In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Executive Editor Hannah Hammond talks to Dr. Thomas Weinandy, principal research economist at Upside.

The two discussed the conflict in Iran and how measures like the Jones Act waiver are aiming to help supply chain disruptions in the oil market. Weinandy also shared how events abroad are affecting U.S. fuel prices—and how consumers are responding at convenience stores and gas stations.

“At Your Convenience” brings industry experts and analysts together with CSP editors to discuss the latest in c-store news and trends. From mergers and acquisitions to foodservice and technology, the podcast delivers the story straight to listeners in short-format episodes, perfect for the morning commute or a quick break at the office.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Matt Van Gilder, vice president of omnichannel at Des Moines, Iowa-based consulting firm NexChapter, which helps retailers with loyalty, retail media and digital commerce strategy.

Their discussion focuses on foodservice and e-commerce, including how the digital channel is the new front door of the convenience store and one of the primary ways customers find a business and its offerings.

On this podcast, Van Gilder discusses the advantages the digital channel brings when it comes to communicating and how convenience stores are approaching 30% of transactions for foodservice through digital channels. He also talks about how retailers must do more than just build a digital platform—they must plan to grow it.

This episode of “At Your Convenience” is part two of CSP’s conversations with the 2026 Category Manager of the Year (CMOY) finalists.

• Listen to part one here.

Finalists were named in seven categories: behind the counter, center store, dispensed beverages, foodservice, loyalty + tech/operations, nonalcohol and alcohol. And winners were announced during CSP’s Convenience Retailing University event, which took place Feb. 24-26 in Austin, Texas.

At the event, the finalists stopped by CSP’s podcast booth to answer three questions about category management. Here are some of their responses.