LAS VEGAS -- Personalization and a strong foodservice program are the keys to increasing beverages sales, according to panelists at "A 24-Hour Buzz: Effective Beverage Marketing" workshop on the opening day of the 2009 NACS Show. Both fountain and coffee categories offer operators big opportunities for sales growth if you deliver on your customers' wants and needs.

MILLERSBURG, Ohio -- A gas station known for offering full service is on its way to becoming a BellStores location. A Millersburg, Ohio, Red Head station will be replaced by a 1,680-sq.-ft. BellStores c-store, according to plans submitted to the zoning commission by Campbell Oil.

LOS ANGELES -- Despite economic gloom casting a spell on consumer confidence this year, America's darkest holiday is looking bright for retailers. According to IBISWorld, Halloween sales are expected to reach a record-breaking $6 billion in 2009, up 4.2% from the $5.77 billion generated last year.