OLG Announces 30% Commission on $3.00 Scratch/Instant Tickets
The OCSA is proud to partner once again with the Ontario Lottery where all convenience store retailers will receive a 30% commission on all $3.00 Instant Bingo and Instant Crossword tickets for the entire month of March. Following up with the success of Plinko last year, here is a great opportunity for retailers to garner […]
2022 Ontario Convenience Stores Board of Directors
The OCSA is proud to represent the economic interests of the entire Convenience store sector in Ontario and has elected their 2022 Board of Directors. Kenny Shim (President of OKBA) is pleased to Chair the 2022 Board and looks forward to bringing independents, regional chains together on the issues and opportunities for our members. The […]
Successful Pilot of Digital Age Verification
The OCSA in partnership with Liquid Avatar are proud to announce the successful completion of an end-to-end, live working test of the Smart Age program. The Smart Age program provides digital age verification, supported with biometric authentication for restricted product sales like lottery tickets, tobacco, alcohol and other goods and services through a mobile device […]
Innovative Product – QuickStrip
Quickstrip is an innovative vitamin offering that convenience store owners can offer to their customers. What is a QuickStrip™? QuickStrip™ is a thin oral dissolvable film (similar to the Listerine strip we are all familiar with but a different technology). QuickStrip™ is simply placed on or under the tongue (most effective placement is under the […]
LCBO Convenience Agency Store Issues
The LCBO, for all intents and purposes, is a hierarchy that has not demonstrated an interest in the issues affecting their rural retail family-run partners. Since most retailers are nervous with the possibility of retribution, they are unwilling to voice their concerns. The OCSA has met with a few LCBO Convenience Store operators and unfortunately […]
Minimum Wage Increase – January 1, 2022
An increase of minimum wage to $15.00 per hour effective January 2022. This decision has caught all small businesses off guard with no consultation or discussion with any groups representing the industry and looks more like electioneering as we lead up to the June 2022 election. This is a difficult topic as most will agree […]
Beverage Alcohol Update
Why aren’t the convenience stores able to sell alcohol yet? There is no one answer but a lot of this delay pertains to the past Liberal government signing a 10-year exclusive deal with the three (3) major owners of The Beer Stores known as the MFA agreement. This agreement subjects the present government to penalties […]
Gas Thefts in Ontario Keep Growing
Gas thefts continue to increase throughout Ontario with the latest data showing over 27,000 drive offs from local Ontario gas stations. Employees and citizens have unfortunately been the victim of these criminals where we have seen deaths over the years that can and could be avoided. In conjunction with the Chiefs of Police Association, the […]
Focus on Contraband Tobacco is Needed Now
On behalf of 1000’s of family run convenience stores in Ontario, the OCSA is reaching out to the Ontario government and all MPP’s to refocus on contraband tobacco as it damages every convenience store, infiltrates every community and avoids paying Provincial tobacco taxes and HST through the organized network. Convenience stores sell 95% of all […]
RELX International Now in Canada
RELX International, a supplier of vape products, has joined the Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA), enabling it to work more closely with distributors and convenience retailers. RELX International is a multinational electronic cigarette company that markets and sells RELX, Asia’s leading e-cigarette brand. RELX’s award-winning devices provide the optimal vaping experience and are available in […]