Convenience Stores Commitment to Support during COVID 19
Independent Convenience stores (over 6,000) throughout Ontario were declared an essential service during the height of COVID and over 95% remained open to serve customers needs in every community. Some highlights: A) In store sales increased 30-38% during the 4 month period. B) C Stores sold 85% of all OLG lottery products (up from 74%) […]
Ontario Economic Development & Finance Committee Meetings
The OCSA has formally met with the Ministry of Economic Development committee as well as presented to the Pre budget committee the three priorities of the C store industry: A) 2 % increase in lottery commissions for all retailers to help offset the costs of business during COVID 19. B) Move ahead (as promised) with […]
OCSA Letter Warning of Contraband Impact
The re-opening of smoke shops on Ontario reserves has brought an issue facing our channel back to the forefront; the sale of cheap, untaxed cigarettes damaging the business of regulated convenience store retailers. A tobacco survey conducted by the OCSA this year has aided us in our efforts to help the government better understand the […]
Mystery Shopping Returns Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
A total of 34 local public health units have once again started to conduct underage mystery shop programs in convenience stores so it is important that we remind our employees of our responsibility to ensure strict age-testing procedures even during the COVID-19 pandemic with required face coverings now the new norm. Below are steps that […]
Beer and Wine Update, October 2020
It has now been three years since the Ontario government promised to allow consumers more access to beer and wine in local, family-run convenience stores. The program, to this point, seems to have stalled despite our continued participation in meetings on the subject. What we have seen in the meantime is the relaxation of various […]
Made in Ontario
The Ontario Convenience Stores Association has aligned our members and associate members to promote ‘Made in Ontario’ for all companies producing products for the convenience store industry in Ontario. Each product can use the government authorized stickers and logo to highlight Ontario products in your stores and encourage all retailers to review products and promotions […]
C Store Days Return Throughout Ontario
C Store Days will once again take place throughout Ontario. This year from August 15-22 with a special focus on Saturday, Aug. 22. During this annual campaign, 100% of proceeds from convenience stores will go directly to the four children’s charity hospitals in Ontario. Sick Kids’ Foundation Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation Children’s Health […]
Contraband Tobacco Survey
During Covid 19, the OCSA conducted a tobacco survey document in June 2020 during the voluntary closure of the 100’s of illegal (untaxed) tobacco outlets throughout Ontario. The study is an in house study by the OCSA and was reviewed and assisted on the final layout by our government relations firm. OCSA members have constantly […]
OCSA Golf Tournament Postponed to 2021
Due to COVID 19 and out of respect for the safety of our suppliers and members we have decided to cancel this year’s OCSA golf day. We plan to launch this event in July of 2021. Thank you to everyone for your continued support!
OCSA and PAYGOS to Provide e-commerce Platform to Ontario Convenience Stores
The Ontario Convenience Stores Association is pleased to announce a long term business relationship with Paygos. During the last few months, convenience stores throughout Ontario have demonstrated our ability to offer essential services to consumers in every community and this new partnership with Paygos will benefit the entire industry. Retailers will soon have the ability to […]