The refrigeration landscape is shifting, and it’s changing the game for forward-thinking c-store owners and operators. The past few years have been marked by regulatory changes, price hikes and supply chain challenges in the retail refrigeration industry. We know HFCs are being phased out, but the timeline is uncertain. Meanwhile, natural refrigerants like CO2 are still surrounded by outdated myths [...]
Today’s shoppers increasingly see food as a part of their wellness routine. Research from this year’s IDDBA shows that shoppers buying “better-for-you” products tend to have larger basket sizes and higher basket rings, making this a key segment for food retailers. But here’s the catch: these high-value shoppers are gravitating toward club stores and mass-market retailers. Merchandising is the key [...]
More C-stores are focusing on foodservice, and with good reason. No longer just “gas station food,” foodservice is now the leader of in-store sales. In fact, foodservice accounted for nearly 40% of in-store gross profit dollars in 2025, making it a key pillar of c-store profitability. Here’s how to leverage your foodservice offerings to build customer loyalty and boost profitability. [...]
Kelly Sayko’s passion for food retail is contagious, and we are thrilled to see the industry taking notice. As Marketing Manager for Hillphoenix, she brings deep industry expertise and an unwavering commitment to making an impact for our customers. That’s why she has been recognized as a 2026 Champion of Change by IDDBA and Supermarket News. Read some of Kelly’s [...]
Today more than ever, shoppers are eating dinner at home. A whopping 4 out of 5 people prepare dinner at home at least 4 nights a week, and more than 1 in 4 prepare dinner at home every night, according to the latest The Power of Foodservice at Retail Report. With more shoppers eating at home, meal planning is on [...]
Experienced food retailers know how much merchandising impacts shopper behavior. In the deli department, this is especially true. The latest Power of Foodservice at Retail Report reveals that 61% of shoppers learn about deli-prepared offerings just by walking through the store. That’s great news for food retailers looking to increase deli sales, because it means your shoppers are on the [...]
More shoppers are turning to retail foodservice, according to the latest The Power of Foodservice at Retail Report. Department, dollar and unit performance all increased for prepared foods and deli foodservice over the last year. But there’s still a gap between what shoppers are looking for and what they find. Half of shoppers report that their store’s prepared food is [...]
Looking for inspired holiday display ideas that will really make an impact? The merchandising experts at Hillphoenix are here to help you take the everyday and turn it into something spectacular. Creating dynamic, attention-grabbing destinations in your store is key to drawing in shoppers, providing a memorable experience and driving those all-important repeat visits. The good news is, you can [...]
The holiday season is right around the corner, but your shoppers are worried about more than dry turkey and overcooked stuffing. A whopping 86% of US adults name the cost of groceries as a source of stress in their lives, according to the latest research. In fact, the cost of groceries ranks higher than any other financial stressor, and it’s [...]
New flavors aren’t just for adventurous Gen Zers. Shoppers of all ages are wanting to try new foods. In fact, 92% of Gen Zers and Millennials like exploring new flavors and 79% of Baby Boomers are happy to try a new dish, according to a recent report. Because of social media and cultural immersion, shoppers of all ages are discovering [...]
