Purchasing Power for Independents – Minis Convenience
The OCSA has been working hard to bring value to the hard working independent convenience store operators. As the OCSA strives to help store operators reduce costs, increase margins, provide better service and to grow their business…. a key element has been our partnership with Paygos. Paygos brings more choice, significantly lower prices, and ultra […]
Convenience Store Week Soon to be A Reality
It is a profound honour for the entire Convenience store industry that we will soon have a proclaimed dedicated week during the last week of August, every year from here on in to our industry and products we sell. This period will be known as ‘Convenience Store Week’ and will be recognized by all politicians […]
Federal Budget 2021 – Tobacco & Vape Tax
The Federal budget targeted tobacco products with $4 per carton effective at midnight, Monday, April 19, 2021. In addition, will be vaping taxes implemented by year end should this budget pass. CTV News did a feature that clearly spells out the increases: It will get more expensive for Canadians who smoke cigarettes and vape, under […]
Retailer Code of Conduct Needs to Expand
Just recently Sobeys Canada and FCPC (Food Consumers Products of Canada) developed and proposed an industry Code of Conduct for the Canadian grocery supply chain in this country, which the OCSA is in complete support of. The association would like to see it expanded to include additional stakeholders so that the independent convenience stores are […]
Code of Conduct for Retail and Distributors in the Food and Convenience Industry
Our industry needs to thank the leadership from Sobeys & FCPC for the proposed ‘Code of Conduct‘ to correct the many issues the entire retail industry (food & convenience) has faced through the years. There is a growing imbalance of retail purchasing power that at times has left the entire independent operators with little recognition […]
Ontario Beverage Alcohol updates and Initiatives
The opportunity and promise to have all convenience stores in Ontario selling beverage alcohol is still a reality as confirmed by the Ontario government. The OCSA will represent our members when it comes to rolling out beer/wine into our channel and ensure membership will be first to enjoy this privilege. Thousands of convenience stores want […]
Convenience Store Week Declared in Ontario
Yesterday the Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA), OKBA & CICC joined MPP Stan Cho to participate in an online press conference announcing his private members bill tabled yesterday in the legislature declaring the week before Labour Day to be ‘Convenience Store Week’ in Ontario recognizing the hard work of 1000’s of convenience store owners and […]
Convenience Store COVID Safety Plan
As we move through the Covid-19 issues, it is important that all convenience stores have a safety plan in place for inspection by the local Public Health units (PHU). It has become apparent that they are now asking all stores to show their plan. To help prepare everyone, the OCSA has prepared a simple COVID-19 […]
Plinko -Ontario’s Largest Instant Game Launch
Convenience Stores throughout Ontario have just launched Plinko, OLG’s newest and most exciting game for only $5. This launch is important to the thousands of convenience stores as it offers a 30% margin for 3 months (vs 8%), creates retailer enthusiasm, and drives more traffic to the convenience stores. We presently represent over 75% of […]
OCSA Update: Year-End Notes from 2020
2020 has been a challenging year for all retailers in Ontario. Throughout it, the OCSA has been proud to work with the government to ensure that the entire convenience industry is recognized as an essential service. As a result, our sector has avoided some of the unfortunate circumstances many other retailers have had to face […]