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Provincial Regulations Prevent Federal Signage

The federal police in Canada, the RCMP, have and continue to spend considerable resources fighting the illegal trade of untaxed cigarettes. In their recent marketing initiative, the RCMP has created posters for stores, billboards, etc., that warn the Canadian public of the societal consequences of purchasing contraband tobacco. The Ontario government has regulations called the […]

Prepaid Credit Card Changes

The federal government introduced new regulations on October 24, 2012 on prepaid credit cards. In a largely unregulated market, the government is creating regulations that will not allow issuers of prepaid cards to impose expiry dates. New regulations will also require issuers to be up front about hidden fees and conditions. This small but growing […]

Help Us Cut Red Tape

The 2012 CCSA State of the Industry Report describes in detail the amount of regulations and policies that convenience store retailers face in their small business. Please read the following report that describes in detail the regulations across Canada and the cost to the small business owners. Click here to view the 2012 State Of […]

Paper Bags Cost More

Paper bags that will replace plastic t-shirt bags will cost substantially more to retailers.  Some estimate that the current charge of 5 cents per bag will be increased to as high as 15 cents per bag.  Retailers that have experimented with paper bags made from recycled fibres had to discontinue their use because of paper […]

Beer Stores Cannot Sell Convenience Items

One of the many challenges facing the OCSA this year has been members complaining about local beer stores selling convenience items.  The attached government document clearly describes the items that can be sold in beer stores.  As you may know, beer stores have the exclusive right to sell beer in the province of Ontario and […]

City of Toronto’s Bag Ban Hurry Up Offense

The City of Toronto’s attempt to push through legislation to ban t-shirt and other plastic bags provided at convenience and grocery stores was what is called in football “hurry up offense”. Characterized by a strategy when time is running out or the other side of the fence (the opposing team) is completely unready, the team […]

Drive Off Safety Training Kits

Updated drive-off safety training kits are now available from the Ontario Convenience Store Association.  These new kits feature large in-store posters that will help as a deterrent to fuel theft.  The new kits come in a more mail-friendly envelope that saves distribution costs.  Call (905) 845 -3512 for your kit today.

Sign Of The Times

Many consumers think competition is good as it creates a competitive pricing for the general public.  In most cases, I agree. The economics of supply and demand are simple. Take the petroleum industry for example. People closely watch the price of gas knowing that it typically increases as weekends approach (more travellers – more demand). […]