NORMAN, Okla. -- After launching as the new branded-retailer buying program for Phillips 66 this past May, Convenience Store Alliance (CSA) is now experiencing rapid growth in memberships while expanding its vendor program offerings, according to the organization.
In August, CSA joined Phillips 66 on its New Energy Tour, which is visiting 22 cities in the central and western regions of the United States. “The tour has given CSA a great opportunity to show Phillips 66-branded dealers and marketers how we generate tremendous savings and develop more efficient operating practices for our members,” said Mike Lawson, CEO and founder of CSA.
"We are extremely pleased with the positive response and participation levels we are seeing from our branded retailers," said Mike O'Connor, manager, programs and brand image for Phillips 66. "They recognize that the increasingly competitive marketplace requires independent operators to take advantage of programs like this in order to remain viable going forward."
The buying program provides independent convenience stores with vendor programs offering national account pricing, rebates and levels of service that chain stores currently enjoy. Unlike other buying programs, CSA offers experienced convenience store consultants at no additional fee to provide hands-on support for members.
“CSA’s national grocery pricing is better than what I could get on my own. The analysis proved it,” said Min Le of 76 Gas and Convenience in Gresham, Oregon. “So I joined for grocery and am now looking at the Fountain Freedom program that will allow me to save even more with CSA’s national pricing on fountain syrup.”
CSA’s goal is to provide a vendor program for every aspect of running a convenience store.
In September, CSA added three new vendor programs for members:
Payment Alliance International (PAI): Members have the option to have PAI place and fund their ATM's while sharing an aggressive surcharge commission, or an ATM can be purchased outright and self-funded. Members will receive the majority percentage of the overall interchange fee, as well as other applicable rebates pertaining to additional surcharge commission. PAI also delivers detailed, real-time revenue and profitability reports online, and more.
CAF Environmental Solutions (CAF): CAF is the leading manufacturer of environmental friendly and safe products for use in outdoor cleaning. True to its motto--Clean GREEN Smart--CAF supplies a complete outdoor cleaning program to improve operational safety while providing a systematic approach with real cost savings, all while supporting LEED principles with truly GREEN products.
Profit Solutions Group (PSG): Counting tills and deposits just became six times faster with PSG’s Intelliscale money counter with optional printer and custom fit till cups for any POS drawers. The unit saves time for management and staff to focus on other aspects of the business. Members may order units online, through CSA customer service or through CSA regional consultants.
For the western half of the United States, Convenience Store Alliance is the Phillips 66 Branded Retailer Buying Program. Dealers outside the exclusive territories are also eligible to participate, regardless of brand affiliation.
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