40 Years of Memories

This year is special for Convenience Store News, as it marks the 40th year of publication, making it the longest continuously published news source for the convenience store industry.

When CSNews began in 1969, the c-store industry had fewer than 11,000 stores. Today, there are more than 140,000 stores making up this diverse industry -- a tribute to the four decades of hard work, vision and entrepreneurial spirit of its retailers, suppliers and wholesalers.

But CSNews wouldn’t be here today without the help of you, our faithful readers. In recognition of this, we ask you to share your fondest memories, favorite stories and unforgettable experiences in this blog post. Feel free to add more than one comment, and make sure you check back often to see the latest additions from other colleagues in the industry.

Comments

[Patti Wilson]

In the late 1960's I went to work in a 7-11 store in Huntington Beach, CA. Worked there for about 1 year and then went over to a 7-11 store in Costa Mesa, CA. where I stayed for 5 years. I loved every minute of it. In 1980 my husband and I moved to Northern Ca. to a town named Redding. I again went to work in a 7-11 store. It was my pleasure to meet young Jere Thompson. He came to work in the store to "learn the ropes" so to speak. Then Southland decided to open another store in Redding, and Jere asked me to come with him, which I did. What a wonderful and pleasant experience that was!! He started it from the ground up. And I was proud to be a part of it.
If I remember correctly he started dating one of our local T.V. news gal. I think her name was Kate. After we got the store up and running he and Kate went back to Dallas and I went back to the first store I had started in here in Redding.
I loved every minute of my employment. I did leave when I was told about an opening in a local bank here in town. More of a future for me there. I worked at the bank for 28 yrs.
I just would like Jere to know that he was a wonderful young man to work for and with and I hope he has had a wonderful life.
Sincerely.
Patti Wilson

[Pat Pape]

I worked for The Southland Corporation in the roarin '80s. Every day was new and exciting. This is the only time I've ever gotten up early because I had the priviledge of going to work. To the person seeking Jere Thompson - he can be reached at his Dallas office, 214.443.9295.

[Michael Tegeler]

Convenience Store News is an outstanding magazine. Throughout the years you have kept us informed and up to date on today's issues. Whether it is new Governmental Regulations or the latest technology you provide us with real knowledge and insight. Thank you very much I appreciate the work you do.

[mortal gold for sale]

The c-store chains that have been successful through the years are the ones that understand it is all about the "internal customer" & the "external customer". Keep them happy & they want to stay and the "external customer" comes back to see them. Thank you C Store News for you years of insight into this wonderful business.

[debi]

does anyone know how to get ahold of jere thompson? from southland? id like to speak to him personally

[Janet Miller]

Circle K promised free drinks to Diamondback
patrons when pitcher has
ten strike outs in a game
which happened July 10th in
Phoenix, AZ. When we took
our game tickets to your
Glendale Circle K they said
they were supposed to give
us coupons at the game which
they did not. They did not
keep us the promised drinks
so you had some bad publicity that everyone at
the game did not like. Your
stores should know what you
are doing and if coupons were
supposed to be given at the
game, someone who didn't do
it should be notified.
Thanks.
Jmiller213@cox.net

[buy darkfall gold]

I rember all the wonderful people who participated in NACS seminars. There were many funny and heart warming stories about success and some mistakes also. It is still agreat industry.

[Teresa G. Thomas]

The c-store chains that have been successful through the years are the ones that understand it is all about the "internal customer" & the "external customer". Keep them happy & they want to stay and the "external customer" comes back to see them. Thank you C Store News for you years of insight into this wonderful business.

[William Vastine]

I rember all the wonderful people who participated in NACS seminars. There were many funny and heart warming stories about success and some mistakes also. It is still agreat industry.

[Jerry Smith]

What are the outstanding problems that haunt a C-Store Operator in their business? If a C-Store Operator could list off their top problems to solve what would they be?

[Barb Grondin Francella]

One of my fondest/funniest memories happened in 1987, at the New England Convenience Store Association's convention.

I had just started my career at Convenience Store News as a reporter and went to the NECSA convention as a "get familiar with the industry" trip. The first night, there was a dinner and guest speaker -- booked in the program as an expert on the industry giving his thoughts on the future of c-store retailing. I was sitting next to the late Cardy Terrell -- a one-of-a-kind, hilarious, marketing genius who worked for Charter Marketing at the time, and who is still missed today.

As the speaker started, I dutifully took out my reporter's notebook and scribbled furiously. I had a lot to learn. About 7 or 8 minutes into it, as the speaker started saying "soon, every c-store will sell sushi" I looked up at my tablemates with a "Really?" sort of expression and they all burst out laughing. THEY knew our speaker was a comedian and stayed silent, watching me furiously taking notes.

How could you not love the people who make this industry work?