What's up with Valero pushing junk food ? (San Antonio, Shamrock: sales, buying)

[cobralou]

Everytime I go into a Velero in San Antonio the cashier is always trying to push whatever cookies or candies they have at the counter. Why have they started doing this knowing that it contributes to weight issues and tooth decay? What's next cigaretttes and beer? Do the cashiers make something off these sales to persistently push it off on every customer ? I hate waking into a covenience store only to be solicited by the cashier, it is one thing when it is for MDA it's another when its for junk food.

[TXStrat]

Common practice not just limited to Valero, or even to the local area. Gas station/convenience stores make the majority of their profits off of food sales. Even in a franchise situation like Valero stores. Valero refines the gas, the proprietor pays for the gas, and after taxes, etc, he realizes very little profit from fuel sales. His/her markup on food sales is through the roof though, resulting in a large profit margin. It wouldn't matter if they were pushing junk food, or fresh produce, their markup is astronomical.

[Bo]

Valero also sells fruit. You could suggest to the cashier that they push apples and bananas instead of Whoopie Pies and Kit Kats.

[gwrober]

Because they make more money on processed foods. People vote with their wallets.

If more people bought bananas, they would push bananas.

[Hedgehog_Mom]

Valero has always required their cashiers to "plus sell". They did it back when they were Diamond Shamrock. They used to threaten to fire cashiers who didn't do it. The cashier has no choice about what to try to sell, usually, they're told what that week's item is.

It's just like when you go to HEB and there's a basket of something that the cashier is supposed to try to upsell, usually gum or candy or toothbrushes. They used to have a policy that if the cashier didn't ask if you wanted that item, you would get one for free. I never tried that one, I appreciate the convenience of checking out without being nagged and I can read the sign on the basket and decide whether or not I want the item without the cashier needing to ask.

[badalchemist]

That's how convenience stores make their money and afford to staff a cashier.

[ggeorgie]

Funny though, when I checkout at Valero, I don't EVER see anyone buying those "pushed" products.

[doss1]

Junk gas ...junk food.

[Torpedos]

they have always done that. I never been offered a vegan burger by the cashier. and if you look at the people going into the store you will notice not many are worried about health.

[Backliteyes]

Easy fix that will benefit your wallet and your waistline: Never go inside, pay at the pump. I think the last time I went inside a gas station was last summer.