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Decrease Shrink to Increase Profitability: NATSO Truckstop Webinar

Part of any net operating cost improvement plan should include a robust plan to manage retail and cost shrink. “Reducing shrink is super important for increasing profitability. It is money plain and simple,” said Darren Schulte, NATSO’s vice president of membership. Schulte led a webinar on April 13 outlining 12 actionable steps operators can take to immediately improve their shrink management program. Schulte said average shrink is 1 to 1.5 percent, but fortunately, shrink is controllable. NATSO is also offering a webinar on How to Win at Truckstop Inventory Management Webinar on June 22. Here are 12 tips shared during the webinar. More

Space Age Embraces the Future with a New Design

Space Age Travel Center in Hermiston, Oregon, is a prime example of the power of a new design. The store underwent a total remodel and rebrand, and it looks amazing. Space Age has embraced a contemporary look that is open, clean and attractive. More

NATSO Best Practices in Truckstop Merchandising: Safety Products [Video]

In today’s video, Schulte walks listeners through best practices in merchandising safety products. More

Signage Draws Customers in at Coffee Cup Fuel Stop in Summit

People traveling down the road often make decisions on where to stop in the spur of the moment or at the last minute, so it is important to let them know who you are and what are you are offering. Coffee Cup Fuel Stop in Summit, South Dakota, does just that and has plenty of signage both inside and out to attract and direct its customers. More

Big Springs Offers Up Smiles, Speed and Service

Big Springs Travel Center in Nebraska is focusing on its strengths, and it excels at offering friendly faces and getting customers in and out quickly. More

Uncovering Consumer Trends: Increased Competition for Occasions

Retailers are continually evolving, giving consumers more options for both when and how they shop. Even more importantly, shoppers are looking for experiences. This is a powerful force that increases the need for all retailers, including truckstops and travel plazas, to know and understand their customers while getting creative about what they offer. For years we’ve seen the increase in the blurring of retail channels. Large format stores are opening smaller footprints and small stores trying new concepts. Drugstores are adding fresh foods and some c-stores are adding more indoor seating. Everyone is getting creative, and now is the perfect time for truckstop and travel plaza operators to take a hard look at unproductive programs and under utilized space at their locations. More

Human Resources Question of the Month: Employees Late? Steps to Take.

Employees Late? Steps to Take. Today Federated Insurance is sharing one of our “HR Questions of the Month” regarding employment-related practices liability issues. Question: What is the best way to handle employees who are constantly or continually late to work? Response: The best way to manage employees who are consistently tardy to work is through the use and enforcement of the employer's disciplinary action policy or other similar progressive disciplinary approach. An employer should keep in mind the importance of issuing consistent disciplinary action for similarly situated employees who exhibit similar policy infractions. More

Baker Travel Plaza Meets Customers’ Needs with Distinctive Offerings

At Baker Travel Plaza, you can find racing-grade fuel, a water cave and a wide variety of foods, and the unique offerings make the location stand out. More

12 Tools to Reduce Truckstop Shrink from NATSO

I'm interupting our regularly scheduled NATSO Best Practices in Truckstop Merchandising video series to bring you a video of today's 12 Tools to Reduce Truckstop Shrink Webinar. This morning, myself and NATSO's Vice President of Membership Darren Schulte, led more than 35 participants through 38 minutes of truckstop shrink management ideas. Watch the video to learn: Why shrink management is critical to improving profitability; Where and why shrink takes place; Tips for reducing shrink from employees; and Processes to reduce vendor theft. More

The Willkomm Family’s Roots Run Deep and it Shows

The Willkomm family built the Highlands Petro in Racine, Wisconsin, in the 40s and has been running it ever since. The family has built its brand by focusing on the local community and emphasizing the role it plays in the business. When you walk into the Racine Petro, you understand the work and vision the Willkomm family has poured into the stop. More

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