7-Eleven’s Recent Closures: What Independent Store Owners Can Learn

In recent news, 7-Eleven announced it’s closing 444 underperforming stores across the United States and Canada, affecting about 3% of its North American locations. The convenience store giant cites high inflation and a decline in cigarette sales as major reasons. Instead of pushing to keep every location open, 7-Eleven is adjusting its approach by focusing on higher-demand items like food and specialty drinks. So, what does this mean for independent convenience store owners? Here are key takeaways and tips on how small businesses can learn from these changes to boost profits and avoid common pitfalls.

With rising inflation, many shoppers have been cutting down on non-essential purchases, while cigarette sales – a traditional staple in convenience stores – have seen a marked decline. 7-Eleven is looking to future-proof its stores by shifting focus to what customers value most today. This includes adding fresh, bake-in-store items, high-quality coffee, and other food options that make the stores a destination for quick meals as well as convenience items.

Why 7-Eleven Made This Move

Key Takeaways for Independent Store Owners

 Consumers are prioritizing fresh, fast, and affordable food options over many traditional items. This shift reflects a broader trend toward healthier choices and convenient meals on the go. Independent stores can take a page from 7-Elevent’s playbook by offering fresh coffee, snacks, or grab-and-go meal items.

Evaluation Underperforming Areas in Your Store:

 It’s not easy to make the decision to remove low-performing items, but periodic evaluations can help keep your store relevant. Look at sales data and consider cutting back on low-demand items. For example, if cigarette sales are slowing, it might be time to experiment with alternatives like healthier snacks or local products that cater to new customer preferences.

 Convenience stores often rely on high-margin products like beverages, snacks, and prepared foods. By shifting focus to higher-margin areas, you can make the most of limited space and give customers more of what they’re seeking.

Use Technology to Manage Inventory and Sales: 

Managing inventory is critical, especially for independent stores with limited space and budgets. Inventory management systems, like 

, make it easy to track high-demand items and quickly identify underperforming products. This tech can also help you maximize profit by understanding which items generate the most sales and when.

Think Like a Big Chain but Keep the Personal Touch

: One of the biggest strengths of independent stores is a closer relationship with the local community. As you adopt strategies like 7-Eleven’s – focusing on high-demand products and being selective with what you stock – remember to keep customer service at the forefront. Take note of what regular customers are asking for, and try new items that reflect local tastes.

7-Eleven’s recent closures highlight the importance of a data-driven approach to inventory and sales. 

 are designed to help independent stores not only monitor sales and inventory but also improve efficiency and focus on areas that drive the most profit. From back office support to loyalty programs and advanced inventory management, our services equip you with the same tools that large chains use, tailored specifically to your operation.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to improve your store’s profitability and adapt to changing customer demands, MostEdge offers a free store evaluation. This evaluation can help you identify opportunities to streamline operations, manage inventory better, and boost profits – similar to the strategies being used by big players like 7-Eleven.

In conclusion, 7-Eleven’s closures shows how even giants in the industry must adapt to shifting demands. By focusing on what your customers value most, trimming underperforming items, and using smart tools for inventory and sales, your store can stay resilient, even in a competitive environment. Ready to get started?

How Independent Stores Stay Competitive

7-Eleven Closures: Key Lessons for C-Store Owners

Why It’s Important to Communicate Holiday Hours Early

With Thanksgiving and the holidays around the corner, customers are planning ahead for last-minute needs like fuel, snacks, and drinks. As a convenience store, gas station, liquor store, or smoke shop owner, making your hours of operation crystal clear is essential. This includes updates on whether your store will be open on Thanksgiving, closed on Thanksgiving, or offering reduced hours. Doing so not only reduces customer confusion but also provides a competitive edge – especially as traditional grocery stores closed on Thanksgiving may send more customers your way. Here’s how you can prepare your business for a smooth and successful holiday season.

1. Be Clear and Visible with Holiday Hours Across All Channels

If your location will remain open on Thanksgiving or close for the holiday, communicate this as soon as possible. Announce it on your Google Business Profile, social media, and in-store signage. Inconsistent information can create confusion; customers may arrive expecting your store to be open, only to find it closed or with reduced hours. Here’s how to get it right:

 Update holiday hours on Google Business to ensure customers find accurate times. This profile is a go-to for shoppers, so make sure it reflects your Thanksgiving hours – especially if you’re open on Thanksgiving or have reduced hours.

 Schedule posts reminding customers of any special hours for Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Even a simple image post with your hours can make a difference.

 Use clear, prominent signs at both entrances and checkouts. If possible, include the hours for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and other major holidays to help customers plan.

2. Stock Up on Essential Items to Meet Holiday Demand

Many customers rely on convenience stores and gas stations during holidays, especially as some grocery stores open on Thanksgiving may still close earlier than usual. For stores open on Thanksgiving on operating as 24-hour locations, stocking key items can attract and satisfy more customers. Here are must-have items for the holiday season:

: Milk, bread, eggs, and snacks. These are last-minute essentials people often need but forget to grab.

 Stocking up on holiday items like canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, and stuffing mix can help last-minute shoppers.

 Offer a range of beverages, including soft drinks, water, and mixers for seasonal cocktails. Partnering with local bakeries for pre-made pies and desserts can provide a quick solution for customers needing holiday treats.

Be sure to double-check which stores around you will be closed. If a nearby grocery store or chain is closed on Thanksgiving, this is an opportunity to meet the local demand for items that people will need at the last minute.

3. Catering to Travelers: Key Items for Those on the Road

Thanksgiving often means high travel volumes. Whether people are driving across town or across states, gas stations and convenience stores are vital stops. Preparing for travelers with items that make the trip smoother can improve customer satisfaction:

 Easy-to-get items like granola bars, chips, nuts, and bottled drinks are great for quick energy.

 Stock up on items like hand sanitizers, masks, and even small first-aid kits.

 Drivers making long trips will appreciate hot coffee and energy drinks to keep them alert.

4. Ensuring Staff is Prepared and Scheduling is Optimized

Clear communication with staff is essential, too. If your store has reduced hours or is open on Thanksgiving, plan schedules well in advance. Ensure staff members understand the holiday hours and can guide customers accordingly. Planning early and having backup shifts can prevent staff shortages, allowing you to deliver excellent service even during peak times.

5. Stand Out by Partnering with Local Businesses

Holiday preparations offer unique opportunities to collaborate with nearby vendors. Partner with local bakeries, for instance, to offer pre-made pies and desserts that your customers can grab last-minute on Thanksgiving Day. This can set your store apart from the competition and provide added value to customers who need quick, quality solutions.

By communicating your holiday hours well in advance, stocking essentials, and preparing for increased demand from both local customers and travelers, your store can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Make sure all communication is consistent digital and in-person signage. Not only will your customers appreciate the clarity, but your team will also have a smoother and more successful holiday season.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Hours: Prep Your Store for Holiday Success

Understanding Employee Theft in Gas Stations: Types, Prevention, and Solutions

Employee theft remains a serious issue in the gas station and convenience store sector, leading to substantial profit losses each year. The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention estimates that retailers lose up to $50 billion annually due to theft, with employee theft making up a large part of that loss. Gas station owners encounter unique challenges in combatting this issue, with internal theft potentially involving anything from cash skimming to lottery manipulation and inventory loss.

Below, we examine the different types of employee theft, methods to identify warning signs, and practical ways to prevent these incidents. These insights aim to equip gas station owners and managers with the knowledge needed to safeguard their business and profits.

1. Types of Employee Theft in Gas Stations

Recognizing the different ways that employee theft can occur is the first step to addressing it effectively. Here are some of the most common forms of theft in the industry:

 Cash skimming is one of the most frequent types of theft. Employees may pocket a small amount from cash transactions, particularly if sales go unrecorded or transactions are voided after the payment has been received.

 Fuel, alcohol, and tobacco are high-value items commonly stolen by employees. Theft can range from “leakage”, where employees take items for personal use, to more organized schemes involving stolen stock intended for resale.

 Employees sometimes offer discounted or free fuel to friends or family by not ringing up the sale fully, or they might simply bypass the POS system. This practice significantly reduces revenue and can be difficult to detect without fuel sales tracking.

Voided Transactions and “Phantom” Sales:

 Employees might complete a sale and void it afterward to pocket the cash. This creates “phantom sales” that look legitimate on paper but leave no trace after the fact, often going unnoticed without close inspection of transaction records.

 Some employees misuse store promotions, using coupons without customer authorization or fraudulently redeeming them for personal gain. Since many promotions are designed to increase sales, misuse directly impacts the store’s intended profit margin.

 Gas stations that sell lottery tickets are especially vulnerable to this form of theft. Employees may avoid ringing up lottery sales to either pocket the money or falsely report sales as unsold to claim winnings. They might also manipulate the lottery inventory to take unsold tickets home, only paying for them if they win.

2. Recognizing Warning Signs of Employee Theft

Employee theft can be challenging to detect, but there are certain indicators that suggest suspicious activity:

 Recurring cash or inventory shortages, particularly when associated with the same employee’s shifts, can be a red flag for theft.

Employees who become overly defensive when questioned about discrepancies, or those who insist on working with minimal oversight, may be trying to conceal dishonesty.

High Number of Voided or Canceled Transactions:

 If an employee consistently processes more voids or refunds than their peers, it might be worth investigating whether these are legitimate. Keeping records of who processes these transactions can help pinpoint any patters.

 While not always indicative of theft, unexplained changes in an employee’s financial status or lifestyle could signal they are gaining income from unauthorized sources.

 Discrepancies between the pump sales and cash register records may indicate fuel theft or unauthorized discounts.

 An increase in unsold tickets, discrepancies in lottery inventory, or unusually high payouts on lottery tickets sold by one employee could indicate lottery theft.

3. Prevention Tactics: Building a Theft-Resistant Operation

Preventing employee theft requires a multi-pronged approach that includes policy setting, training, and effective use of technology. Here’s how to start:

 Automated systems that track inventory and cash flow are critical, especially for high-theft items like tobacco and lottery tickets. Tracking stock counts and integrating POS with back office management software, like 

 Schedule regular audits of cash, inventory, and fuel records. Unannounced audits, in particular, discourage theft and demonstrate to employees that the business is vigilant about monitoring.

 Surveillance cameras are essential for monitoring key areas such as cash registers, lottery displays, and storage areas. Integrating your surveillance system with the industry’s only transaction monitoring service from MostEdge gives real-time insights into any irregular activities.

 to analyze sales data can help pinpoint discrepancies. MostEdge’s monitoring solutions offers in-depth analytics, making it easier to identify patterns of fraudulent behavior across transactions.

 Limit access to high-theft items, including fuel and lottery tickets. Used coded access for certain POS functions, like returns, and maintain a strict log of employees who handle these areas.

4. Fostering a Transparent and Honest Work Culture

Encouraging a culture of integrity and openness among employees is one of the most effective ways to prevent theft. Consider these steps to create a positive work environment:

 Clearly communicate the business’s stance on theft and its consequences. This transparency often discourages employees from engaging in dishonest behavior.

 Recognize and reward employees who exemplify honesty and integrity. Incentives and acknowledgement for good performance foster loyalty, reducing the likelihood of theft.

 Create a system that allows employees to report suspicious activity anonymously if necessary. A confidential outlet reassures employees that they can report issues without fear of retaliation.

5. Leveraging Technology to Minimize Employee Theft

Adopting the right technology can reduce employee theft and give owners greater control over store operations. Here are some key tech tools:

 POS Systems that track voids, refunds, and ticket sales help managers and owners detect unusual patterns in real time. 

 allow store owners to customize tracking and receive alerts for potentially fraudulent activities, including voids, refunds, and lottery transactions.

Integrated Security with Transaction Tracking:

 Linking video surveillance with transaction records provides visual verification of any suspicious transactions, including lottery and fuel sales. This integration can both deter and reveal theft patterns and provide clear evidence if theft is suspected.

, allow owners to monitor multiple access of their stores remotely, including lottery sales, inventory, and employee attendance. These tools are especially beneficial for owners managing multiple locations.

Employee theft in gas stations can have a significant impact on profitability, but by understanding the types of theft that are common, knowing how to identify warning signs, and implementing robust preventative measures, gas station owners can reduce these losses.

 to learn more about how MostEdge can help you protect your business.

Taking a Proactive Approach

Preventing Employee Theft in Gas Stations: Tips & Solutions

Convenience Store Survival Guide: Mastering High Operational Demands

As convenience store, gas station, liquor and vape store owners navigate the demands of running a retail business, they encounter pain points that can disrupt efficiency and growth. Between managing invoices, updating prices, and keeping track of stock levels, these tasks can create stress for business owners, impacting customer experience and overall sales. With the right tools and technologies, however, these challenges can be simplified and streamlined.

The Growing Role of Technology in Convenience Retail

As online retailers continue to shape customer expectations around speed, convenience, and personalization, traditional convenience stores must find ways to compete. Technology now plays a key role in helping brick-and-mortar stores provide high-quality experiences that rival their online counterparts. With integrated POS and 

, convenience stores can automate tasks that otherwise take up valuable time and effort. These solutions streamline operations, make data available in real time, and empower store owners to make informed decisions that impact profit margins and customer experience.

Managing the day-to-day operations of a convenience store can be challenging, particularly when relying on outdated or manual systems. Here’s how integrated POS and back office solutions tackle common pain points, simplifying tasks and improving operational efficiency.

Addressing Key Operational Challenges

Handling invoices manually can be tedious and error-prone. For convenience stores with high operational demands, 

 is essential to maintaining accurate stock levels and controlling costs. When invoices are entered manually, it’s easy to overlook discrepancies or make data entry errors that affect overall store performance.

, invoices are scanned upon delivery and automatically entered into the 

. This seamless integration eliminates the need for manual data entry, significantly reducing errors and ensuring that store records are always accurate and up-to-date. This real-time integration is critical for managing stock levels and ensuring product availability without overstocking or understocking, both of which impact cash flow and shelf space.

 By using an automated invoice management system, store owners save time and avoid costly mistakes. With instant, accurate data in the system, it’s easier to track expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities across suppliers, allowing for better-informed purchasing decisions.

1. Invoice Management Made Easy

2. Simplified Price Management for Consistency and Profitability

Price changes are common in the convenience store industry, particularly with products such as tobacco, fuel, and alcohol. Updating prices manually across multiple product categories and store locations is time-consuming and prone to errors. Inconsistent pricing can lead to customer dissatisfaction and erode profit margins, especially in a competitive market.

, enabling store owners to have access to updated prices in real-time. This service takes supplier cost updates and adjusts prices to the POS, ensuring that all items reflect current prices and that profit margins are maintained.

With pricing management, stores can avoid the risk of outdated pricing, which can lead to lower margins or even losses on certain items. This system not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures consistent pricing for a better customer experience.

 Automated price updates reduce the time and effort needed to implement price changes. With this service, store owners can focus on other high-priority tasks while knowing that their pricing is always accurate and up to date.

3. Inventory Management for Optimal Stock Levels

Efficient inventory management is essential to avoid stockouts or excess stock. For convenience stores, maintaining the right stock levels is crucial for meeting customer demand while optimizing cash flow. When inventory is mismanaged, either by overstocking or understocking, it negatively impacts sales and customer satisfaction.

How Integrated Inventory Management Works

Inventory Management Solution is built into the 

and provides real-time tracking of stock levels, allowing store owners to see product movement and sales trends. When stock levels fall below a predetermined threshold, the system automatically triggers a reorder to ensure timely restocking. This automated process reduces the risk of missed sales opportunities due to stockouts and keeps capital available for essential purchases.

Through data-driven inventory insights, store owners can better predict demands, particularly during peak seasons, and adjust stock levels accordingly.

 Real-time inventory insights enable smarter purchasing decisions and reduce waste from excess stock. Automated reordering streamlines operations, saving store owners time and reducing the risk of human error.

Improved Customer Experience and Increased Sales

With online retailers offering rapid delivery and a seamless shopping experience, convenience stores must provide a similar level of service to stay competitive. Integrated POS and back office solutions enable real-time updates to pricing and stock, allowing stores to provide a smooth customer experience and maintain customer loyalty.

Real-Time Solutions for a Better Customer Experience

By automating and centralizing tasks like pricing, inventory, and invoice management, convenience stores are better equipped to meet customer needs. For instance, when inventory levels are automatically updated in real time, stores can prevent stockouts and ensure that popular products are always available, enhancing the customer experience and driving repeat business. Real-time price updates mean that customers see consistent, accurate prices across all items, improving their trust and reducing checkout discrepancies.

 A streamlined, accurate, and customer-focused operation not only reduces stress for employees but also increases customers satisfaction and drives higher sales.

The Complete Process: From Automated Reordering to Price Updates

By implementing back office and management solutions, store owners can create a fully integrated system that handles all aspects of inventory, pricing, and invoice management seamlessly. Here’s how the process works from start to finish:

 As products are sold and stock levels change, the back office system tracks inventory in real time. When levels reach a predetermined reorder point, the system generates an order automatically, ensuring shelves remain stocked without manual intervention.

 Upon delivery, invoices are scanned directly into the back office system. The inventory is immediately updated to reflect the new stock levels, and data is cross-referenced with purchase orders to verify accuracy.

 Once inventory is scanned and entered, any updated prices are automatically updated across the POS system. This ensures pricing is consistent and reflective of current supplier costs, eliminating discrepancies that could impact sales.

This streamlined process offers business owners and managers a holistic solution that reduces the workload on staff, eliminates manual errors, and ensures that products are always priced and stocked accurately.

With integrated solutions in place, convenience stores gain significant operational advantages that support increased sales and customer satisfaction.

 By automating critical tasks, store owners can reduce the burden of manual work and focus on strategic business decisions rather than day-to-day operational challenges.

 Access to real-time data allows store owners to make informed decisions based on accurate, up-to-date information.

 Automated systems reduce human error, ensuring that inventory, pricing, and invoicing are always accurate.

 Consistent pricing and readily available stock improve the overall shopping experience, driving customer loyalty and increased sales.

Key Benefits of Integrated Solutions

How Integrated Solutions Drive High Operational Efficiency

High operational efficiency is the foundation of a profitable convenience store. Integrated solutions are tools that help store owners maximize productivity, reduce costs, and deliver excellent customer service. By automating processes that are otherwise time-consuming, store owners can allocate their time and resources to revenue-generating activities and strategic planning.

Embracing a Future-Ready Convenience Store Model

Convenience stores that leverage integrated POS and back office solutions are better positioned to compete in a market increasingly influenced by online retailers and digital customer experiences. By investing in these systems, store owners can ensure that their operations are not only efficient but also scalable and adaptable to changing market demands.

Simplifying Convenience Store Operations for Better Outcomes

Navigating the challenges of convenience store management doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re ready to transform your store’s operations and enhance your customer experience, consider 

 with MostEdge. Our team will help you identify key areas for improvement and tailor solutions to meet your business’s unique needs. Embrace technology that empowers your store to thrive, even in a rapidly changing retail environment.

Convenience Store Survival Guide: Overcoming Key Challenges

Maximizing Halloween Sales and Enhancing Store Security

Halloween is one of the busiest nights for convenience stores, as customers flock in for last-minute candy, snacks, beverages, and party essentials. However, while the potential for increased sales is significant, Halloween also comes with heightened risks. Studies have shown that crime, particularly theft and vandalism, spikes during Halloween night, making it a crucial time for store owners to not only focus on stocking their shelves but also enhancing their security measures.

Let’s discuss how you can capitalize on Halloween sales while safeguarding your store with effective surveillance and crime prevention strategies.

Halloween presents a major opportunity for boosting sales in the days leading up to and during the holiday itself. The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that 

Americans spend over $3.6 billion on Halloween candy and snacks each year,

 with a significant portion of those purchases happening in convenience stores. But beyond candy, there’s a wide range of products to stock that cater to customers’ last minute shopping needs.

Here's a list of top-selling Halloween items for c-stores:

 Offer variety packs of popular candies, as well as single-serve and bulk options. Stocking high-margin items like specialty Halloween-themed candy can also increase your profits.

 Many Halloween celebrations include parties, so ensure you have a good selection of sodas, mixers, energy drinks, and alcohol (if licensed). Spooky-themed energy drinks or limited-edition beverages can attract additional sales.

 Carrying small, inexpensive Halloween-themed decorations like window clings, string lights, or pumpkin-carving kits can encourage impulse buys. Quick costumes or accessories like masks, hats, and face paints are perfect for last-minute shoppers.

 Pumpkin-flavored items remain popular through Halloween. Stock pumpkin-spiced coffee, pastries, and snacks, and cross-promote these with other seasonal items.

 Group Halloween-related products together in a dedicated display near the entrance to catch customers’ attention and encourage impulse purchases. Additionally, offering bundle deals like “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” on candy or pairing beverages with snacks can increase basket sizes.

Stocking the Right Halloween Essentials

Promotions are a great way to drive more foot traffic and increase sales. Consider creating limited-time offers, such as discounts on bulk candy purchases, or a free drink with any candy bundle. You could also run a loyalty program where customers earn extra points for purchasing Halloween-themed items.

One idea is to host a Halloween giveaway. For every purchase over a certain amount, customers are entered into a drawing for prize, like a gift card or a Halloween gift basket. Not only will this boost sales, but it also adds a fun element to the customer experience.

Boost Sales with Halloween Promotions

Crime on Halloween: What Store Owners Need to Know

While Halloween can be a highly profitable night, it also poses some challenges in terms of security. The increased foot traffic combined with customers wearing costumes (including masks) can make it easier for thieves to go unnoticed. Additionally, the overall atmosphere of Halloween, which often involves pranks and mischief, leads to a rise in theft, vandalism, and other crimes.

According to a study conducted by the National Crime Prevention Council, 

crime rates spike by about 17% on Halloween night

, particularly in categories like theft, shoplifting, and vandalism. A separate analysis from local law enforcement agencies shows that 

retail theft incidents increase by up to 24% 

on Halloween, with convenience stores being particularly vulnerable to due to extended hours, small staff, and high-volume traffic.

Enhancing Store Security: Surveillance and Protection

Given the elevated risk of crime on Halloween, it’s essential to invest in proper security measures to protect your store, staff, and merchandise. Here are some key strategies to enhance your store’s security for Halloween night:

A reliable surveillance system is the backbone of effective security on high-risk nights like Halloween. Having cameras that provide clear, real-time footage helps you monitor activity inside and outside the store.Modern systems allow for remote monitoring, giving you access to footage from your smartphone or computer, even if you’re away from the store.

Install cameras in high-traffic areas like the entrance, checkout corners, and around high-value items (such as tobacco, alcohol, and candy). Be sure that your cameras have high-resolution recording and night vision capabilities, as Halloween tends to be busier in the evening hours when lighting conditions can be challenging.

Implement Transaction and Location Monitoring

 integrated with your POS system can help identify suspicious activity in real time. Transaction monitoring alerts you to unusual sales patterns, such as voided transactions, price overrides, or unusually high purchase of specific items like tobacco or alcohol.

 helps you keep tabs on in-store behavior, reducing the chance of theft by identifying suspicious movements or prolonged loitering in certain areas.

Having a visible staff presence can deter shoplifting. On Halloween night, consider scheduling extra staff during peak hours to help monitor the store and engage with customers. Thieves are less likely to strike if they know that employees are actively paying attention.

Position staff members near key areas, such as the entrance or near displays with high-value items, like alcohol or tobacco products. This creates an additional layer of security, making it harder for potential shoplifters to act without being noticed.

Reduce Blind Spots and Keep the Store Well-Lit

Poorly lit areas both inside and outside the store can create opportunities for theft and vandalism. Make sure your store is well-lit, both in the parking lot and at key sections of the store interior. This is especially important on Halloween when many customers may wear costumes with masks that obscure their faces.

Ensure that shelves are arranged in a way that minimizes blind spots where shoplifting might occur unnoticed. If your surveillance system has blind spots, consider adding additional cameras to cover these areas.

If your store sells high-theft items like tobacco, alcohol, or lottery tickets, consider storing them behind the counter or in locked cases, especially on high-risk nights like Halloween. This limits easy access for would-be thieves and ensures that these high-margin products are protected.

By implementing these security measures, you can focus on driving sales while also ensuring that your store remains safe and secure. The goal is to create a positive customer experience that encourages purchases while deterring theft and vandalism.

Halloween is a great opportunity to boost your c-store’s sales through smart product stocking and effective promotions. However, the night also brings heightened risks of crime, so it’s crucial to invest in security systems and 

 that help protect your business.
To ensure your store is prepared, consider 

. We’ll review your store’s security systems and operational procedures, offing tailored recommendations to keep your store safe while maximizing profitability during the Halloween season and beyond.

By balancing sales and security, your store can enjoy the benefits of the Halloween rush without the headaches of increased risk.

Balancing Profit and Security

Boost Halloween Sales & Security in Your C-Store

How C-Stores Are Recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton

The 2024 hurricane season has dealt a significant blow to c-stores across the Southeast, as Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread damage and operational disruptions. Many stores faced power outages, supply chain issues, and property damage. As recovery efforts intensify, federal and local authorities are providing much-needed support, and businesses are beginning to reopen. In addition to this aid, specialized services like those from 

 can play a crucial role in speeding up recovery and ensuring businesses stay competitive in the long term.

Hurricane Helene’s devastation across states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee left many c-stores grappling with power outages and damaged infrastructure. For stores reliant on refrigerated goods, the loss of power meant significant spoilage, cutting deeply into profits. Fortunately, FEMA has approved over $441 million in disaster assistance for individuals and $249 million in public aid to help rebuild communities and businesses.

For c-stores navigating these challenges, partnering with technology providers like MostEdge can make the road to recovery smoother. 

 specializes in providing tailored solutions for inventory management, back-office support, and real-time data analysis to help businesses regain control of operations and prevent future losses.

1. The Impact of Hurricane Helene

Florida, hit hard by Hurricane Milton, experienced massive flooding and widespread power outages, which peaked at over 3.3 million customers affected. Power restoration is improving daily, with outages now reduced to 1.6 million. This is crucial for c-stores, many of which rely on electricity for refrigeration and other essential functions.

Federal aid and MostEdge’s advanced tools are both key to helping c-store owners rebuild. While FEMA continues to work with local authorities on debris removal and power restoration, c-stores can turn to 

’s technology-driven services for real-time reporting. These services allows for smarter restocking once power is restored, preventing over-ordering and minimizing waste.

2. The Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

3. Federal and Local Support for Recovery

Both hurricanes have prompted a robust federal response, with over 600 FEMA personnel deployed across affected regions. Urban Search and Rescue teams are working tirelessly to assist communities, and debris removal efforts are underway. FEMA has already delivered more than 1.6 million meals and 400,000 liters of water, ensuring essential supplies reach both businesses and residents.


At the same time, c-stores can benefit from MostEdge’s inventory optimization tools. As stores restock and reopen, MostEdge offers solutions that provide insights into consumer demand trends post-disaster, allowing store owners to prioritize items that communities need the most – whether it’s bottled water, non-perishable food, or emergency supplies.

Here are some key actions for c-store owners as the continue the recovery process:

 Stay updated on utility updates and ensure your store is back online as soon as possible.

 Businesses impacted by either hurricane can apply for federal aid, including support for infrastructure repair and inventory replenishment.

 services, c-store owners can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and avoid further losses during the recovery phase.MostEdge’s tools can help manage the fluctuating demand and ensure that the most critical supplies are always in stock.

4. What C-Store Owners Should Do Next

Recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton will take time, but by leveraging both federal resources and MostEdge’s cutting-edge technology, c-store owners can get back on track faster.

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Blog

7-Eleven Closures: Key Lessons for C-Store Owners

Thanksgiving Hours: Prep Your Store for Holiday Success

Preventing Employee Theft in Gas Stations: Tips & Solutions

Convenience Store Survival Guide: Overcoming Key Challenges

Boost Halloween Sales & Security in Your C-Store

C-Stores Recovering from Hurricanes: Updates and Insights

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