Valero's Corner Stores Enter the World of Social Media

SAN ANTONIO -- Valero Retail Holdings Inc. has brought its Corner Stores into the social marketing realm.

Taking the first step, Valero launched the website CornerStore4U.com for its convenience store brand. The move enabled more than 100,000 consumers to participate in the Free Music and Movies promotion this summer. Valero then joined in social marketing through texts and e-mail opt-ins, which featured exclusive offers for consumers, according to the company.

Valero's latest effort is a Corner Store mobile app. Users can get fuel prices, find the closest Corner Store, check on deals and share their thoughts.

"This gives us more flexibility in marketing and the ability to engage with our loyal customers," said Hal Adams, Valero's vice president-retail merchandising. "It is one of our key strategic plans for marketing."

Corner Store partnered with OpenStore by GasBuddy to create the different social media platforms. "Corner Store continues to be an industry leader by making smart advances and building strong connections with customers via social media and mobile technology. The possibilities are endless," said Jason Towes, CEO of GasBuddy.