November Top Up Promotion -Lets ‘Top Up’
Another exciting promotion from our friends at the OLG supporting the channel with incentives for our members. Lottery sales in every convenience store are one of the largest daily sales in our cash registers and brings in the most foot traffic daily. We are pleased to have the support of the OLG offering increased commission […]
Pop Daddy Now Available in Ontario
Pop Daddy has just joined the OCSA as we are pleased to have such tasty snacks available in Ontario. Pop Daddy was born out of the passion—some would say obsession—that Pop Daddy Snacks Founder’s Mark and Erin Sarafa had for microwave popcorn. Mark and his family were eating microwave popcorn almost every evening when he […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]