C-Stores See Bright Side and Dark Side of Eclipse
C-Stores See Bright Side and Dark Side of Eclipse
By Greg Lindenberg on Aug. 17, 2017WASHINGTON -- For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will cross the entire nation. And convenience-store retailers are ready for the historic astronomical event, many already selling out of the special glasses required to view the eclipse safely. But are they ready for the hordes of eclipse watchers who will travel their highways and invade their towns?
The last total solar eclipse visible in the United States occurred in 1979, and the last one to cross the entire country was almost a century ago.
On Aug. 21, 2017, the North American continent will experience a partial eclipse lasting two to three hours. Anyone within a 70-mile-wide path that stretches 2,800 miles through 14 states from Oregon to South Carolina will experience a total eclipse of the sun. In those locations, the moon will completely block the sun’s face for about two minutes.
Here are some c-store chains getting their moment in the sun, and what some communities and retailers are doing to prepare …
7-Eleven
Eclipse watchers can hit 7-Eleven stores to purchase special glasses to view the phenomenon. Available in a two-pack and single pack, the “Explore Scientific Sun Catcher” solar eclipse glasses that 7-Eleven offers are approved for viewing by the American Astronomical Society (AAS).
“An opportunity like this only comes along once in a blue moon,” said Tony Stapleton, senior product director for Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc. “People will be buying eclipse glasses right up until the sun starts to pass behind the moon, and we are ready for them with a product that is a great value and assured safe by AAS.”
7-Eleven is one of the U.S. retailers listed on the AAS website as selling safe, ISO-certified eclipse glasses. Consumers should be careful to buy eclipse viewing glasses only from reputable sources because there are reportedly many unsafe, counterfeit products for sale.
7-Eleven is encouraging customers who buy viewing glasses to also purchase the exclusive shiny, “selfie-inducing” Chrome Dome Slurpee cup and lid. The metallic dome top is perfect for taking reflective photos to be shared on social media, using the hashtags #7eleven and #solarselfie, the retailer said.
Twice Daily
To celebrate the “Great American Total Solar Eclipse,” the Twice Daily convenience store in Cadiz, Ky., is hosting a viewing party for the event. Located on the path of the total eclipse, “Cadiz will be one of the best places in the country to watch the sky turn dark,” the retailer said.
The store will host the party in its parking lot Aug. 21 and will offer food and drink specials, prizes and more. Twice Daily will have free certified eclipse viewing glasses available (one per person, while supplies last).
The store is selling commemorative shirts and cups at the Cadiz location, the Nashville, Tenn.-based chain said on Facebook.
Other c-store chains
Many other large c-store chains and local c-stores (more than listed here) along the path of the eclipse are also offering special glasses. Here are a few additional convenience retailers listed among the approved vendors on the AAS website:
Boon or burden?
Meanwhile, the expected influx of people in need of food, beverages and supplies could be a boon to c-stores, gas stations, other retailers, hotels and restaurants along the eclipse’s path. But the increase in traffic has some local officials concerned.
- Click here for detailed state and county eclipse traffic maps, websites and information.
The city of Pocatello, Idaho, has held meetings with restaurant and c-store operators to discuss readiness, reported KPVI. Food and merchandise deliveries could be affected, causing them to run low on products. Police also warned of an increase in the criminal activity that can accompany more people.
North Platte, Neb., is expecting the eclipse to bring 50,000 to 100,000 people into the community, perhaps quadrupling its size, reported KNOP News. The local Kwik Stop is stocking up. Shannon Lange, director of marketing, told the news outlet that the store will do some extras stocking of shelves and are especially keeping an eye on the site's fuel supply. She said the company has never prepared for an event like the eclipse.
Western Kentucky is bracing for the event as well.
“With NASA predicting between 100,000 and 500,000 visitors to the region for the eclipse, we’re urging businesses to think through some of the supply challenges that may be created by heavy traffic and several days of high demand for food, fuel and grocery supplies,” Mike McGregor, District 1 chief engineer, told WIKY.
Max Arnold and Sons, Hopkinsville, Ky., operates 22 c-stores and truckstops, most within the eclipse corridor, said the report.
During early June, western Kentucky gets a surge of traffic headed to the Bonnaroo Festival and other events in Tennessee. Max Fuels locations start preparing about a week ahead by stocking staple items such as bottled water, and by keeping fuel storage tanks topped off. The company plans to make similar preparations for the eclipse, scheduling extra fuel deliveries at night when traffic is light, dispatcher Eddie Prevette told the news outlet. He encourages residents to treat the eclipse the way they would an approaching snow or ice storm.
Several area restaurants said they plan to stage extra food supplies nearby using rented refrigerated trailers, the report said.