GREEN BROOK, N.J. -- Independent gas station and convenience store operators in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania continue to struggle with declining revenues and profits, which is prompting them to search for more options to offer customers, said Jignesh Vadgama, meeting and event planner for the Asian American Retailers Association (AARA).
He said he believes that search led to record attendance at the 10th annual AARA trade show.
The event, held earlier this month at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, N.J., drew about 2,500 retailers and 162 vendor exhibitors.
"Our member retailers are looking for other options to improve their businesses. Many are trying to introduce foodservice," Vadgama told CSP Daily News.
AARA is an independent, nonprofit organization that strives to help its members by offering buying power through its preferred vendor program, education seminars and networking opportunities to share business strategies and ideas. It plans future seminars on inventory management and business protection.
The group's 1,300 members include convenience stores, gas stations and liquor stores, most currently in New Jersey. The organization is working to expand membership, especially in New York and Pennsylvania.
Next year's trade show is scheduled Sept. 9, 2015, in central New Jersey.
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