Longtime customers at Reeder’s in Tulsa, Oklahoma, recognize Mary Hatheway, marketing manager for the store. She grew up in the business that her grandfather started in 1961 and that her parents now own and operate. “I would sit on the counter as a kid and watch my mom check people out, so I’ve always been there,” she said. 

But she’s also a familiar face to a new generation. She’s a local influencer with 130,000 followers on TikTok and over 79,000 on Instagram. 

In addition to her own lifestyle content, most of which is focused on happenings in the Tulsa area, she uses her platform to promote Reeder’s—its events, fresh food and new products. “It’s kind of ended up making our store a TikTok gas station. I find products that are trending online, try them on TikTok and let people know we have them in the store. It’s really fun.” 

She spoke with NACS about: 

Why she loves working in convenience

I went to college and changed my major multiple times. I had no idea what I wanted to do. I wanted to explore what was out there and work for a different company other than my family’s, so I took an internship in college at a large corporation. It was great experience, but after growing up in the store with that community of regulars … I knew working in a cube wasn’t for me. I love working in the convenience industry because you really get to know your customers by seeing them every day. I know people’s favorite orders, I know about their kids, the vacation they just went on or whatever else is going on in their life. I’ve built a community in this store. 

What she finds fulfilling about her job

I think the convenience industry is just really fun because we sell candy, novelty items and toys. I’m the one that buys most of that for our store and I try to jump on trends really fast. My favorite thing is when someone comes in and says, ‘Oh my gosh, I saw this online. I did not think I’d find it in Tulsa, but you guys already have it.’ That’s really fulfilling to me. I also am so satisfied when someone has a favorite candy and I can make sure it’s always in stock—that our store is reliable for our customers and can fulfill those expectations. 

Why she thinks convenience is a great job

It’s constantly changing. Convenience stores are usually the first to have a lot of new products, so you can recommend things to people. It’s a really fast-paced environment. I also love that you’re constantly interacting with people and are making connections and friends through those face-to-face interactions every day.