More than 20,000 attendees from 60-plus countries were in attendance at this year’s National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show, which took place Oct. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Despite the number of hurdles that it has faced within the past year, the convenience store channel still is holding steady, experts note.

Amp Energy, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc., teamed up with professional racecar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. to develop a new sour-grape-flavored energy drink called Dale Jr. Sour.

Although craft beer case and dollar sales came in at a distant third to domestics and imports during the 52 weeks ending Dec. 29, 2013, in Information Resources Inc. (IRI)-measured channels, the burgeoning segment is making strides to garner more of that market share.

As consumers rush to finish their holiday shopping, they say they will rely more on convenience stores for beverages and snacks, stocking stuffers, party items and cash from ATMs, according to a consumer survey released by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), Alexandria, Va.

Thirty years ago, many consumers had a negative perception OF buying food at a gas station.

 The environment is looking up for convenience stores, and particularly for beverages sold in the channel.  

Catalina Marketing Services announced that it is expanding its nationwide point-of-sale (POS) media network into convenience stores at the National Association of Convenience Stores Show in Chicago. The expansion follows a successful pilot program with technology partner Outsite Networks.