CANADA’S LEADER IN CONVENIENCE FOODSERVICE Core-Mark
“Core-Mark has established itself as the largest marketer of consumer goods in North America. We are committed to curating one-stop-shop foodservice solutions that empower our operators to grow their business and make their convenience store a foodservice destination.”
John Carbone, SVP Canadian region
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THE RED SEAL PIZZERIA™ PROGRAM
OFFERS OPERATORS A TURNKEY SOLUTION TO OPEN A FULL-SERVICE, MADE-TO-ORDER PIZZERIA DIRECTLY INSIDE THEIR STORE.
What makes it unique is its focus on quality and customization, enabling operators to create unique options using a made-from-scratch approach. Whether it’s a classic slice or a custom creation, this concept allows operators to be flexible, cost-effective and efficient all at once. Operators tailor their menu by being on-trend with local tastes and trends, and with premium ingredients such as a frozen oven-rising dough crust, rich sauce, creamy cheese, and a range of flavourful toppings. The program also includes offerings such as chicken sandwiches and tenders, as well as Italian sub and sandwich products allowing businesses to diversify according to consumer preferences. This program includes the following components that will help set you apart from others:
CUSTOMIZED EQUIPMENT PACKAGES: Tailored options for low, medium, and high-volume locations.
MARKETING SUPPORT:
Creative menu boards and point-of-sale signage to boost sales and attract customers.
SMALLWARES, DISPOSABLES AND PACKAGING: All the essentials required to execute a smooth pizza program.
SALES SUPPORT:
Information and training from experts on implementation,program videos, and point-of-sale materials.
From setup to execution, The Red Seal Pizzeria™ program provides operators everything needed to launch and grow a promising in-store pizzeria. Contact your Core-Mark Sales Representative to learn more and get started.
PEOPLE AND THE PLANET
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN, PRODUCTS + PRACTICES
COOL TECH FOR ENGAGING FRONT-LINE WORKERS PROTEIN CRAVINGS GIVE MEAT SNACKS A BOOST IS YOUR AUTO CARE + ACCESSORIES AISLE ROAD TRIP READY?
C-STORE IQ PURCHASING REPORT: CONVENIENCE UNPACKED
There’s
Style meets substance: Convenience stakeholders are reimagining store design with eco-conscious innovations. From building materials to energy-efficient refrigeration and more, the c-store of the future is being built with people, the planet and profitability in mind
CSNC EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Comprised of leading retail executives and convenience operators, this volunteer group of industry champions offer advice, key insights and on-the-ground perspectives that serve as an invaluable resource to ensure content is relevant and meets the needs of the industry. Want to join? Reach out to Michelle Warren!
Robbie Broda, Little Short Stop Stores
Marc Goodman, 7-Eleven Canada
Leslie Gordon, Circle K
Laurie & Randy Ure, Ure’s Country Kitchen
Frozen assets: The convenience channel is well positioned to recapture market share by turning up the heat on sales of slushies and related beverages
Purchasing
Sustainability + Buy Local Report: Actions big and
Photo highlights from the 2025 event
Meat and greet: Whether it’s jerky, sticks or minis, consumers are reaching for meat snacks as they seek protein-rich foods and savoury bites
Pit stop: As people across Canada embrace domestic travel, ensure your auto care and accessories sections are road trip ready
Combat shoplifting by engaging school-age customers: C-stores have an opportunity to create a win-win by building relationships
Heroism not altruism: For consumers, making sustainable food and beverage choices has never been more convenient and that’s good news for the channel
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ACCOUNT MANAGER Juan Chacon jchacon@ensembleiq.com
DESIGN | PRODUCTION | MARKETING CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nancy Peterman npeterman@ensembleiq.com
ART DIRECTOR Jackie Shipley jshipley@ensembleiq.com
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CORPORATE OFFICERS
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AS I WRITE THIS, uncertainty looms. Global unrest, tariff wars, economic upheaval and a federal election are creating challenges for people and businesses across Canada. Challenge seems like a trite word when individuals’ livelihoods (and in some cases their very being) are under threat from forces that are, for the most part, out of their control.
That said, you’ll notice we are not focusing solely on these issues on the pages of the magazine. Too much is in flux. We could write a piece about tariffs reshaping supply chains and within days it could be obsolete, as things change daily, even hourly. For up-to-date news coverage and features, visit our website CCentral.ca and sign up for our newsletters, which explain and explore the big issues in real time every day.
Instead, our spring issue focuses on people and the planet. What we know is, despite the larger uncertainties, people in Canada still care about their neighbours, their colleagues, their customers and issues around sustainable practices: 70% of shoppers tell us they are likely to switch to a convenience store demonstrating a stronger commitment to sustainability (and that includes a commitment to locally sourced products). Indeed, buying local has never been more important (p. 22).
With that in mind, we are also excited to look at sustainability as it relates to c-store design (p. 11), car wash best practices (OCTANE p. 11) and product assortment. The annual C-store IQ Purchasing Report provides a deep dive into what convenience shoppers are buying and why (p. 17).
On the people front, it’s all about staying connected with a new array of apps and technologies designed to make it easier for business owners and managers to communicate with front-line staff (p. 8).
And for levity (we all need a bit of this right now), we explore innovations in meat snacks, the enduring power of frozen slush beverages and ensuring your auto care section is summer road trip ready. Plus, we are delighted to profile a Canadian-owned c-gas company, Harnois Énergies (OCTANE p. 4).
If you are seeking more good news, nominations are open for the 2025 Impact Awards. We founded this program during another period of global uncertainty to shine a light on the important efforts by our readers—retailers, suppliers, distributors and solution providers—to make meaningful differences in a range of areas, from the environment to supporting employees, DEI and communities.
It’s time to celebrate your good-news initiatives and tell the stories of how businesses in this channel are #MakingAnImpact for people and the planet, as well as the bottom line: The deadline to nominate is May 30th and winners will be featured in the September/ October issue, as well as via a digital campaign.
I look forward to hearing from you. CSNC
MICHELLE WARREN Editor & associate publisher
READER POLL
How does your store handle customers who bring their furry friends inside? Do you allow dogs inside your convenience store?
10 headlines you don’t want to miss
1. Leadership changes on the CICC board
2. Unilever spins-off its ice cream division
3. Seven new Orangestore locations open in Halifax and surrounding areas
4. On the Run Charging network to further expand across Canada
5. HTEC opens new hydrogen refuelling station with 7-Eleven Canada
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6. Opportunity barks? Retailers should consider several factors and clearly communicate policies when deciding whether to welcome dogs
Amaka Agu takes on a new role as communications and community investment manager at JTI-Macdonald Corp. She joined the company in 2022.
Angie Balian joins Danone Canada as SVP of marketing, e-commerce and digital. She is an experienced marketer, having worked with United Natural Foods, Weston Foods and Coca-Cola.
Kristen Chow is promoted to lead, loyalty retail operations at Parkland Corp. The 2025 Future Leader in Convenience winner joined the company in 2012 and has held a number of increasingly progressive roles.
Daniel Johnston joins Equals Brewing Company in Collingwood, Ont. as vice-president of sales. He spent more than a year with Collective Arts, heading up their sales team.
Karley Kavic is promoted to category manager at BAT. The 2024 Star Women in Convenience winner joined the company in 2019 and has held several increasingly progressive roles.
Sean Meindl is territory manager for On The Run Charging He has been part of the Parkland team since 2009.
Vikram Sharma joins Parkland Corp. as territory manager, having spent more than three years with McDougall Energy, four with Red Bull and another four with Shell Canada.
Nusrat Sharmin moves into the role of commercial process associate at JTI-Macdonald Corp. She joined the company two years ago after nearly five years with Superior Propane.
Sana Siddiqui is now marketing director at Hershey Canada She joined the company in 2022, having also built her career at major CPGs, including Unilever and Coca-Cola.
7. Decoding Trends column: What’s trending in beverages?
8. CSNC EXCLUSIVE: LCBO to revamp ordering system
9. 7-Eleven Canada partners with Petro-Canada and Esso/Mobil to rebrand fuel stations
10. PepsiCo acquires Poppi prebiotic soda
+ Wednesday Sign up at CCentral.ca/signup
TOP OPS
BY WENDY HELFENBAUM
There’s an app for that
How convenience and gas retailers can use technology tools to streamline operations and boost employee retention by improving engagement with front-line workers
THERE ARE ABOUT 2.7 billion front-line employees worldwide—more than double the number of desk-based workers, according to Gartner. Many report feeling disconnected or unable to get up to speed with important work-related information, so it’s no surprise that keeping engaged and productive employees is an ongoing challenge.
C-store and gas retailers often struggle when hiring, onboarding, scheduling and managing deskless employees. One potential solution? Swapping whiteboards, timecards or sticky notes for an agile mobile app that simplifies everything from training to time tracking. Here’s why your organization should consider diving in.
A
wide
range of options
When workplace apps first appeared on the market, most were job- or industry-specific, but today’s comprehensive options can do everything from enhancing collaboration and communication to accessing training materials and rewarding staff for hitting milestones.
Some scheduling and work management apps, such as Clockify, ClockShark and When
I Work, also include analytics, estimation, billing or payroll tools. Learning and development mobile apps, including eduMe and Kallidus Learn LMS, deliver bite-sized training programs that deskless workers can fit into their workday.
C-stores and gas retailers can also take advantage of comprehensive tools like WorkJam, as well as employee communications apps like Blink, LumApps and Beekeeper, to inform workers about company information, training opportunities and social events.
Many tools also promote employee feedback, offering functions including chat, comments and polls—all of which can boost engagement, help workers connect to each other and improve the employee experience.
Reach workers where they are
Success starts with authentic communication that simplifies how teams connect with each other and with the organization, says Blink CEO Sean Nolan.
“Apps like ours enable companies to have more effective communication internally, but also give people more convenient access to things they really care about, like shift swaps and rosters, and their benefits by putting those into a mobile form factor that’s similar to existing apps they’d have on their smartphone,” he says.
When you can foster a sense of belonging while encouraging feedback, it’s much easier to create alignment, understand potential problems and fix them, adds Nolan.
“Our app allows leaders to communicate through stories like Instagram or TikTok. They can record short videos, share images and talk to their people in a human, impactful way,” says Nolan.
“We have leaders in the retail space sharing examples of what a great display looks like, or an effort someone’s put in to help a customer, or a new promotion they’re running. And if they’re making a decision about a new investment into new technology, or they’ve made an acquisition, they can talk to their people directly
Sean Nolan
and get immediate comments and feedback. It creates a sense of belonging and togetherness that workers really appreciate, and that drives up employee satisfaction and retention.”
Customize tools for your needs
WorkJam, a platform used by tens of thousands of c-store workers across Canada at companies including Shell, Circle K and Couche-Tard, has four modules that c-store owners and gas retailers can tap into to streamline task management, store audits, scheduling and learning, says global chief marketing officer Louise Clements.
enables leaders to standardize and automate processes, so everyone gets the same highquality experience. You can also build in feedback loops.
“Our mission is to revolutionize the frontline workplace, so you end up with a happy, engaged workforce—which leads to higher productivity,” she says.
“Convenience stores have a ton of complexity—they’re gas stations and QSRs, they’re selling liquor and tobacco—so, you’ve got all kinds of different front-line workers: regional managers, store managers, field managers, warehouse and distribution, and headquarters,” adds Clements.
“Platforms like WorkJam allow you to have a much better way of engaging with those teams and understanding how they’re feeling.”
Preventing pain points
Adding to high staff turnover are the soaring costs to attract and train talent, plus everchanging regulations around food safety, tobacco and alcohol. A digital tool can help solve challenging issues, says Clements.
“You need to know that your staff are qualified so you can task them correctly and know that they and your customers are going to be safe, and that they can deliver a customer experience that works for your brand,” she explains.
“If you’re using a clipboard to communicate a task, how does that front-line worker ask a question? We have a knowledge centre built into our platform; you can ask a question, get immediate answers, and only receive communications that are relevant to you. I don’t have to search through an intranet or leave a customer if I’m at the cash desk or stocking a shelf or serving hot food—all that information is available to me, so I feel engaged and I know what my tasks are.”
Nolan says onboarding is a key use case for digital tools, because mobile technology
“With a lot of retailers, it’s not uncommon for 40% of staff to leave in the first three months. By figuring out why earlier, you can address that,” he explains.
“As part of our automated onboarding, you can send out a survey at day seven, day 30, and day 45, and if someone says, ‘I’m unhappy because I’m not getting enough hours’, the manager can get that data and say, ‘I need to re-look at my rostering patterns, or talk to the individual and see what I can do to better match their needs’.”
To streamline scheduling, look for a digital platform that integrates with your organization’s workforce management tools and payroll system, suggests Clements. With WorkJam, for example, employees can see open shifts and sign up for those they’re qualified for.
“If someone has training for food safety but is also able to be there for a fuel delivery, they can look at their app and pick up that extra shift,” she explains.
“You’re now giving managers back their time so they can do other important things, and empowering employees who then may be less likely to leave the job.”
Developing your
team’s
potential
Clements believes the c-store industry should think of training as ‘everboarding’—continuous coaching and learning through gamified digital tools.
“The best way people learn is in the flow of work, and our customers are leveraging the platform to train somebody while they’re doing a task,” she says.
“For example, I’ll give Nicole a badge because she finished three trainings this week, and now she’s eligible for a higher salary. We see Circle K, Couche-Tard and Shell sprinkling in their corporate culture into gamified training, so employees feel connected as frontline workers.”
Building company culture will drive engagement—especially for night workers who may never see their manager.
“They never have to be disconnected from the culture because they’re hearing the daily standup from the regional field manager, finding out about the latest marketing program
and sharing information back. This is powerful in terms of reducing your turnover,” she says.
Choosing the right solution
Clements suggests c-store owners and gas retailers start by finding a provider that offers great communication tools.
“Look for a solution that allows targeted two-way communication because you don’t want somebody who’s on cash to be wasting their time on new compliance regulations for how to fry the chicken,” she explains.
“Then, move to a tool that digitizes tasks. Make sure you pick a solution that has everything baked in.”
Reaching today’s employees through their smartphones instead of the company intranet makes sense, adds Nolan.
“A lot of workplace software is still pretty clunky—you’ve got to reset usernames and passwords and go to a computer. We avoid those things,” he says.
“Choosing where to start is half the battle, whether that’s putting in a new payroll and benefits provider or a communication and engagement app. We find that starting with communications, especially if you’re changing other things, enables you to have a conversation: ‘We’re bringing this new rostering system; this is what it means for you.’ Making that a great experience for everyone is crucial to successful change management. The communication bit is the most important part.”
The future is now
Nolan calls Blink a ‘super app’ that gives front-line workers one entry point to retrieve everything they need to do their jobs better: important communications, productivity tools, access to scheduling, benefits information and more—all while boosting engagement.
“Companies win in the market through having the best people but also motivating those people and making them feel like they’re part of something bigger by creating that connection to the company’s mission, vision, and values, so that when they’re fulfilling their roles, they do that in a way that’s aligned with the organizational values they’ve bought into,” he says.
“We see a connection between employee experience and customer experience. Companies that have a great employee experience with motivated, happy workers are the ones that also have a great customer experience. The ones we see leaning in and making investments in this area are also the ones that are winning market share.” CSNC
Louise Clements
MEETS SUBSTANCE
The convenience industry is reimagining store design with eco-conscious innovations. From building materials to energy-efficient refrigeration and more, the c-store of the future is being built with people, the planet and profitability in mind
BY CHRIS DANIELS
GROUPE BEAUDRY, A major food distributor for the sector which also provides design consultation, offers up a vision for the next-generation c-store that seamlessly blends customer-focused layouts and merchandising with eco-conscious design.
Serge Nadeau, vice-president, projects and developments at Montreal-based Groupe Beaudry, says everything would flow from the customer—a welcoming shopping experience shaped around what people need and want, including items they traditionally never could find in a c-store.
“It would have multiple concepts
to build consumer loyalty, including all-day ready-to-serve fresh meals, large frozen offers and a section for their pets, including food and treats for both cats and dogs,” he says. “By catering to varied needs, the store of the future would enjoy greater customer basket sizes, higher average purchase value and increased visits per loyal customer.”
And every design choice—from lighting to flooring—would be made with sustainability in mind, prioritizing energy efficiency and the use of eco-friendly materials.
Illustrating that the future is now for
This Beau-soir store from Groupe Beaudry caters to varied needs against the backdrop of an eco-friendly design
FEATURE
at least one store; Groupe Beaudry recently helped with the redesign of a store connected to a Petro-Canada in Sherbooke, Que. LED lights were installed everywhere, both outside and inside, including the ceiling to coolers and refrigeration display units.
Fresh design elevates fresh food
“The lighting is designed to highlight the natural colours of the food, making everything look fresh and inviting,” says Nadeau. “It really elevates the foodservice offering.” This includes sandwiches to salads all freshly prepared on-site and displayed alongside a colourful curated selection of beverages for easy grab-and-go.
Not just for the home, laminate was chosen for the flooring of the store. Made from recycled wood fibers and sawdust, it requires few natural resources to manufacture. “It’s also just a very practical solution for c-stores, being affordable, easy to clean and able to withstand wear and tear from heavy customer traffic in both summer and winter for many years,” adds Nadeau. “Laminate is also warmer than the look of ceramic.”
Jeff Doucette, general manager at Calgary-based retail data and solutions provider Field Agent Canada— who grew up in the sector as his parents were owners of a store—says c-stores are in the midst of transformation, driven in big part by foodservice.
“The industry has an opportunity to convey a new definition of convenience with design. And for c-stores with fuel pumps, the chance to make a statement about why gas customers should come into stores,” explains Doucette, suggesting c-stores look to QSRs for inspiration (see sidebar).
New players, new ideas
New players in the sector are also breaking design norms. Polar Express Market is a fresh concept in Edmonton from Mohammad Tarek Hasan Chowdhury, an engineer, and Ali Salman, a real estate developer of modular and prefabricated real estate development. Salman is also chair of the Modular Building Institute, an international non-profit trade association serving modular construction. The two serve as directors of Polar Express Brands.
Modular construction processes typically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40%, according to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. And with Polar Express Market, Chowdhury and Salman are looking to serve rural and Indigenous communities in Alberta with small-footprint c-stores.
Designed as a response to challenges like food security, the housing crisis and sustainability, “it combines a convenience store, cutting-edge hydroponics for year-round fresh produce, a state-of-the-art water filtration system and on-site housing for staff—ensuring sustainability, affordability, and local economic growth,” explained Salman on LinkedIn.
The first store is set to open this spring in Edmonton, located inside a two-story commercial building at 10965 124 St. It will serve as the flagship for Polar Express Market to branch out with its prefab stores in more rural locations in Alberta. “We’re looking at between 10 to 18 modular stores over the next few years,” says Chowdhury. This includes the nearby towns Ponoka, which has a population of less than 10,000, and Spruce Grove, with fewer than 40,000 residents.
While Polar Express Brands didn’t have control over the building’s core energy systems, it made energy efficiency a top priority in every equipment purchase. That includes coolers with a R-290 classified refrigerant, which means they’re naturally occurring (like propone) versus synthetic like Tetrafluoroethane. R-290 refrigerants are considered to have the lowest global warming potential.
The 700-sq.-ft. store will feature hot food and fresh hot coffee in partnership with Nespresso Canada, in addition to the typical c-store staples. Plans are for the prefab stores in smaller communities around Edmonton to feature handmade crafts and other items from Indigenous artisans. “We’ll have a separate shelf for them, with the hope of growing business with the communities,” says Chowdhury.
In addition to being eco-friendly, LED lighting makes food look more appealing, elevating the foodservice offering
Taking inspiration from QSR
For further sustainable design inspiration, look no further than QSRs—especially with c-stores continuing their expansion into food service. “They’re the next adjacent sector,” says Jeff Doucette, general manager at retail data and solutions provider, Field Agent Canada.
Describing it as “the store of the future,” he says a Tim Hortons store that opened in Regina in December 2024 is particularly impressive.
It features a suite of eco-friendly innovations: low-carbon concrete, a rainwater harvesting system for outdoor irrigation, a living green roof that enhances insulation and manages stormwater, a hybrid tankless water heater that provides on-demand heating to reduce standby energy loss, and furniture crafted from responsibly sourced, FSC-certified Canadian maple.
Of the performance of these initiatives, “some will exceed our expectations and may be rolled out across Tim Hortons locations nationwide, while others may not perform as hoped,” says franchisee Mike Di Stasi. “Testing and learning are essential steps to continually improve and innovate.”
A moss wall also features the Tim Hortons logo crafted entirely from recycled scrap metal.
In addition to saving on energy costs, Doucette says the store’s innovative design distinguishes it from every competitor out there. “The thought put into the sustainability of a store says a lot about a brand, creating a halo effect on the customer experience. You can imagine customers thinking, ‘This quinoa salad probably is really fresh!’” he says.
Jeff Doucette
Eco-design: What’s trending
ANTHONY RUFFOLO, PRESIDENT of Scarborough, Ont.-based McCowan Design & Manufacturing, says the future of c-store design is being driven by a commitment to a greener planet and new product offerings.
“The evolution of c-store design can be seen in the modernization of forecourts, the ongoing growth of foodservice offerings, improvements to displays through lighting, and reimagining the tobacco back bar,” he says.
He breaks down three key trends.
1. The long game
Customers are improving their sustainability profile by using store fixtures with a long shelf life (pun intended). “That is, the fixtures look great for a very long time, reducing maintenance and replacement costs,” says Ruffolo. By using rust-resistant materials, McCowan’s forecourt merchandisers last four to five times longer than comparable products.
Its cabinet lines, meanwhile, use Canadian steel. Cabinets can then be aesthetically refreshed by changing doors and countertops instead of being completely replaced.
“Solid surface and metal counter tops are increasingly chosen for
their outstanding durability and cleanliness,” adds Ruffolo. He recommends domestically manufactured lighting solutions for displays, which offer an impressive lifespan of 120,000 hours.
2. Tobacco walls
Increasingly, stores are using tobacco walls to drive profit with digital advertising screens or as a feature wall to display vendor products. “It has become common to vend tobacco in security cabinets under the counter,” notes Ruffolo. As a result, more stores are turning to metal undercounter cabinets with long lifespans, with McCowan’s offerings complete with a durable tobacco organizer.
3. Foodservice
“Foodservice offerings continue to increase in scope and sophistication,” says Ruffolo. “To meet these growing requirements, refrigeration is commonly being integrated into our modular cabinets.” Many modular cabinet manufacturers emphasize sustainable materials and environmentally responsible production methods.
As far as countertops in foodservice, “solid surface and metals are the new standard because of their outstanding durability and ease of cleaning,” he says. “Millwork features are being used to create warm and inviting environments. Aesthetics and cleanliness in the food service area are a valuable tool in helping to communicate the quality of your food offering to customers.” CSNC
Anthony Ruffolo
FROZEN ASSETS
The convenience channel is well positioned to recapture market share by turning up the heat on sales of slushies and related beverages
BY CHRIS DANIELS
AS THE MERCURY rises, c-stores are gearing up for the seasonal sales spike of slushies, one of the highest-margin categories in the sector. Experts estimate profit margins of 60% and higher.
But while frozen beverages have been a summertime staple for decades, the category has gone a little, well, cold.
“The slushie is a niche category, but it’s a mature one, tapping into nostalgia for many adults (please see sidebar). That gives it ongoing potential,” says Emma Balment, director, food and beverage group, market strategy and understanding, Ipsos. “But it hasn’t been performing particularly well for the channel compared to the years leading up to the pandemic.”
According to Ipsos research, over the past nine years, soft drink slushie consumption is three quarters what it used to be in c-stores.
“Canadians drink over 56 million slushies per year,” says Balment. And while that number sounds pretty high, she says “it’s only a third
the size of the slushed coffees they consume, which over the same timeframe has grown by 60%.”
In recent years, she says QSRs have grabbed more of the market. Last summer, for example, Harvey’s partnered with PepsiCo Beverage Canada on $3 frozen beverages, with options like Brisk Lemonade, Crush Cream Soda and Crush Orange.
“The largest swings in the category are driven more by promotional activity and limited-time offers at top QSR chains,” Balment notes.
A few years ago, she says, QSRs were capturing 40% of all soft drink slushie and frozen lemonade sales. But with the sector having since deprioritized these menu items, QSR has since returned to holding about 18% of the market.
Convenience, meanwhile, served 67% of all slush soft drinks in 2024, up from 56% in 2019. And it looks poised to command more of the market in 2025 and years to come, thanks in part to new entrants.
Take Frazil, a premium frozen uncarbonated beverage brand of fruit-based flavours from Freezing Point LLC, which was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2004. Billing itself as the fastest-growing slushie brand in North America, with over 40,000 machines across the U.S. in every state, it’s also now in Canada.
Each flavour of Frazil comes with distinct branding, with catchy names like Tiger’s Blood (strawberry-coconut) and Blue Razzmatazz (raspberry) to Bermuda Triangle (banana, strawberry, peach) and P.O.G. (passion fruit, orange and guava).
The brand is being rolled out to Shell Canada locations following a successful test pilot in Q1 with 14 locations, eight in Ontario, and two each in Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Freezing Point has also signed a contract with foodservice distributor Core-Mark in Canada.
Drew Dennis, national accounts manager including for Canada at Freezing Point, says its main program for retailers provides both the beverage machine to the store and all service maintenance, with cleaning only required once a month, as opposed to weekly for syrup-based slushies.
“There is zero capital required in getting a Frazil program up and running,” he says. “All the store has to worry about is ordering the product flavour case, straws and cups through the distributor. We take care of the rest.”
With 15 flavours available to choose from, the Canadian locations will all be offering Tiger’s Blood, which is its top seller in the U.S., commanding a whopping almost 30% of sales. They’ll also have two or three other varieties on offer.
Freezing Point also offers Cafe Tango, a branded frozen coffee with over 4,000 machines in U.S. stores. Some of the Canadian stores will also be installing Cafe Tango machines next to the Frazil equipment.
Slushed coffee is an untapped opportunity for c-stores, according to Ipsos data. “QSR maintains a monopoly, as convenience has only been able to carve out 1% of that market,” says Balment, adding the slushie
Craving nostalgia
The slushy has long been a go-to beverage for young people in summer, both for its sugary flavours and to cool down from the heat. But targeting youth isn’t just about immediate sales—it helps brands and c-stores build a future customer base. After all, many adults reach for a slushie not just for a treat, but as a nostalgic reminder of childhood, school breaks and carefree summer days.
For the 12 months ending
December 2024, youth accounted for 26% of all slushy orders in Canada, according to the Ipsos Foodservice Monitor. Youth’s share has held steady over the years.
However, slushie sales among customers aged 25 to 44 are on the decline, now making up a third of orders, down from previous years.
This demo has been turning more and more to iced and cold coffees, as well as beverages with
soft drink and slushie coffee consumer are quite similar to each other.
“As c-stores have successfully carved out a competitive space for hot coffee from QSR, slush coffee seems like an optimistic new frontier for c-stores" she says, especially given other investments by the category in foodservice.
Cambridge. Ont.-based Adept Food and Beverage is another provider of both iced cappuccino machines and slush mixes. “Iced coffee has even become popular with younger adults,” notes president Jim Jackson.
When it comes to promotions, stores are finding they can move even more volume on this highly profitable category.
Gas King, which operates seven independent gas stations and SnacKing Convenience stores in southern Alberta, promotes its slushie brand, Williwa, with “Williwa Wednesdays,” when customers can purchase a slush drink for half price.
“Our Williwa slush drinks sell very well on Wednesdays,” says Brent Morris, president, Gas King.
SnacKing stores also promote a $9.99 monthly beverage program called the Chug-A-Lug Club, in which members receive a free “on tap” beverage of any size. "Members can get coffee, cappuccinos, fountain drinks, but a lot of adults use the Chug-A-Lug Club for Williwas,” says Morris.
He says this is especially true in the warmer months, when Williwa sales overall enjoy an “almost 300% increase between seasons.”
As for Frazil? A promotion it’s bringing up from the U.S., Free Frazil Fridays, offers customers at participating c-stores a free small-sized Frazil on the four Fridays in June.
“Last year was our first time running the promotion nationwide and we gave out 1.5 million free cups of Frazil,” says Dennis. “This year, with the addition of the Canadian c-stores, our goal is to hit two million.”
In past years, Free Frazil Fridays led to a 10% to 15% increase in sustained sales in the two months following the promotional period.
more natural sweeteners and functional ingredients. “This age group is driving growth in sugar-free and pro-active health beverage categories,” Balment underscores.
Picking up the share from this health-focused and coffee-loving demo? Adults 45 and older, who now represent 41% of the category. “Older customers are the ones who are still looking to QSR and convenience for more treat occasions," she says. Plus, of course, a serving of nostalgia. CSNC
Gas King’s SnaKing stores in Alberta deliver success with promotions for its proprietary slushie brand, Williwa
7-Eleven Canada’s iconic Slurpees—a staple since the 1960s—come in several exclusive flavours with wide appeal
National Shopper Study iQ
Purchasing Report: Convenience unpacked
BY MICHELLE WARREN
THERE ARE MULTIPLE and ever-shifting factors shaping consumer sentiment in 2025, but data shows the purchasing habits of convenience store shoppers are holding strong, with several categories gaining ground, according to the 2025 C-store IQ National Shopper Study.
Now in its fifth year, C-store IQ is the only convenience and gas specific study delving into the ever evolving wants, needs, perspectives and spending habits of consumers. Working with the research team at EnsembleIQ, Convenience Store News Canada surveyed more than 2,000 convenience shoppers 18 years and older across the country (quotas were imposed to ensure measurable base sizes for age generations and provinces or territories) to measure shopping habits.
Overall, the data reveals growth in the purchase of non-consumable products compared to last year, with significant increases in lottery, gasoline, pet supplies, e-cigarettes and cigars. Of note, there are differing purchasing habits by demographic.
• Lottery is driven by gen X (56%) and boomers (71%)
Food products purchased at convenience store in past month
Types of foods selected at convenience stores remain consistent with last year, but madeto-order prepared food purchases have risen significantly, with millennials (16%), as well as shoppers in British Columbia (19%) and Atlantic (17%) driving the shift.
• Gasoline is driven by gen X (51%) and boomers (53%)
• Cigarettes are driven by males (23%) vs. females (18%)
• Cigarettes by millennials (24%) and gen X (22%) vs. gen Z (16%) and boomers (19%)
E-cigarettes by gen Z (13%) and millennials (10%) vs. gen X (5%) and boomers (3%)
Beverage products purchased at convenience store in past month
Milk
In addition, nearly 30% of shoppers report increased visits to convenience stores for health and beauty products, as well as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages saw a notable 10-point increase in shoppers, driven largely by Ontario, where nearly half (47%) say they are purchasing more of these products at convenience stores.
C-store shoppers say they spent an average of $17.66 on their most recent visit (excluding the costs of gasoline), a nominal increase from $17.16 a year ago. Half of shoppers (50%) visit a convenience store at least weekly and 68% shop the same store each time.
Here’s a look at what c-store shoppers are buying.
C-store IQ National Shopper Study
Non-foods products purchased at convenience store in past month
Non-consumable products have delivered growth since last year, with significant increases in lottery, gasoline, pet supplies, e-cigarettes, and cigars.
Frequency of unplanned purchases at convenience stores
Most shoppers make unplanned purchases only occasionally, often aiming to keep their spending under control. However, when impulse purchases do occur, they are typically driven by the desire for a personal treat or the opportunity to take advantage of a discount.
Purchase frequency of items at convenience store today vs last year
Reason for recent impulse purchase at convenience store
To treat myself
On sale/promotion
To avoid going to another store Looked too good to pass up
To treat someone else
New item I want to try
Curious about new flavour/variety
Child with me asked to purchase
Channels where shoppers purchase items in typical month
Convenience experienced a growth in share for general merchandise and health and beauty over the past year. Dollar and online-only stores showed the most significant gains across categories during the same period. Interestingly, despite ongoing talk of high prices and tough economic conditions, most categories and store types either maintained or increased share.
C-store IQ National Shopper Study
Reasons for purchasing ‘more’ at c-stores
Shoppers who are visiting convenience stores more tend to cite reasons of pure convenience, including proximity, extended hours and availability of essential items. Overall, there are a wide range of motivations that operators should note and build from to capitalize on the increasingly diverse needs of shoppers.
• CLOSER TO HOME
• EASIER TO ACCESS 38%
• STOP ON WAY TO WORK
• Moved to new location
• Changes in job or lifestyle
• Family changes| (more adults, having a baby)
RESPONDING TO LIFESTYLE CHANGES
• Availability of specific items (alcohol, snacks, energy drinks)
• New products/exclusive items 12%
• Wider range of products than before
• Fits better with personal schedule
• Open late or 24/7 10%
LONGER HOURS OF OPERATION
Store types shopped to discover new products
Nine in 10 shoppers are motivated to visit specific stores for the chance to discover new products. Convenience was one of only three formats to see significant growth in this trend over the past year. It’s worth noting that for generation Z (24%) and millennials (24%), c-stores are a significant destination for discovering new products, compared to gen X (16%) and boomers (8%).
• Seen as more affordable for certain items
COST/VALUE
• Loyalty program 8%
• Special promotion/deal
• Combined with fuel stop
• Saves on fuel costs for longer trips 7%
DRIVING MORE/ TO PURCHASE FUEL
Discovering new products does not influence the
6%
TIME SAVINGS
• QUICKER THAN GOING TO LARGER STORES
• FAST FOR SMALL PURCHASES
Preferred types of new products at c-stores
Many shoppers value unique or limited-edition flavours and products that cater to convenience and novelty, highlighting the opportunity for convenience stores to be seen as hubs for quick, diverse and interesting items.
National Shopper Study iQ
Sustainability
+ Buy Local Report: Actions big and small
BY MICHELLE WARREN
Importance of stores demonstrating commitment to sustainability
Likelihood to switch to a store demonstrating stronger commitment to sustainability
Donate food instead of throwing out
Purchase local products
Reason for purchasing local products
AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of shoppers say they would consider switching convenience stores based on a retailer’s sustainability efforts, according to new data from the 2025 C-store IQ National Shopper Study
Convenience Store News Canada asked more than 2,000 c-store shoppers across the country to weigh in on sustainability issues.
An increasing number (70%) of shoppers are likely to switch stores, compared to 68% in the 2024 report.
Shoppers say convenience stores can demonstrate their commitment through initiatives such as donating food, sourcing local products and providing community recycling bins.
Generation Z (30%) and millennials (28%) are among the most ardent, saying they would be ‘extremely/very likely’ to act, compared to gen X (21%) and boomers (20%).
Overall, sustainability remains a priority for c-shoppers coast to coast, despite other pressures, such as the economy and global unrest.
The global unrest, namely in the form of upheaval from the U.S., is spurring a new level of Canadian nationalism and the ‘Buy Local’ movement is both growing and unprecedented, as ‘Made in Canada’ takes root and brands across the country wave the maple leaf.
C-store IQ data shows that while supporting businesses in their community remains a primary motivation for shoppers, a growing number are also drawn to the perceived superior quality of locally sourced products. CSNC
The Convenience U CARWACS Show
A record number of exhibitors and attendees united for Canada’s largest convenience, gas and car wash event. Featuring morning conferences, the annual Industry Dinner, Future Leaders in Convenience + Car Wash Awards and a sold-out trade show, the two-day event was the place to be for leaders and decision makers from across the country to network, discover new products and garner valuable insights for success in 2025 and beyond! Follow the QR code for full coverage and photo galleries.
1. Beverage Alcohol Panel 2. Panelists discuss leadership in the age of AI 3. Gabriel Moreau of NIQ shares beverage alcohol data 4. Social Impact Panel 5. Eric Ganon of BAT 6. OLG president and CEO Duncan Hannay with Suzanne Gardiner of Mark Anthony Group at the Industry Dinner 7. CSNC's Sandra Parente and Michelle Warren with keynote speaker Jack Armstrong of the Toronto Raptors 8. Keynote speaker Doug Stephens 9. The busy conference sold out both days 10. Welcome to the show floor 11. NEE team 12. Fun at the OLG booth 13. The Jack Link's team 14. Car wash innovation on display 15. A record-breaking number of registered attendees discovering new products. CSNC
CATEGORY CHECK
BY MICHELE SPONAGLE
Meat and greet
Whether it’s jerky, sticks or minis, consumers are reaching for meat snacks as they seek protein-rich foods and savoury bites
MEAT SNACKS AND c-stores make a happy pairing, The uniting of two grab-and-go entities that can be profitable for c-store owners.
Ever since COVID, Canadians have turned into a nation of grazers and snackers. Our preference now is shifting to eating on the go. Mondelēz International has been tracking snacking habits since 2019 in its State of Snacking Global Report. The 2024 edition shows 91% of global consumers snack at least once a day and 76% feeling that snacking is a much-needed pickme-up throughout the day.
Protein boost
Add to the mix the exploding interest in protein snacks, which are outpacing the overall snacking category by three times in growth, according to research from Chomps examining the trend in U.S. markets. In Canada, Nourish Food Marketing’s 2025 Trend Report found 71% of consumers want to eat more protein. That’s a whopping increase of 112% since 2015 and a healthy 20% since 2020.
Ahead of the curve
Big Chief Meat Snacks was well ahead of the current meat-snack trend, launching beef jerky in 1971. The product was so successful the Klein family sold their Calgary delis to focus on its jerky under the name Alberta Fancy Sausage. In 2004, it became Big Chief Meat Snacks.
Chuck Arcand, national sales director, says its jerky sells well because it fits today’s active lifestyles. “When people are travelling and moving place to place, they often require energy and that’s where protein becomes so important,” he says. “It’s a better filler than regular carbs.”
The protein craze is being fuelled by various factors—convenience, satiety, muscle support for fitness enthusiasts and users of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, as well as a desire for the health benefits associated with functional foods.
The meat snacks category is worth in excess of $135 million with annual growth estimated at around 5%. It’s a dynamic market with constant innovation and new brands entering the space to keep c-store consumers engaged.
Recently, the company listened to consumers and in May introduced some of its strongest-selling SKUs in a 20-gram stick format, including Original, Jalapeno and Sweet and Spicy.
Marketing strategies
Being made with 100% Canadian beef is an important selling point for Big Chief. The company has worked to showcase that fact since last June, well before tariff wars struck. The company has rolled out countertop displays featuring the maple leaf and is producing shelf danglers to call attention to its Canadian origins.
Bundling is also a wise strategy. Placement near energy drinks is a great fit, Arcand says. And giving Big Chief’s top bestsellers (Teriyaki and Original flavours) space on an endcap, in-line or on front counter inspires
impulse buying. New additions include a Jamaican-style jerk and mini-beef sticks in a bag, ideal for sharing.
Big Chief’s value gives it an advantage in a category that is price sensitive. Its products sell between 50 cents and a dollar less than some competitors. Arcand also flags the growing popularity of its meat snacks among women.
Snacking on the go
Jack Link's continues to sell well in c-stores, according to Curtis Davison, the company’s vice-president, general manager, Canada. “Meat snacks are outperforming the snack category as a whole,” he points out. “People are definitely very conscious of what’s in their snacks, so we’ve been a good choice for in between meals as people are snacking more and eating main meals less.”
He feels consumers are looking for high quality and taste in meat snacks, making Jack Link's a solid choice. Its resealable packages also make it a good option for consumers on the go.
Next up, Jack Link's will continue to expand its protein roster following the successful launch of chicken-, turkey- and pork-based products to suit varied customer preferences. Innovative formats are also coming, like individually wrapped sticks in a bag. Watch for zero-sugar versions of sticks in both beef and turkey, as well as more fun jerky flavours. In the past, the company has offered Dr. Pepper jerky, Buffalo chicken ranch and jalapeno mango. For 2025, watch for Frank’s Red Hot stick and Jack Link's Duos, two flavours in a bag.
Chuck Arcand
CATEGORY CHECK
To support sales, the company offers corrugated display shippers that can be opened and displayed easily. Small displays placed in high-impulse purchase zones are key since meat snacks are impulse buys. Davison has seen success at Ontario c-stores that place Jack Link's near alcohol products.
Flavour innovations
The Great Canadian Meat Company began in 1992 with a single product—its Authentic Dry Pepperoni. Over the years, the Whitby, Ont. company has grown its lineup to include Pepperoni Meat Sticks, Beef Jerky, Beef Jerky Strips and Canada’s largest range of shelfstable salami flavours. Everything is hardwood-smoked and made with Canadian ingredients, including pork from Quebec and Manitoba, and beef from Western Canada.
CEO Pete Vanslyke says their products target working guys who want savoury protein snacks that will satisfy them throughout the day. He’s also seeing many younger consumers
discovering the category. He calls them “flavour surfers,” driven to trial by offerings that pique their interest as more consumers are riding the wave of non-sugary snacks. “This demographic grazes their way through the day and doesn’t sit down for three meals like my generation did,” he says.
All consumers are looking for good value in their meat snacks— something that prompted the company to create Great Canadian Meat Mini Pepperoni (Mild, Hot, Smokey Bacon and Honey Garlic). In February, Great Canadian Meat launched Mega-sized bags of their Mini Pepperoni (Mild and Hot) by creating larger sizes of their Mini Pepperoni SKU, the number one velocity item in the meat snacks category in Eastern Canada.
The company is also turning up the heat by capitalizing on the hot sauce trend. “It continues to grow and explode as consumers are looking for new experiences,” explains Vanslyke. “Feedback from our customers
showed that meat snacks labelled ‘hot’ were not hot at all.” Based on that feedback, they created Fire X-Hot Pepperoni Sticks, which are twice as hot as anything the company has done before. “We brought a whole new meaning to the idea of meat sweats,” he laughs.
Building baskets
To support sales, Great Canadian Meat Company has dedicated direct-store-delivery teams that can help with merchandising, ensuring their racks and planograms are fully stocked with fresh product. “There are many things commanding the attention of owner-operators, so being able to come in to support them is really important.”
Vanslyke says that c-stores can boost meat snack sales by capitalizing on the traffic building that beer offers through smartly placed displays on counters. “Meat snacks are a really great fit to boost their revenue and margin on the basket since they are a great full margin opportunity to take advantage of. And with all the innovation coming into the category, it’s driving a ton of excitement.”
Pete Vanslyke
WHAT’S IN STORE?
BY CHRIS DANIELS
Pit stop
As people across Canada embrace domestic travel, ensure your auto care and accessories sections are road trip ready for summer
THOUGH OFTEN TUCKED at the back of the c-store, experts say a well-stocked automotive care section is set to drive big sales this spring and summer—especially when paired with vehicle-related products like sunglasses near checkout.
The reason? The domestic road trip is shaping up to be a top vacation choice in 2025. With the U.S. trade war and the Canadian dollar’s weakness against the greenback making cross-border travel costly, many travellers are likely to spend their vacation budget closer to home, choosing to hit the open road over stateside getaways.
“We’re expecting more people taking road trips across the country and going up north to a cottage,” says Leena Halim, director of marketing and product at Richmond Hill, Ont.-based SRP Canada, a product supplier to c-gas stores nationwide. “Border crossings are already on the decline.”
In February, nearly 500,000 fewer travellers crossed from Canada into the U.S. by passenger vehicle compared to the same time last year, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
With a busy road trip season on the horizon, what products should c-gas operators be stocking up on?
Car care kits go compact
Traditionally, car care kits with cleaners for both the interior and exterior have been packaged in large tubs. But on long car rides, hauling a big tub, large aerosol cans or bulky cleaning wipe containers is anything but convenient when space is tight.
Nor are large formats easy to merchandise for c-stores. “The c-store shopper is really an impulse buyer—they’re not looking to buy large-format packages,” says Halim. “And so, we’ve developed a full range of wipes called Emzone, from upholstery and tires and trim to glass and bug and tar removal, in compact small soda-can-sized formats for easy portability.”
The great thing is, you can just throw them in the glove box, says Halim. “In terms of merchandising, stores can also put them on spinners, and more easily display them.”
With a rollout that started late last year, Emzone is now being widely distributed to operators, following a strong reception from drivers. Emzone is also made domestically, so “Made in Canada” labelling “appeals to customers mindful of buying Canadian product,” says Halim. “We’re getting impulse purchases from customers who aren’t intending to buy for car care, but like the price and size. It’s been a good grab-and-go.”
Travel-sized product moves well in warmer weather, adds Sandy Mercer, director of marketing at North Atlantic and North Sun Energy, a partnership with Petro-Canada in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Travel-sized cleaning products like interior wipes and dashboard polish become more relevant as drivers spend more time on road trips and looking for convenience when they visit our Orangestore c-store.”
Freshly stocked
Canada’s vehicle air freshener market was worth $138.3 million in 2024, according to StrategyHelix Group. With a 3.7% growth rate projected through 2029, the category looks set for steady, dependable sales gains.
Available in hanging formats, vent clips, sprays and plug-ins, summer is a peak season for air fresheners. With sweaty seats, snack and beverage spills, and furry companions in tow, drivers are looking to keep their vehicles smelling road-trip ready.
U.S. brand Little Trees is widely recognized as the market leader. Shaped like an evergreen tree in honour of founder Julius Sämann, who spent years extracting aromatic oils from Canada’s pine forests to help milk truck drivers combat spilled milk odours, Little Trees air fresheners also add a pop of colour to the dashboard, where they’re often hung.
New fragrances include “Be Kind,” featuring a vibrant street art design and a sweet banana and island hibiscus aroma. “It really pops,” Eric Hawkins, a regional sales team leader at Kleen-Rite Corp., a wholesale car care products supplier, explains in a YouTube video about the addition. An old fragrance, “Peachy Peach” is being discontinued, making room for
“Peach Ginger Spritz. “If you had customers that were hooked on the old Peachy Peach trees,” says Hawkins, “this is an updated scent and really sticks out.”
Location, location, location
“Placement is key when merchandising auto care products,” says Mercer. At Orangestore, products like windshield washer fluid are often found adjacent to the fuel pump area or at the front door, while motor oil and tire care products are well placed in the dedicated automotive section in-store.
However, Mercer says car-related impulse buys like “air fresheners, sunglasses and phone chargers often perform better near the checkout, where they catch last-minute attention.”
Add accessories
The road trip is about much more than keeping the vehicle in top shape. For today’s travellers, affordable accessories are an essential part of a fun and a comfortable automobile journey.
Pugs is the leading sunglasses brand in convenience, according to SRP Canada.
“As a general rule, the sweet spot for retailing sunglasses is between $20 and $30,” says Halim, noting that the category also performs well on promotion, like two pairs for $22. “A customer might walk in planning to buy one, but when they see they can get two for just a few dollars more, they think, ‘Why not? I could use a backup pair.’”
Quebec-based Groupe Konex is also looking out for little ones, with the upcoming launch of a series of sunglasses for kids.
When it comes to mobile device accessories like charging cables, Solaray and Celltronix are two popular brands in convenience.
In addition, Konex is helping turn down the noise with handy in-store displays featuring a wide selection of extra headphones to keep passengers happy.
Be sure to stock multiport chargers for parents looking to keep the peace between kids battling for device charging time and phone mounts for hands-free navigation. CSNC
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
BY WENDY KADLOVSKI
Combat shoplifting by engaging school-age customers
Convenience stores have an
opportunity to create a win-win by building relationships with young people, who drive foot traffic and future revenues
SHOPLIFTING HAS BECOME a growing concern in Canada, with reports of increased theft dominating discussions in the retail sector. While large grocery chains have implemented measures such as entry turnstiles to deter theft, convenience store operators face unique challenges in combating shoplifting without discouraging legitimate customers. One particularly pressing issue is how to manage school-aged customers effectively while maintaining a welcoming shopping environment.
Convenience stores located near schools enjoy the benefit of consistent foot traffic, but they also face the challenge of managing large groups of students, particularly during lunch breaks and after school. While some store owners resort to restricting entry, allowing only a few students in at a time, this approach can alienate young customers and create a negative shopping experience. Instead, with proper management, school-aged customers can become loyal patrons who contribute significantly to store revenue.
Strategies for managing student customers
Rather than limiting student access, convenience store operators should focus on proactive management strategies to create a controlled yet welcoming environment. Here are some key approaches:
1. Adequate staffing: Ensure that enough staff members are on duty during peak student hours, particularly at lunchtime, to monitor customer behaviour and assist with purchases.
2. Active presence: Store owners and
employees should be visible on the floor to engage with students and address any issues immediately. Being present helps set the tone for acceptable behavior.
3. Clear expectations : Communicate store rules effectively by treating the space like a "home." Encourage students to respect the store as they would in their own home, emphasizing no rough housing, inappropriate language, or theft.
4. Positive reinforcement: Build relationships with students by learning their names and acknowledging good behaviour. When students feel known and respected, they are less likely to engage in dishonest activities.
5. Educational engagement: Consider inviting primary school classes to the store for a visit to teach them about retail operations. Such initiatives instill a sense of responsibility and familiarity with store expectations from an early age.
6. Knapsack concerns: While backpacks can be a potential issue for theft, a strong staff presence and personal interactions can mitigate this risk. When students know they are recognized and valued, they are less likely to steal.
A case in point
A simple, effective example of managing student behaviour involves addressing safety concerns in a relatable way. By way of example: one day, a young boy rollerbladed into the store at full speed. Instead of reprimanding him harshly, I asked, "Do you rollerblade inside your house?" When he responded with a "No," I explained that the store should be
treated the same way. From that day forward, he always removed his rollerblades before entering. This approach not only enforced the rules but also built a respectful relationship between the store and its young customers. What could have been a harsh interaction with this young customer turned into making him a loyal and respectful patron.
The long-term benefits
By setting clear expectations and fostering positive relationships, convenience store operators can turn school-aged customers into loyal shoppers. As these students mature, their continued patronage can boost sales and create a strong community connection. Rather than viewing student customers as a nuisance, retailers should recognize the opportunity they present and manage them with respect, engagement, and strategic oversight.
With effective in-store management, young customers can be trained to behave well, ensuring a pleasant shopping experience for all while maximizing store profitability. The key to success lies in welcoming, educating, and accommodating student shoppers—because today's young customers are tomorrow's lifelong patrons. CSNC
Wendy Kadlovski’s professional journey is a dynamic blend of roles in the oil and gas industry, entrepreneurial ventures, and academic leadership. She serves as a Professor at the Seneca College School of Business and is also the principal at Wise Strategic Management, a consultancy specializing in operational excellence and change management.
CONSUMER CORNER
BY EMMA BALMENT
Heroism not altruism
For consumers, making sustainable food and beverage choices has never been more convenient and that’s good news for the channel
HARKEN BACK TO 2006 when the documentary An Inconvenient Truth was being played in theatres, homes and classrooms across Canada. As part of its global audience, Canadians were challenged to evaluate their behaviours as consumers, businesses and policymakers against the welfare of the human race and the planet Earth. Humanity was asked to make some inconvenient changes to our habitual and ingrained behaviours and beliefs. It was not the first time this type of plea was made to generation X and boomers, but it was a plea that left an impression on then schoolaged millennials and gen Z consumers driving innovation today.
It’s 2025 and, not to be dramatic, but 72% of the Canadian public agree we are headed for environmental disaster without rapid change (Ipsos, CHATS 2025). Fortunately, nearly two decades of innovations towards the goal of environmental and social sustainability have helped to make those tough choices more convenient for consumers.
With so many sustainability-friendly options available, nearly half (44%) of Canadians (aged 13 and up) tell us environmental considerations strongly influence their food and beverage choices. They take into account how their consumption impacts the environment, climate change and carbon neutrality; food waste and sustainable packaging; sustainable sourcing; and regenerative farming. Many of the same consumers are also concerned with social sustainability. More than a third (35%) are strongly influenced by animal welfare, fair trade and fair treatment of workers.
Sustainability claims are quite a mouthful: too much to fit on a crowded product label. These nuanced and storied claims are easier to make today with integrated marketing campaigns, omnichannel media, in-store activation and websites. With all their marketing tools, suppliers and retailers can weave a tale
of credible sustainable practices for the brands they sell and their networks for distribution and sourcing.
Why would convenience stores want to promote sustainability?
In the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy when Peter Quill is challenged as to why he would want to save the galaxy, he is exasperated in his response, “because I’m one of the idiots who lives in it!” Canadian convenience stakeholders can confidently echo this self-interested heroism as sustainable practices are also good business practices in 2025.
It is in the best interest of c-stores and their suppliers to align with the aspirations of millennials and gen Z consumers. Millennials account for 37% of food and beverage consumers at convenience (index 176 vs. grocery) and 20% are gen Z (index 111 vs. grocery). These are the consumers who are most influenced by sustainability and are most willing to pay the premium it may require. As such, convenience already over indexes vs. grocery for customers whose food and beverage choices are strongly influenced by environmental (55%) and social (45%) sustainability. Millennials with kids are particularly invested in the future of the human race and are the cohorts most passionate about sustainable foods and beverages.
Consumers seek control
Consumers have a lot on their minds lately; price of living and political pressures are ranked as more pressing worries than the environment and climate change (Ipsos Essentials, February 2025). Yet, sustainability is one concern over which consumers may feel they have some control. Despite other distracting worries, a third of millennials and nearly half of gen Z are still saying they are purchasing more food and beverage brands that demon-
strate sustainable practices. Approximately half of those cohorts are willing to pay a premium for those products, something gen X and boomers are less likely to admit.
Helping shoppers make good choices
Sustainable foods and beverages are often associated with whole foods, fresh produce, dairy and animal products. As such their marketing goes hand in hand with health, organic, natural and local claims. But keep in mind, consumers who value sustainability are still seeking to fulfill fundamental needs like comforting cravings, tasty indulgence and convenience. It may be more difficult for consumers to make a judgment call on packaged foods and beverages, besides the more familiar recyclable or compostable packaging. Convenience operations can contribute by helping consumers make more sustainable choices when it comes to packaged foods and beverages. Help make credible products easy to find when a hurried customer walks through the door. More engaged consumers may know the sustainable brands they seek, but more passive supporters might appreciate the store making it easier for them to follow through on their aspirations.
Convenience stores in Canada have a right to play and to win with consumers driving trends for sustainable foods and beverages. Stakeholders need not be as selfless as Captain Planet; there is profit in the pursuit. CSNC
Emma Balment, is director, Ipsos, market strategy and understanding, Food and Beverage Group. Leveraging a team of industry experts and powerful syndicated data sets such as the FIVE Consumption Tracker, and the Foodservice Monitor, Emma specializes in uncovering growth opportunities for manufacturers, retailers and foodservice operators. emma.balment@ipsos.com
NOMINATIONS CLOSE: MAY 30
Making an impact
Your industry is filled with companies making a positive impact and it’s time to shine a light on those efforts!
The Convenience Store News Canada Impact Awards will recognize initiatives introduced by retailers, suppliers and solution providers that are making a meaningful difference, from helping the planet to supporting employees and communities.
The goal is to celebrate companies—large or small—making a positive impact across four key areas:
• Sustainability (initiatives around food waste, ethical sourcing, energy efficiency etc.)
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Supporting Employees
• Community Service/Local Impact/Giving Back
There is no fee to nominate (you can even nominate in multiple categories), and honourees will be featured in Convenience Store News Canada magazine and online this fall.
Tell the industry about the amazing work being done at your company!
Shark Cordless Detect Pro 1.3L Auto-Empty System with QuadClean
KitchenAid® Multifunction Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with Infrared Sensor Modes
24 Days of Coffee Advent Calendar
Sealy Posturepedic® Plus Eurotop
Wave Hybrid Snow Mattress
Colgate® PerioGard Gum Care + Enamel Rebuild Toothpaste
Chewy Bites with Gas Relief
Solutions
Control + Urinary Care
Street Food
KitchenAid® 4-Door Refrigerator with Flexible Temperature Zone in PrintShield Finish
Cheestrings X-treme Pizza and Nacho
Bio-Oil® Body Lotion
Whirlpool 30-inch Smart Electric Range with Air Cooking Technology, WipeClean™ Coating, Steam/ Self Cleaning, Rapid Preheat 5.3 CuFt Capacity
*Survey of 4,000 people by Kantar
Fruit - Sour
Zavida
OneBlade First Shave
TUMS
Go!
Hairball
The Laughing Cow Plant Based Garlic & Herbs
OREO Maple Creme
Heinz Pickle Ketchup
SOUR PATCH KIDS Strawberry
Terrabrae™ Soil Enhancer
Nerds Berry Gummy Clusters
Chips Ahoy! Caramilk
Dr Pepper® Zero Sugar
Mathieu Robillard, VP, operations, retail network and cardlock, Harnois Énergies
Operator Profile
Proud of the past, focused on the future: As a Quebec-based familyowned business, Harnois Énergies is showing its customers they deserve the very best, by investing in technology, foodservice and a reimagined convenience offering
8 Charging Ahead
In this new column, associate editor Tom Venetis examines whether the tariff spat will upend the future of Canada’s electric vehicle sector
11 Sustainability Feature
A good cleaning: Innovations in eco-friendlier car wash chemicals deliver benefits not only for the environment, but also customers and an operator’s bottom line
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PROUD OF THE PAST, FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE
As a Quebec-based family-owned business, Harnois Énergies is showing its customers they deserve the very best, by investing in technology, foodservice and a reimagined convenience offering at its nearly 500 sites
BY TOM VENETIS PORTRAIT BY CHANTALE LECOURS
HARNOIS ÉNERGIES IS proud of its Quebec roots and family history.
Started in 1958 by Claude Harnois as a home heating oil distribution business under the B/A brand, it has since grown to become a significant player in Canada’s gasoline and convenience industry. Today it operates close to 500 locations in nine provinces, primarily in Eastern Canada, representing the Esso brand across several Quebec regions and operating gas stations under its own Harnois name.
Its vast network includes full-service and self-service gas stations, car washes and fast-food restaurants, as well as its Proxi convenience stores.
The well-known Proxi convenience store operation came about when the company combined several of its retail banners under the single Proxi banner, and then expanded the Proxi convenience store offering outside of Quebec.
Targeting growth
Mathieu Robillard, vice-president, operations, retail network and cardlock with Harnois Énergies says the company has been able to
Harnois is reimagining the retail experience, with customer-centric renovations, including at this site in Lavaltrie, Que.
is a key component of the
offering, providing customers a wide selection of ready-made options
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, instead Harnois caters its retail offering, including this mobile store, to the community it serves
Many Harnois sties also include a QSR offering, designed to meet the needs of the local communities
Mathieu Robillard, VP, operations, retail network and cardlock, Harnois Énergies
Foodservice
Harnois
OPERATOR PROFILE
grow successfully over these 67 years because it has focused on organic growth, as well as several strategic and notable acquisitions, including the 2023 purchase of 52 former Wilsons sites in Atlantic Canada from Alimentation Couche-Tard.
One way it has gone about that is by reinforcing its Canadian, and most certainly, the company’s deep Quebec roots. The company is justly proud of its history and how it has grown by partnering with other established Canadian-based firms and suppliers.
Robillard adds Harnois always makes sure to let its many fuel and convenience customers, and its partners, know of the company’s Canadian and Quebec roots, and work with local partners and businesses. This is important, especially now, as Canadians look to support Canadian companies and products in the wake of the tariff threats coming from the United States, which will impact Canadian businesses and consumers.
In May of last year, for example, Harnois Énergies and Michaud Petroleum entered into an agreement that would see the companies form an entity to distribute fuel, lubricants and specialty products, and operate three service stations and six oil depots.
It has even been at the forefront of decarbonization, with the announcement of the company introducing the first hydrogen-powered truck to Quebec in collaboration with the Nikola Corporation and ITD Industries, showcasing both the viability of this technology for heavy-transport—an important industry in Quebec—and how non-traditional fuels will have a place in the company’s energy portfolio offerings. In addition, Harnois currently has 15 locations that provide electric vehicle charging, supporting the province’s push to have more electric vehicles on its roads.
Focusing on convenience
Robillard says Harnois’ Proxi convenience store offering is a customer-centric space, “where a customer can come in and they will find everything they need in a single location.”
The Proxi network currently consists of 187 stores across six provinces: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI and Newfoundland. Starting in 2023, Harnois began redesigning its locations to better meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Taking a flexible approach
Robillard describes the approach as “modern and warm, with a physical design that differentiates us from other c-store operators. And it is a design that is adaptable to the market where the store is to operate.”
Robillard explains that the store is not a fixed concept, a single design template that will be repeated across all locations. “We will try to adapt the design to the location and the customer demographic, to match the customer’s need,” he adds.
“There are a number of different things we look at, but when we look at a location to operate in, we look at can the location be adapted to what we need to offer to the customers in that market,” he says. “We take a flexible approach to each location. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’. Instead, we look at each location and we will adapt our store footprint and offerings to what is best for that location and for the customers in that area.”
He points to the renovation that was completed in 2023 of the Proxi location in Lavaltrie, Que., outside of Montreal. The site was expanded to over 2,000 sq. ft., taking over an empty storefront next door. Harnois redesigned the space to be more than a simple convenience store. Instead, it resembles a small but very well-appointed grocery store, offering a wide variety of essential and local products, as well as an expanded foodservice offering.
Going full out on foodservice
Robillard says the reason for that is the community where it is located lacked a grocery store, and the expansion and renovation of the Proxi store offered an opportunity to meet that community need, and to showcase what Proxi means to customers, which he says can be summed up by the phrase “you deserve it.” That is, you as a customer deserve fresh and well-prepared foods and other grocery items, and a friendly and supportive staff.
The Lavaltrie stores showcases a diverse selection of foodservices, including, Robillard says, a wide selection of traditional drinks found in all convenience stores and a healthy selection of alcoholic seltzers, red wine and white wine, which can be paired with the curated selection of cheese and meats, all from Quebec.
There is an onsite kitchen where cooks create an assortment of readyto-eat meals, including both cold plates (sandwich salad, pita, snacks, prepared meals) and hot meals (pizza, fries, breakfast offers, soups and rotisserie chicken), and a range of baked-in-store and pre-packaged bakery products available in single or bulk options. The frozen food selection again matches what one can find in a grocery store, with meats sourced from local butchers, which can be paired with fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese and fine cheese, charcuterie, fresh pasta, sauces and salads.
“It is very much a place you can come in and get something for work, for your lunch and for dinner for your family,” Robillard adds. “The menu is expanding as well. We are adding more healthy meals, vegan and vegetarian options, so you will find everything there that meets your needs.”
For those who crave gourmet coffee, the Lavaltrie café features a stateof-the-art coffee machine offering lattes, cappuccinos and espressos.
Investing in technology
Robillard says Harnois has also invested in back-office systems to help better identify customer trends.
For instance, technology will help improve customer service by tying it into Harnois’ Proxi Extra loyalty program to provide a better and more personal shopping experience.
This, says Robillard, is how the Quebec-based family business will continue to grow its Harnois, Proxi and related banners: by knowing who their customers are, what they need and being there for them. OCTANE
Harnois is positioning itself as a gourmet coffee destination, featuring state-ofthe-art machines for specialty beverages
CHARGING AHEAD
BY TOM VENETIS
Could the tariff spat upend Canada’s electric vehicle future?
Experts worry key supply chains will be disrupted, causing a ripple of challenges
THE NORTH AMERICAN automotive manufacturing market is one of the most integrated in the world. It has been built up over 60 years of cooperation between Canada and the United States, from the Automotive Product Agreement (1965) that set the groundwork for U.S./Canada Free Trade Agreement (1989) to the later North American Free Trade Agreement (1997) and, in 2020, when it was renegotiated as the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA).
Critical parts needed to make vehicles may cross the Canadian and U.S. border several times—leveraging economies of scale, just-in-time-manufacturing, and country-specific expertise—before they are used in producing vehicles in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
With the transition to electric vehicles, the same mechanisms are used in manufacturing and automotive companies are investing heavily in building new plants and manufacturing facilities to produce the batteries and other critical components.
The province of Ontario and the Federal Government have made significant investments in electric vehicle manufacturing in Canada. In April of 2024, Premier Doug Ford and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood together as Honda announced it would make a $15-billion electric vehicle investment in Ontario to build four new manufacturing plants that included Honda’s first electric vehicle assembly plant and a new stand-alone EV battery plant at Honda’s facility in Alliston, Ont. Hanon Systems, a global automotive parts
supplier, announced last year that it would be investing $155 million to build a new 284,200sq.-ft. facility in Woodbridge, Ont. to manufacture critical components for electric vehicles.
These investments are driven by the growing adoption of electric vehicles on both sides of the border. In Canada, S&P Global Mobility reports that adoption of zero-emissions vehicles continued to grow last year with Canada hitting an 15.2% zero-emissions vehicle adoption rate for the year. This rapid adoption has driven a robust growth in electric vehicle chargers across Canada, with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) reporting in the last 12 months Canada saw 6,586 new public charging ports at 1,559 new stations across the country.
Tariffs, the great disruptor
The industry’s growth is now under threat from U.S. President Trump’s announcement that he will impose a 25% tariff on goods and autos coming from Canada into the United States—and he has not ruled out making those tariffs higher. One of the stated goals of the tariffs (reasons for the tariffs seem to change often) is to bring auto manufacturing back to the United States.
While all analysts say such a desire is near impossible and prohibitively expensive with how integrated the industry is, and would not bring any real benefits to vehicle buyers, the
threat alone has created anxiety in the industry.
“I would say the North American auto industry as a whole is really suffering from this trade war, and all the uncertainty that it is creating,” says Joanna Kyriazis, director of public affairs and clean transportation lead with Clean Energy Canada. “Everything, from vehicle assembly plants and vehicle parts manufacturers are all getting hurt in this trade war. And Canada’s electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industry is particularly vulnerable because it is just starting to get off the ground. It is important to remember that Canada’s electric vehicle and battery industry is of strategic importance for our country and integral to our long-term competitiveness.”
Kyriazis adds the constant threats of tariffs is starting to cause worries amongst manufacturers and parts suppliers across the entire automotive manufacturing industry in North America. Tariffs would disrupt critical supply chains, especially those that supply the key components.
“It is creating a lot of concerns when it comes to investments in Canada’s auto sector, concerns that those investments could flee and go to the U.S.,” she adds.
Pressures and fall out
In 2023, production at GM’s Cami Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ont., where the BrightDrop electric van is produced, went offline
Joanna Kyriazis
for a significant period when a supplier had difficulty delivering critical battery modules for two models. Tariffs concerns are also behind the recent announcement that Stellantis is pausing work on its next-generation Jeep Compass compact SUV, including retooling the assembly plant in Brampton, Ont. where it is to be built, because of the uncertainties around the tariffs.
Emma Jarratt, executive director with Electric Autonomy, says what needs to be remembered is that today’s automotive manufacturing, for both traditional gasoline and electric vehicles, operates under what is called ‘just-in-time’ manufacturing.
“They are not building vehicles and then stockpiling them for the next 12 months,” she adds. “They are building them a week or two out, so this model is very susceptible to market fluctuations, in this case, fluctuations that are manmade, such as tariffs.”
Jarratt says the question being asked by many is if the tariffs are put into place at the full 25% and are long-lasting, might they cause consumers to forego vehicle purchases as
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prices increase or even turn away from electric vehicles; particularly if the investments being made in building facilities to manufacture batteries and other critical components for electric vehicles are scaled back or put on hold entirely.
Made-in-Canada solutions
Stephen Bieda, director of the EV Society, says tariffs certainly have the potential of disrupting the growing acceptance of electric vehicles amongst Canadians, especially if the tariffs raise prices significantly or reduce their number from disrupted supply chains.
Bieda does, however, say that tariffs may have a hidden upside—they can spur even more investment in the industry in Canada to avoid those supply chain disruptions.
“We are certainly seeing a focus now on looking for ways for Canadian manufacturing to innovate and to focus on technologies here that are made in
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Canada, and maybe even creating an entire manufacturing solution in Canada for vehicle productions, reducing or even eliminating those trips of parts across the border,” he says.
Forging ahead with charging networks
Bieda notes he has not seen in Canada any scaling back by electric vehicle charger producers. Some are looking to source more of their critical components from non-U.S. suppliers, such as Europe, and some companies, such as Flo, are not reliant on U.S. suppliers for any pieces of their chargers.
“And we have seen a nice growth in the availability and reliability of chargers and the infrastructure,” he adds. “It is moving in a positive direction and there are some exciting announcements from companies such as Parkland about expanding their [electric vehicle charging] network, so we could see going forward some dramatic changes in charging access in Canada, with more charge access points coming.”
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A GOOD CLEANING
Innovations in eco-friendlier car wash chemicals deliver benefits not only for the environment, but also customers and an operator’s bottom line
BY TOM VENETIS
A MISCONCEPTION WITH eco-friendly products is that they do not do as good of a job cleaning as traditional cleaners. You often hear this complaint with common household cleaning products. Someone will say, “Yes, the product may be gentler on the environment, but it does not clean as well as the traditional product.” The reality is that today’s eco-friendly products—be it a dishwashing soap to clean one’s dishes and cups to the cleaners used to wash vehicles—are, in fact, better today at cleaning than before. In addition, the new generation of cleaning products used in a car wash are not only better for the vehicle, but also for the mechanicals of the car wash operation.
“The perception that eco-friendly car wash products are less effective than traditional chemicals is a common misconception,” says Rob Raskell, director of sales, Sonny’s CarWash Chemistry, by Diamond Shine Inc. “In fact, modern eco-conscious formulations often surpass their predecessors in both cleaning efficacy and vehicle safety.”
He notes the shift towards sustainability has driven significant innovation in car wash chemistry. “Rather than relying on harsh, corrosive substances that could potentially damage vehicle finishes over time, today’s products utilize advanced surfactants and cleaning agents that effectively lift and remove dirt and grime without compromising the integrity of the paint or clear coat.”
The new normal
Kelly Maria, vice-president, chemical and service operations with Mark VII, says the move to make car wash cleaners and chemicals less harmful to the environment has been pushed along by legislative changes put in place by governments in North America to reduce harmful chemicals from entering critical watersheds and getting into urban water systems. As well, innovations are easier on water reclamation systems used at car wash operations.
To meet these new and more stringent environmental regulations, the industry had to change the base chemicals and blends used in today’s car wash products.
“The shift towards sustainability has driven significant innovation in car wash chemistry,” Raskell adds. “Rather than relying on harsh, corrosive substances that could potentially damage vehicle finishes over time, today’s products utilize advanced surfactants and cleaning agents that effectively lift and remove dirt and grime without compromising the integrity of the paint or clear coat.”
'The car wash process has evolved from a brute-force approach to a more refined, precision-driven technique. This emphasis on finesse, combined with advanced chemical formulations, ensures a superior clean while safeguarding the vehicle’s finish and minimizing environmental impact'
- Rob Raskell
Today's chemicals deliver a quality clean that is better for the environment and the vehicle
Five key advantages of modern eco-friendly car wash products.
1. Gentler cleaning action: These formulations are designed to be less aggressive, minimizing the risk of paint stripping, fading, or dulling. This is particularly important for newer vehicles with advanced paint technologies.
2. Targeted cleaning: Modern chemistries enable more precise cleaning, focusing on the removal of specific contaminants without harming underlying surfaces.
3. Enhanced shine and protection: Many eco-friendly products incorporate ingredients that enhance the vehicle’s shine and provide a protective barrier against environmental elements.
4. Reduced risk of damage: By eliminating harsh chemicals, these products significantly reduce the risk of damage to sensitive vehicle components, such as rubber seals, plastic trim, and delicate finishes.
5. Improved long-term vehicle health: By not stripping away protective coatings on the vehicle, the new eco-friendly products extend the life and look of the vehicle.
“The car wash process has evolved from a brute-force approach to a more refined, precision-driven technique,” says Raskell. “This emphasis on finesse, combined with advanced chemical formulations, ensures a superior clean while safeguarding the vehicle’s finish and minimizing environmental impact.”
Protecting valuable equipment
There are other advantages as well, something that should be welcome to car wash operations. That is the move to more environmentally friendly cleaners that use less harmful and less corrosive base chemicals to clean vehicles makes them less damaging to a car wash’s mechanical systems and components.
Mack Ewing, senior director of sales and marketing with Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group, says older cleaners that relied on harsher chemicals, tended, over time, to cause wear and damage to car wash system components, such as the sprayers that ejected the cleaners onto vehicles as one example.
“Over time, they just ate away at the equipment,” he continues. “It would just corrode the steel and aluminum components over time. So, the approach we have taken here is to prioritize materials that are less harmful to not only the environment, but to [car wash] equipment, reclamation equipment and people as well while still providing a quality clean to a vehicle.”
Mark VII’s Maria says that in her many years working in the industry she has seen how much the chemical blends have changed, resulting in the reduction in equipment wear and damage.
“I have someone I work with who remembers the days when more corrosive cleaners were used and has seen how much better today’s formulations are to vehicles and systems,” she adds. “He tells me how much things are better now because of those changes.”
Delivering cost savings
No one today uses the older blends anymore and that has been a boon to the industry, she says, adding she cannot imagine anyone wanting to go back to the older formulation.
Ewing points out that today’s cleaners have another advantage, and that is they are more concentrated, which means a car wash operation now needs to use less product to provide high quality of cleaning to a vehicle. And, he is quick to add, this means cleaning more cars than before, while using less product. In simpler terms, a car wash operation will need to spend less on their cleaners while getting more out of them.
“In our industry now, the move towards how we use as little as possible—we are talking millilitres here of a product—to clean a vehicle as effectively as possible,” Ewing says. “Picture a glass of water, and you add a little bit of red food colour to that water. It gets more red. It is the same with our products. You now only need a little bit of product to get the same effect. You now use much less to clean a vehicle.”
“While the upfront cost of eco-friendly car wash products may be comparable to traditional formulations, the overall return on investment (ROI) can be significantly enhanced,” Raskell says “This is due to a combination of factors beyond simply the price per unit. Historically, cost-effective car wash operations relied heavily on high-volume applications of aggressive, caustic cleaners.”
Boosting customer satisfaction
And there is one other advantage to today’s eco-friendly cleaners, Raskell adds: That is increased customer satisfaction with the final product, a clean vehicle.
“The superior cleaning results and vehicle protection offered by eco-friendly products contribute to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business,” he says. “Increasingly, customers are choosing businesses that prioritize sustainability. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and a positive brand image. Therefore, while the initial cost may not be drastically different, the long-term benefits of eco-friendly car wash products, including reduced operational costs and increased customer satisfaction, can significantly improve the overall ROI for car wash operators.” OCTANE
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The Canadian Carwash Association, partnering with the Canadian Spinal Research Organization, announces the 3rd Annual Car Wash for a Cure Scheduled for May 9-10, 2025, this nationwide event invites car washes across Canada to fundraise in support of spinal cord research through community-building activities
Did you know that almost half of Spinal Cord Injuries are caused by motor vehicle crashes? Road safety is a major priority for both the CCA and CSRO
Participants are encouraged to engage in philanthropic activities that contribute to both their local communities and the advancement of spinal cord research. The initiative aims to strengthen the car wash industry while fostering a spirit of giving back Registration is free, inviting all members and stakeholders to join in making a meaningful impact
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