Adult-themed magazines, video movies and video games are included in various laws classified as Age Restricted Products.
It is against the law to sell age-restricted products to minors. These laws vary depending on the location in Canada and the product. The retailer can be subject to prosecution for breaking the laws and risks being disallowed certain product offerings.
A CCSA member found in breach of the law will have their membership rescinded.
CCSA members adhere to a professional code of conduct reflecting the responsibility that convenience store operators have both to the law as well as the local community.
If a product is determined to be restricted to minors it would not sold to minors. This however can create a merchandising challenge for the retailer and the preferred operational standard is to not display sensitive publications or products too openly or in such a way to allow easy access or review.
Appreciating that many of these products are popular for certain customers, and profit generators for the convenience store operator, CCSA promotes the point that they act in a mature and responsible manner at all times.
Focusing on the Female Perspective in C-stores
All CCSA associations have received presentations of the 2009 State of the Industry report for retailers, distributors and manufacturers.
The rise in consumption of contraband tobacco is the main reason behind the rapid increase of C-store closures across Canada. In 2009, 1 out of 10 convenience stores closed. Most of the closures occurred in Quebec, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.
Merchandising directly impacts on generating in-store traffic first and that should translate into in-store sales. Merchandising creates the ambiance to attract people to enter the store, and once inside, that same merchandising must not just create a good first impression; it also must sustain and leave a positive last one!
