (KDP) DARRYL LEMEAR [email protected] 512-851-6997 BIMBO BACKERY EXPRESS SOUTH RECARDO GONZALEZ [email protected] 510-755-0495 BIMBO BACKERY EXPRESS SOUTH JESSE APOLINAR [email protected] 210-849-5543 BLUE RHINO ROLAND PUREVICH [email protected] 317-919-6992 BLUEBONNET ICE CREAM MELODI ROUHANI - 972-251-2100 BLUEBONNET ICE CREAM BRIAN YBARBO bybarbo@bluebonne�cecream.com 210-267-2799 BREEDEN BENEFIT GROUP TENA GARCIA [email protected] 512-567-9797 BREEDEN BENEFIT GROUP DARELL BREEDEN [email protected] 512-567-9797 BUGS HUNTERS PEST CONTROL INC SILVIA BURGESS [email protected] 210-816-0284 C4 ENERGY MARCUS GONZALEZ [email protected] 210-897-8779 C4 ENERGY MIKE GUTMAN [email protected] 940-315-6523 CELSIUS ENERGY JOE LUETGE [email protected] 561-765-0059 CELSIUS ENERGY ERICH KLEEMAN [email protected] 830-456-1738 CINTAS RYAN WILHITE [email protected] 210-648-3075 CINTAS FIRE JERMY MOYE - 832-641-6693 COKE BRIAN KELLEY [email protected] 210-749-9075 COINCLOUD BITCOIN RICH CARETSKTY - 305-582-0178 COKE JERMY SCHMITTOU jeremy.schmi�[email protected] 210-487-1736 CONGO BRANDS (PRIME AND ALANI) MEGAN DIMAS [email protected] 210-324-3519 ELECTROLIT USA SEAN CUNNINGHAM [email protected] 713-791-4659 EMPIRE PAYTECH KARISHMA SHARIF 713-979-6585 ESSENTIA WATER CHARLONDA MCDONALD [email protected] [email protected] 214-236-7960 EVAMOR WATER GLENN CARTER [email protected] 210-837-1093 FIJI WATER KEN JONES [email protected] 346-386-9842 FRITO LAY EMILY SCHWARTZKOPF-GATEWOOD [email protected] 618-314-3300 GLAZERS - For Alcholic Products Distribu�ons JJ GONZALEZ [email protected] 210-887-8667 GLAZERS - For Non Alcholic Products Distribu�ons JUSTIN TUCKERS jus�[email protected] 210-838-3741 HILAND DAIRY FOODS CURTIS HAMPSTEN [email protected] 210-380-0127 LAW SECURITY PAM WOOD - 210-771-7714 MEXICAN SNACKS MARIO GODINEZ [email protected] 956-440-9127 MODISOFT ZARIFA ARIFI admin@modiso�.com 281-201-6838 NATIONAL BITCOIN KENDALL JASCO 949-329-2845 OCONNOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAX CONSULTANT DEREK PENA [email protected] 210-323-7876 PEPSI KEVIN CUELLAR [email protected] 210-372-3881 PEPSI LARRY MIRELES [email protected] 210-775-8378 PEPSI AYMAN JARADI [email protected] 832-526-7544 PEPSI RAMIRO GARZA [email protected] 210-774-7729 RAPIDXCHANGE SAM HARDIN [email protected] 713-444-1678 REDBULL MANUEL GONZALEZ [email protected] 210-997-2337 REDBULL KENDRA DAVIS [email protected] 210-784-7180 SILVER EAGLE BEVERAGES - For Alcholic Products Distribu�ons DENNIS DIEM [email protected] 210-475-6930 SILVER EAGLE BEVERAGES - For Non Alcholic Products Distribu�ons MARK NAVARRO [email protected] 210-685-6000 SOLVE HR DAN CARDENAS [email protected] 210-912-4002 STMA PRINTING ZEESHAN DHUKA prin�[email protected] 210-672-6006 EXT:109 STMA WAREHOUSE MARIA BEGUM / JASSAD MOMIN [email protected] 210-672-6006 T&D DIST DONA PICE [email protected] 512-755-1068 UPTIME ENERGY TRAVIS WILKERSON twilkerson@up�meenergy.com 409-790-3059 UPTIME ENERGY VENNIE PALMIERI vpalmieri@up�meenergy.com 661-210-9787 WASTE MANAGEMENT CUSTOMER CARE - 800-800-5804 WASTE MANAGEMENT GUZMAN JR. JAMES [email protected] 210-365-9802 XPRESS SANI AARON WOOD [email protected] 210-733-1122 YUMI ICE CREAM GERARDO MORALES [email protected] 120-540-3472 ZEN WATER DUSTIN MEADE dus�[email protected] 832-702-6902 STMA Newsletter October 2023 3
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Houston: 294-0466 EFax: (800) 783-0422 San Antonio: 729-1000 EFax: (800) 783-0422 Mohammed Manji: Mobile: (210) 373-9209 Toll Free: (866) 294-0466 Email: [email protected] Address: 1449 Highway 6 Suite #300 Sugar Land, TX 77478 WebSite: www.empirepaytech.com STMA Newsletter October 2023 5
OF THE MONTH FEATURED STORES TEX STOP STMA ID: 4221 6 STMA Newsletter October 2023
OF THE MONTH FEATURED STORES BIG COUNTRY 103 STMA ID: 4045 STMA Newsletter October 2023 7
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STMA Newsletter October 2023 9
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PepsiCo Confidential 1 October 1st – 3 1st (Frito L a y P10 W 3 – P11W 3) Pro m otio n P P W’s 2 0 2 3 M erc h a n disin g C o m plia n c e o n Pro m otio n Destination: High Traffic Perimeter Accounts $400> In n o v atio n/N e w Ite m Clip Strip s • Accounts with a WSA > $300 • Destination: FEM or UTC All In One Rack or Cardboard Weekender Display to support monthly promotion CMA Sabritas Tree Stores +>$400 Intense PPW TIMING: October 8th 1 Mandated per Store • Accounts with a WSA > $400 • Destination: All in One Rack or high traffic area Doritos Gaming PPW Timing: October 22nd 1 Mandated per Store • Accounts with a WSA > $400 • Destination: All in One Rack or high traffic area Invoice details Promo Timing: 10/01 – 10/31 SDV (cost): $0.83 PA: $0.03 Final Cost: $0.80 Margin: 36% Promo: 2/$2.50 or One for Regular Price $1.39 2/$2.50 $1.39 Gamesa Invoice details Promo Timing: 10/01 – 10/31 SDV (cost): $2.63 PA: $0.24 Final Cost: $2.39 Margin: 20.5% Promo: 2/$6.00 or One for Regular Price $3.59 2/$6 Large Canned Dip Invoice details Promo Timing: 010/01 – 10/31 SDV (cost): $1.98 PA: $0.07 Final Cost: $1.91 Margin: 23.7% Promo: 2/$5.00 or One for Regular Price $2.69 2/$5 Value Line STMA Newsletter October 2023 11
By: Kathleen Furore || Retrieved from: https://csnews.com/convenience-foodservice-retailers-urged-find-their-niche TO KEEP ON TOP OF CONSUMER TRENDS. Pilot Co. CONDUCTS SAMPLE TASTINGS NATIONAL REPORT — Foodservice has become an integral component for today’s convenience store operators. Industry data shows most operators understand its importance. Almost all of the retailers surveyed in the 2023 Convenience Store News Foodservice Study said they sell prepared food and hot dispensed beverages, with prepared food generating the bulk of revenue in the foodservice category — an impressive 54 percent of total foodservice sales. Having foodservice options and differentiating them in ways that drive consumers to your location are different parts of the foodservice puzzle, though, and the only way to complete the picture is to create a program that distinguishes your offerings from your competitors’ “Foodservice has really become the key differentiator for c-stores. Good food is what compels people to seek out and talk about a particular brand — and even drive farther to visit one,” said Peter Losee, vice president of marketing for Bowling Green, Ky.-based Bluegrass Ingredients, which partners with its customers to craft tailored flavors and formulations. “These days, most consumers have multiple stores to choose from on their drive home from work or when they’re out running errands. The right food can compel a consumer to pull into one store over another, whether that’s a busy mom or dad looking to get gas and a healthy take-and-heat dinner for the family or a working millennial who may be making multiple stops in a single day,” he added. And increasing foot traffic isn’t the only benefit differentiation delivers. It also is key to “building loyalty in short order” and ultimately boosting the bottom line, according to Losee. “Foodservice offerings,” he said, “can serve as an important revenue opportunity for c-stores often constrained by tightly controlled and competitive prices.” Recent numbers show just how significant a revenue opportunity those offerings can be. Foodservice sales industrywide were up 19.5 percent in 2022, marking the second consecutive year of stellar convenience foodservice sales, according to the 2023 CSNews Industry Report, while the average gain in foodservice sales per store was $54,956, driven by an additional $44,845 per store from prepared foods. ARTICLE 2023 OCTOBER CONVENIENCE FOODSERVICE RETAILERS URGED TO FIND THEIR NICHE 12 STMA Newsletter October 2023
IDEAS THAT DIFFERENTIATE So, what are some specific ways c-store operators can differentiate their foodservice offerings to stand out in what has become a crowded and competitive category? Upgrading menus in ways that move past oldschool convenience store fare is a good place to start. “The industry is quickly leaving hot dog rollers and microwaves behind in favor of much more appetizing options. Prepared food and commissary kitchens have really taken things to the next level in recent years,” Losee said. “It starts with food that looks and tastes good — food that’s healthy and easy to serve and eat. There are competitive advantages to be found in healthier options, higher-quality options, more variety, and more.” Healthier options, in fact, offer a big opportunity for retailers willing and able to commit to quality offerings, data shows. Among health-conscious and health-neutral shoppers, only 41 percent said they are somewhat satisfied with the selection of healthy/better-for-you foods at c-stores, leaving room for improvement, according to CSNews shopper research. Continually monitoring trends can help c-store operators plan foodservice programs that will be ready when a burgeoning trend becomes a mainstream one. “For c-stores, it’s really all about staying one step ahead of that target consumer,” explained Losee, who noted that Bluegrass Ingredients’ culinary and R&D experts perform that kind of monitoring “to keep our customers one step ahead of what’s coming. It is an approach Pilot Co. takes, according to Jamie King, senior director of food and beverage for the Knoxville, Tenn.- based travel center chain with more than 870 locations serving an average of 1.3 million guests per day. What foodservice trends are tracking currently? “On the flavor front, the dominant trend is all about fueling enhanced experiences. Consumers — especially the increasingly influential Gen Z cohort — want bold new flavor combinations they can share with friends in person and on social media,” Losee reported. “That’s a real opportunity for c-stores, which already have a head start in the snacking space where these new flavor innovations fit naturally.” Paying attention to daypart trends is another way retailers can ensure their foodservice menu includes not only items customers crave, but also some that stand out from what they can find a few miles down the road. Purchase incidence of breakfast sandwiches, for example, jumped over the last year, putting them ahead of c-store standards like pizza and hot dogs, according to the 2023 CSNews Realities of the Aisle Study, an annual look at c-store shopper behavior. King confirmed that Pilot has been tracking this trend over the past few years and, as a result, the retailer “curated breakfast offerings that are perfect for the morning commute — think of burritos, which are easy to eat while on the road, as well as our recent Sausage Waffler, a syrupy waffle sandwich with sausage, egg and cheese.” Value is also an integral component to consider when transforming trends into standout foodservice offerings. The percentage of shoppers who said they didn’t buy prepared food at a c-store in the last month because it was too expensive jumped 15 points year over year, according to the Realities of the Aisle Study. Price/value is now the No. 1 factor shoppers list as being important to them when purchasing prepared food at a c-store. The value trend is something Bluegrass’ experts are seeing, too. “One trend that we’re particularly focused on as an ingredients provider is around reengineering value. Reformulations in ingredients and recipes can help enhance flavors to match evolving consumer demands, while better navigating challenges like supply chain shortages or surging costs,” Losee said TRACKING TRENDS STMA Newsletter October 2023 13
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1 4 case minimum buy Quantity discount per package Program Dates: September 1, thru December 31, 2023 GOAL: Grow evamor distribution within STMA member accounts Offer #1: Buy 3-32oz single bottle cases, Get 1 case FREE (Free case will reflect in off- invoice discount) (No mix and match on sizes) Offer #2: Buy 3-64oz single bottle cases, Get 3 cases FREE (Free case will reflect in off - invoice discount) Quantity discount per package 6 case minimum buy (No mix and match on sizes) evamor Artesian Water; Buy / Get Offers 32oz UPC Program Front Line Price Disc/case = free case Case Cost Unit Cost Sug. Retail Margin Penny Profit 7 47525 20032 Buy 3, Get 1 FREE $21.00 $5.25 $15.75 $1.31 $2.49 47.4% $14.16 64oz UPC Program Front Line Price Disc/case = free case Case Cost Unit Cost Sug. Retail Margin Penny Profit 7 47525 20064 Buy 3, Get 3 FREE $20.50 $10.25 $10.25 $1.28 $2.49 48.6% $9.68 Financials Dimensions 16.5” X 24” X 53” Holds 12 cases, 84 units 12pk 32oz STMA Newsletter October 2023 15
C4 and STMA October Manager Incentive Incentive Details Partner with STMA managers in the month of October and help grow our C4 sales together awarding the store with the highest Weighted Average Score wins!!!! OBJECTIVE Timing October 2nd – 28th 2023 Pack Types C4 16oz Performance C4 12oz Smart C4 16oz Ultimate Focus All C4 TM Flavors Look of Success C4 STMA store with the highest Weighted Average Score will win (4) tickets to see the San Antonio Spurs as first place • 2nd Place: C4 Neon LED Light and 3rd Place: C4 Smart Car • 4 weeks ending 10/28 to track results • 4 weeks ending 9/30 will be the benchmark • All C4 platforms included • Weekly updates provided • No returns accepted 16 STMA Newsletter October 2023
of likely voters oppose swipe fee reform. All respondents to the survey had to have at least one credit card and report that they were either “very likely” or “absolutely certain” to vote in the 2024 election for president and other offices. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. MPC released the survey results during a virtual news conference held by the American Economic Liberties Project, Americans for Financial Reform, the Institute for Self-Reliance, Small Business Rising and other consumer and small business groups. The event was held to call upon Congress to pass the Credit Card Competition Act, with multiple organizations that recently sent a letter to Capitol Hill endorsing the measure taking part. The MPC noted that in addition to its survey, research released by the National Retail Federation on Sept. 15 found that 81 percent of consumers support federal legislation that would allow for greater competition to lower credit card swipe fees for small businesses. Additionally, 73 percent of consumers trust small businesses over large banks when advocating for policies that impact consumers. The Merchants Payments Coalition represents retailers, supermarkets, convenience stores, gasoline stations, online merchants and others fighting for a more competitive and transparent card system that is fair to consumers and merchants. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Retailers aren’t the only ones concerned with high swipe fees. Nearly two-thirds of likely voters support credit card swipe fee reform, according to a new survey released today by the Merchants Payments Coalition (MPC). “These numbers show that bringing competition to outof-control swipe fees is a priority for consumers, not just merchants,” said Doug Kantor, MPC executive committee member and NACS general counsel. “Consumers are increasingly aware that swipe fees drive up the prices of everything they buy and are going nowhere but up. They want Congress to stand up against global credit card networks and Wall Street banks and put American families first. Regardless of political affiliation or age, consumers want lawmakers to pass the Credit Card Competition Act. The survey of nearly 1,000 U.S. adults, conducted by Pierpont Consulting & Analytics LLC, found that 65 percent of those interviewed support swipe fee reform. This decisive support applied across party lines, including 69 percent of Democrats, 66 percent of independents and 60 percent of Republicans, along with 67 percent of those 35 and older and 56 percent of those who are younger. By: Angela Hanson || Retrieved from: https://csnews.com/consumers-echo-support-credit-card-swipe-fee-reform REFLECT BIPARTISAN SUPPORT ARTICLE 2023 OCTOBER FOR THE CREDIT CARD COMPETITION ACT. New survey results CONSUMERS ECHO SUPPORT FOR CREDIT CARD SWIPE FEE REFORM JUST 27 PERCENT STMA Newsletter October 2023 17
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The bill would direct the Federal Reserve to ensure that the largest credit card-issuing banks offer a choice of at least two networks over which an electronic credit transaction may be processed. Sens. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) joined Durbin and Marshall in introducing the legislation. WASHINGTON, D.C. — The legislative fight over the cost of doing business with credit and debit cards wages on in the convenience channel and in the halls of Capitol Hill. NACS is urging convenience retailers to bring a grassroots movement in support of the Credit Card Competition Act to its stores. If passed, the Credit Card Competition Act would result in $15 billion in savings annually, which totals about $9,000 per convenience store per year, according to the association. As part of the campaign, NACS is asking c-store retailers to install pump toppers and window displays — which are available for download on the association’s website. Retailers can choose from multiples versions and sizes. The downloads also include a “thank you” sign for retailers to display if its congressional representative already supports the legislation. “We’re fighting inflation in America, and Visa and Mastercard are on the other side of the battle. Consumers and retailers are trying to keep prices down. Visa and Mastercard are trying to run them up with a fee they charge for each transaction,” Durbin said in a Sept. 13 speech on the Senate floor. We’re fighting By: Melissa Kress || Retrieved from: https://csnews.com/convenience-store-retailers-urged-take-fight-against-swipe-fees A NACS GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN ARTICLE 2023 OCTOBER CONVENIENCE STORE RETAILERS URGED TO TAKE UP FIGHT AGAINST SWIPE FEES COMES AS VISA AND MASTERCARD ARE SET TO HIKE THE FEES. 20 STMA Newsletter October 2023
Editor’s note: American consumers today are concerned about inflation and the high prices of groceries and gas. What they may not know is that the fees charged when they use their credit card, known as swipe fees, are adding to this problem,” Durbin said. “Each time a credit card is used — whether for groceries, gasoline, critical drugs, or anything else — Visa and Mastercard charge an interchange fee. Some of that they keep for themselves, but most of it is given to the bank that issued the card. TO TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL The opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of Convenience Store News. Editor’s note: According to the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), merchants paid 20-plus percent more on credit card swipe fees in 2022 vs. 2021, resulting in a total of $93.2 billion in credit card interchange fees. Retailers are fed-up with the outrageous fees charged by Visa, Mastercard and Wall Street banks for credit card transactions. These fees are already exorbitant and are based on a broken system —Visa and Mastercard keep increasing them because there is no competition allowed in the market to stop them,” said Austen Jensen, RILA executive vice president. Congress needs to act and put an end to this duopoly by passing the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act which will inject more competition into the credit card market,” Jensen added. Visa and Mastercard set the fees on behalf of thousands of banks and tell merchants, the retailers, the restaurants to take it or leave it. Merchants have no real choice but to accept the outrageous fees if they want to have credit cards used by their customers. There is no negotiation or competition. Small business owners and consumers, take it or leave it, are holding the bag,” he added. STMA Newsletter October 2023 21
SPANNER POSTER COOLER DO0R DECALS SHELF TALKER IN THE STMA BOX OCTOBER 2023 22 STMA Newsletter October 2023
GET IN TOUCH ADDRESS 12054 Starcrest DR. San antonio. TX-78247 HOURS OF OPERATION: Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm STMA WHOLESALE: Ph: (210) 672 6006 STMA PRINTING Ph: (210) 672-6006 EXT:109 STMA COOP OFFICE Ph: (210) 826 3786 Fax: (210) 672 2898 www.mystma.com QUEST FUEL Branding (210)-383-2829 Dispatch (210)-632-1894 Invoicing (210)-672-6039 SOUTH TEXAS MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION