Yesterday SSCS had the pleasure of attending the Sunoco LP Dealer/Distributor Meeting in the Woodlands, part of the greater Houston area. Though we attend the show every year, as Sunoco LP is a valued corporate partner, it was the first show since Sunoco LP’s renewed emphasis on “fuel distribution and logistics” as cited in the company’s press release of January 23, 2018.

As part of this re-organization, Sunoco LP divested the majority of its company operated convenience stores, but there are still plenty of APlus convenience stores and independently operated convenience stores—many of them currently our customers—that sell Sunoco branded gasoline. This show was—in large part—for these folks, as it brought the entire Sunoco LP community together by invitation only. This included the vendors with which Sunoco LP does business, whether they are food and beverage purveyors, POS suppliers, or providers of technology. For us, the show is especially unique since we were the only back office system in attendance.

“The show is designed to give Sunoco LP retailers exposure to all the great companies that help support APlus stores and Sunoco LP independents, a chance for these operators to get to know each of us and see what we can bring to the table in terms of supporting their success,” says SSCS VP of Sales Shawn Herrick. “It’s an enriched sales opportunity, but it also gives us a chance to catch up with old friends and acquaintances, while meeting interesting new industry professionals. It’s like the convenience retail version of a reunion, that keeps one eye focused squarely on future opportunities. There’s really nothing quite like it, and we thank Sunoco LP for asking us to participate.