Fueling stations are a big part of Tops Markets' go-to-market strategy. Tops centers promotions on its gas points rewards program, which allows shoppers to save money on gas at Tops fueling stations when they spend a certain amount of money or buy certain products. And Western New York shoppers love racking up points and watching their price per gallon fall.
So it's no surprise that the Amherst-based grocer is investing $2 million into a technology upgrade at its pumps centering on new credit card and BonusPlus reward card readers.
All 58 Tops fuel stations will get a tech upgrade, starting with a pilot program launching at the Tops store in Depew next month. The rest of the fuel pumps will be upgraded by the end of the year.
The terminals will feature a three-dimensional barcode reader that will let customers pay with Apple, Google and Samsung Pay accounts; and let them scan their bonus card or Tops App to access gas point savings. Terminals will have a 9-inch touch screen that can broadcast store promotions
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"At Tops, we're always looking for innovative ways to enhance the customer experience, and this investment is a major step forward," said David Rybarczyk, manager of Fuel Merchandising & Operations for Tops Markets. "By enabling secure, contactless payments and integrating our loyalty program directly at the pump, we're making fueling up not only faster and more convenient, but also more rewarding for our customers. This upgrade underscores our commitment to combining value with cutting-edge technology across all our fuel locations."
Also at Tops, the grocer has partnered with supplemental‑benefit and health care‑fintech solutions provider NationsBenefits to accept the company's NationsBenefits Benefits Mastercard prepaid card at all Tops locations for the purchase of fresh produce, pantry staples and over-the-counter wellness essentials.
As the problem of food insecurity grows across Western New York, the goal of the partnership is for customers to be able to afford healthier, more wholesome products while the company captures transaction data that can help NationsBenefits develop purchase insights that allow health plans to better plan the benefits it offers and more precisely target community outreach.
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Spot Coffee closes Clarence cafe
Spot Coffee has closed its cafe at 5205 Transit Road in Clarence, citing the store's financial performance and location. Most of Spot's cafes are located in walkable communities, unlike the one on the busy Transit commercial thoroughfare.
"The Clarence cafe's location presented unique challenges in terms of accessibility and customer traffic patterns," Spot said in a statement.
In March, Spot closed a high-profile location on East Avenue in Rochester. Another location closed in North Tonawanda in 2022.
Annie Adams returns with ceramics and jewelry
Buffalo artist and entrepreneur Annie Adams has returned to her roots as a clay artist and jewelry maker and opened a new 300-square-foot store at 830 Elmwood Ave.
Handmade by Annie Adams sells one-of-a-kind ceramics and jewelry that incorporate locally sourced natural elements like tree bark and driftwood. Adams worked in traditional clay before making her mark with precious metal clay, a substance that can be worked like clay, but when kiln-fired turns into fine silver.
Adams built a strong following for her work when she owned a former jewelry store that closed in 2012. In the intervening years, she opened a consignment clothing retail concept called Second Chic, which now has three locations, at 810 Elmwood Ave., at 1871 Elmwood Ave. and in Williamsville.
Minuteman merges again
Minuteman Press has merged with XOAR Communications, a more than 30-year-old printing business in Orchard Park. It will be integrated into Minuteman Press Buffalo's operations at 505 Main St. Minuteman also has offices in Amherst and Cheektowaga.
It's the firm's third acquisition in three months. Minuteman also merged with Caboodle Printing in July and Minute Print in May. The latest merger allows Minuteman to offer a broader array of products and services, gives it stronger buying power deepens its commitment to supporting local businesses, owner Wes Froebel said.
Remodeled Walmart store reopens in Albion
Albion's remodeled Walmart Supercenter has reopened, with a new focus on omnichannel shopping that is ready to serve customers who shop in store, online, or pick items up at the curb.
The store, on New York Route 31, has new interactive displays, a new community-inspired mural by Chromasthetic Studios and expanded pet and apparel departments. Each department has a new look, complete with digital "touchpoints" that use QR codes and digital screens to communicate products and services. The store is reconfigured with new, more spacious layouts and refreshed decor. The vision center and pharmacy have been updated, more apparel brands have been added and there is new signage inside and out. Outside, the parking lot and landscaping have been updated
"At Walmart, enhancing our customers' shopping experience is always a priority," said Cherry Hodge Walmart store manager. "This transformation not only brings exciting new features and improvements to our store but also reflects our deep commitment to better serve the community. We're proud to provide a refreshed, more convenient shopping environment that meets the evolving needs of our customers."
THE LATEST
Rainbow Air rises to challenges and opportunities in its new Niagara Falls home.
An underfunded Niagara County pension fund is getting $67 million in federal funds that will help it restore benefits.
The house that was listed for $1 in Cheektowaga had 80 offers and sold for a price that made its owners happy.
The attorney who bought one of the region's most expensive homes is buying the sites of the former Brick Bar and Old Pink in Allentown.
A National Grid grant will help the Northland workforce training complex add a clean tech lab.
A former strip club in Cheektowaga is being acquired by a bridge painting contractor.
Unemployment across the Buffalo Niagara region rose but remained near historic lows during July.
A controversial Amherst apartment project received tax breaks from the Amherst Industrial Development Agency, overcoming objections from the Republican candidate for town supervisor.
The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the region's economic revitalization. Email tips to [email protected] or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.
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