Phillips 66 helps form network for retailers

NORMAN — An alliance of convenience stores is teaming up with Phillips 66 to form a buyer’s network for independently owned stores to help grow sales and profits.

The Convenience Store Alliance, based in Norman, said its program will be available to store owners who sell Phillips 66, Conoco or “76” brand gasoline. The program also will be open to independent retailers outside of designated Phillips-brand sales territories.

The alliance said the program will help independent store owners better compete with large, chain convenience stores. Under the program, store owners will have access to buying discounts and rebates from vendors in food service, grocery, fountain drinks, inventory systems and human resources.

“With our CSA relationship, we look forward to offering independent convenience store operators across the nation ac- cess to reduced costs on products and services retailers use every day in the convenience stores,” Mike Krampf, manager of brand value at Phillips 66, said in a statement.

Phillips 66 has more than 7,000 stores selling its three gasoline brands. The alliance said participating stores have saved an average of $20,000 each year in just its fountain and grocery programs.

The alliance also offers a network of national convenience store consultants to help store owners implement industry-best practices. Alliance members pay a $300 sign-up fee, and the alliance charges a 1.1 percent administrative fee on qualified purchases.

Mike Lawson, the alliance’s president and chief executive officer, founded the organization in 2009 after a career in the fueldistribution industry.