by John Keller | Jun 11, 2014 | Fuel Price Management Solutions, Fuel Pricing Software, Fuel Pricing Technology, Fuel Software, Industry News
Shell Oil Company has added the NCR Radiant POS (RPOS) as a new option for Shell Branded Wholesalers. Shell retailers can now opt for a complete software, hardware and services solution from NCR to reduce costs and enhance customer service.
Shell branded wholesalers not only have a new choice to handle the everyday transactions inside the store and at the fuel pump, but also handle the demands of complex food service operations.
“Consumers have a variety of choices today when it comes to fueling and convenience,” said Eric Stecker, vice president and general manager, Petroleum and Convenience, NCR Retail. “We can now offer Shell branded wholesalers the RPOS solution, allowing them to add mobile, tablet, cloud, and food service solutions that can dramatically reduce wait times, increase customer satisfaction and increase efficiency of operations. NCR looks forward to helping Shell create an improved customer experience – one that separates their service from competitors.”
This is exciting news for PriceAdvantage because NCR Radiant has been a strong integration partner for many years. PriceAdvantage customers including Sheetz, Rutter’s, and Royal Farms have been executing their PriceAdvantage retail fuel price changes through the Radiant POS since 2007 with full confirmation feedback. Now that Shell Oil has added NCR Radiant to their list of available POS systems, we look forward to offering our solution to every Shell fuel retailer.
by John Keller | Jun 6, 2014 | Customer News, Fuel Pricing Software, Industry News
For the first time, a US company has won the International Convenience Retailer of the Year award – Rutter’s was named the winner by the National Association of Convenience Stores in London.
“We’ve been very fortunate to be recognized by both our customers as well as our industry peers as the best not only locally in our central Pennsylvania marketplace, but also nationally and now internationally,” said Rutter’s CEO, Scott Hartman, “when you consider the impressive companies that entered, we take great pride in winning such a prestigious award and it feels especially great to know that we’re the first chain to bring this recognition home to the U.S.”
We at PriceAdvantage couldn’t be more proud. We’ve been working with Rutter’s since 2007, and they have been a great partner. View a short video here to listen to Gabe Olives, vice chair of Conexxus and a member of the PriceAdvantage Customer Advisory Board, explain why Rutter’s selected PriceAdvantage.
This prestigious award recognizes technology leadership as part of their criteria, so it feels good to contribute to their success. Congratulations Rutter’s!
by John Keller | May 30, 2014 | Fuel Price Management Solutions, Fuel Pricing Software, Industry News, Retail Fuel Margins
May finished with a whimper as retail fuel margins dropped $0.023 per gallon according to the OPIS report released today. The average retail fuel margin across the US is now $0.165 per gallon, returning to the level last seen four weeks ago.
The year to date average is $0.162 while the Q2 average is $0.168 and the six week average is $0.185.
This equivalent week last year, retail fuel margins jumped $0.09 per gallon. With the drop this year and the increase last year, the current retail fuel margin now stands $0.053 per gallon below this time last year. That marks the first time since May 2 that retail fuel margins this year are below last year.
Now that the Memorial Day holiday is behind us, we settle into the strong and steady summer driving volumes. From a fuel price management perspective, that means careful monitoring of margins and using every trick of the trade to maximize and optimize so we can get the most of what this season has to offer. Often times that means making multiple price changes in a single day, especially when the store manager at the competitor across the street has gone home for the day and there is no one there to respond to your price changes. Thanks to the patented technology licensed exclusively to PriceAdvantage, rapid and frequent price changes are as easy as clicking a mouse and watching the magic happen.
by John Keller | May 19, 2014 | Fuel Price Management, Fuel Pricing Software, Industry News
According to AAA, the number of Memorial Day vacationers driving 50 miles or more this year will increase 1.5% over last year to the second highest level since 2000. The report defines the Memorial Day travel period as Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26.
“As the economy continues to improve at a slow and steady pace consumer spending, disposable income, consumer confidence and the employment outlook are trending up which is welcomed news for the travel industry,” said Marshall L. Doney, AAA Chief Operating Officer.
There is a free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android where GPS navigation helps travelers map a route, find current gas prices and discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. The gas prices displayed on the app are supplied by OPIS.
What does this mean from a fuel price management perspective? On a nationwide scale, fuel volumes should be higher than last year for the five day period of May 22 to May 26. If current retail fuel margin levels remain the same, the average retail fuel margin will be approximately $0.12 per gallon higher than last year over the Memorial Day weekend. That means we have the potential for significant profit improvements over last year for these five days.
It also means the savvy fuel retailer can make the most of this weekend by making sure the latest fuel prices are displayed on the gas price apps fed by OPIS and GasBuddy. PriceAdvantage customers such as Rutter’s and Parker’s will be using their integrations to make sure their prices are displayed prominently to the Memorial Day travelers.
by John Keller | Apr 23, 2014 | Customer News, Fuel Price Management Solutions, Fuel Pricing Software, Fuel Pricing Technology, Fuel Software, PriceAdvantage
PriceAdvantage customer in the news: Sheetz President and CEO Joe Sheetz has been named the vice chairman of the National Association of Convenience Stores’ (NACS) Research Committee. This announcement was reported by Convenience Store Decisions here.
This NACS committee directs the NACS research and development initiatives and programs to promote the ongoing competitive viability of the channel.
“I am honored to be entrusted with the leadership of my family’s company,” said Joe Sheetz. “The vision of my uncles Bob and Steve fueled Sheetz for more than 60 years, not only to stay in business, but to help move the entire industry forward. Add to that the drive and focus Stan brought to this position and I suddenly find myself with quite a legacy to preserve.”
Sheetz Inc. operates more than 460 locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina, and is regarded as one of the industry’s best c-store companies.
Sheetz has been a PriceAdvantage customer since 2009, when they estimated PriceAdvantage would save them $141,000 each year, as well as add 50 hours of customer face time per year for each store manager. The combined solution of PriceAdvantage with Skyline electronic price signs has been a tremendous success for both Sheetz and PriceAdvantage over the years.
The PriceAdvantage team is proud of our partnership with Sheetz, and we look forward to our continued joint success as we lead the c-store industry together.
by John Keller | Apr 18, 2014 | Customer News, Fuel Pricing Software, Fuel Software, Industry News
PriceAdvantage customer Rutter’s has won many accolades for a range of North American awards. Now Rutter’s is a nominee for convenience retailer of the year, one of only two nominees from the United States among a list of 14 nominees representing countries throughout Europe and South America.
The NACS Insight Convenience Retailer of the Year award recognizes excellence in convenience and forecourt retailing on an international stage by celebrating the best convenience retail formats from around the world.
People, technology, rewards and food are the key elements in Rutter’s strategy of delivering a world-class convenience store. The PriceAdvantage team has worked closely with Rutter’s for seven years, and we can speak from first hand experience that their use of technology is second to none.
Check out the Rutter’s entry here. We think their entry is so compelling, you won’t be able to resist casting your vote for Rutter’s.
