How to Capitalize on Red Stripe Beer During the Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Retailers, take note — the summer season brings not only rising temperatures but rising demand for Red Stripe, the iconic Jamaican lager. This year, the timing couldn’t be better: Red Stripe is the official beer of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, one of the largest cultural celebrations in North America. Why Red Stripe? Red Stripe has […]
How to Get a Tobacco License in Ontario: A Simple Guide for Convenience Stores
If you sell tobacco in your convenience store in Ontario, you need two important licenses: a provincial Tobacco Retail Dealer’s Permit (TRDP) and a municipal business license. This guide explains both—so you can stay legal and avoid fines. 1. Provincial License: Tobacco Retail Dealer’s Permit (TRDP) This is your main license to sell tobacco in […]
OCSA and American Express Partner to Support Ontario Convenience Store Retailers
OCSA Partners with American Express to Support Ontario Convenience Store Retailers The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with American Express Canada to support the unique purchasing needs of convenience store owners across Ontario. This initiative is designed to make it easier for retailers to buy beer, wine, and […]
Tax Verification Needed for Alcohol Permit Renewal
Attention Ontario Convenience Store Owners: Don’t Miss Your Liquor Licence Renewal – Important Tax Step Now Required If you sell alcohol in your convenience store and it’s time to renew your liquor licence, there’s one important step you must complete before you apply: 👉 You need a Tax Compliance Verification (TCV) from the Ontario Ministry […]
From NASA to TikTok: The Snack That’s Taking Over the Candy Aisle
Why Freeze-Dried Candy Should Be Your Next Top-Selling Treat Once a niche novelty rooted in space food technology, freeze-dried candy is now rocketing to the top of the confectionery charts. As a convenience store retailer looking to drive foot traffic and boost impulse buys, this is one trend you don’t want to miss. According to […]
The Future of Protein Snacks: Key Trends Driving Category Growth in 2025
The protein snacks category is entering a new era of opportunity. Once a niche offering focused primarily on fitness consumers, protein-rich snacks are now a mainstream staple—and the data proves it. In 2025, the global protein snacks market has hit $24 billion in sales, growing at three times the rate of the overall snacking category. […]
Kenny Shim Profiled by NACS as Industry Advocate
We are proud to share that OCSA President Kenny Shim was recently featured in the February 2025 issue of NACS Magazine. As part of their special “Advocacy in Action” feature, Kenny was recognized for his persistent leadership and 34 years of experience in the convenience store industry. In the article, Kenny shared his insights on […]
Ontario’s Alcohol Marketplace Expansion: Cost Analysis
The Financial Impact of Expanding the Beverage Alcohol Marketplace in Ontario The Ontario government’s decision to expand its beverage alcohol marketplace by 2024 is projected to cost $1.4 billion by 2030, according to the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) This cost includes subsidies for the wine industry and The Beer Store, along with reduced […]
Beer Store – Boxing Day Stores for Pickup
Select Beer Stores will be open on Boxing Days for convenience store to restock.
Mandatory Signage for Convenience Stores Selling Alcohol in Ontario
The AGCO requires every convenience store that is selling beer, wine, RTDs and cider to have these three signs posted in their store.