PDI Enterprise customers can meet with the LottoShield team at PDI Connections Live 2025, where they are a Gold Level Sponsor

San Ramon, CA, July 29, 2025 – LottoShield, the lottery tracking system that helps retailers secure and automate their lottery operations, is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with PDI Technologies to bring its software to more PDI Enterprise customers. In addition, LottoShield has signed on as a Gold Level sponsor of PDI Connections Live 2025, one of the industry’s premier training and networking events. 

Trusted by thousands of stores across the United States, LottoShield integrates directly with state lottery reporting systems and Point of Sale (POS) platforms to give retailers unmatched visibility and control over their lottery operations. Retailers using LottoShield benefit from end-to-end oversight—reducing shrink, eliminating hours of manual reconciliation, and automating lottery accounting in PDI Enterprise. 

“At LottoShield, we’ve developed a comprehensive, purpose-built solution that has helped retailers improve their operations by saving time and reducing lottery theft by up to 95%,” said Mehdi Mahmoodi, Co-Founder, LottoShield. “We look forward to working with more PDI customers to protect their lottery inventory and save them time, so they can focus on growing their business.” 

“Offering a choice to PDI customers is paramount in today’s complex convenience retail environment,” said Drew Mize, EVP Commercial Operations & Partnerships, PDI Technologies. “While PDI Lottery will remain a strategic offering to our customers, we recognize the incremental benefits and value that LottoShield brings to PDI Enterprise customers.”     

PDI Enterprise customers can meet with the LottoShield team at PDI Connections Live 2025, August 24-27 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado. Register for PDI Connections Live 2025 here.  

LottoShield and PDI are also planning to cohost a webinar later this year, with registration details to come. PDI Enterprise customers can learn more about the LottoShield solution by reaching out to their PDI contact for an introduction to the LottoShield team or by emailing pdisales@lottoshield.com.

About LottoShield  
LottoShield is the all-in-one lottery management system—built by retailers, for retailers—that helps operators secure inventory, reduce manual work, and simplify day-to-day lottery operations. Trusted by thousands of stores across the United States, LottoShield integrates directly with state lottery reporting systems and POS platforms to provide unmatched visibility and control. From real-time scratcher tracking and employee oversight to automated audits and invoice reconciliation, LottoShield empowers convenience and fuel retailers to reduce losses, reclaim hours, and focus on growing their business. Visit the LottoShield website.

About PDI Technologies 
With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By “Connecting Convenience” across the globe, we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we’re simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Visit the PDI Technologies website.  

About Connections Live 
Presented annually by PDI Technologies, Connections Live is the industry’s premier training and networking event bringing together global leaders and innovators in the fuel, convenience, and retail industries. Connections Live features in-person training, expansive networking, and educational opportunities, all with the goal of accelerating innovation across the convenience ecosystem. To learn more and register for Connections Live 2025 (August 24-27 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado), visit connections.live.

Media Contacts
PDI Technologies, pr@pditechnologies.com

PDI Security and Network Solutions will host live webinar for organizations looking to improve their cyber readiness in response to ongoing threats

ATLANTA, GA, July 28, 2025 (GlobeNewswire) – Dark web marketplace listings nearly doubled from April through June 2025, reaching 2.7 million entries—a 99.36% surge that signals an alarming escalation in cybercriminal activity—according to the latest report from PDI Security and Network Solutions. A leading provider of managed cybersecurity services and a part of PDI Technologies, PDI Security and Network Solutions today released its “Q2 2025 Threat Landscape Report,” offering a data-driven view into attacker activity with these findings and more. 

According to the report, ransomware activity decreased slightly in volume (-11.10%) compared to Q1, but a new group known as NightSpire rose to the top of the ransomware rankings. The financial sector emerged as the only major industry to experience increased ransomware activity in Q2, rising 14.95% over the previous quarter. 

“The emergence of NightSpire and the sheer volume of stolen data listings on the dark web show how quickly the threat landscape can shift,” said Justin Heard, Director of Security Operations, PDI Technologies. “We’re seeing attack timelines collapse from months to weeks, with the window between vulnerability disclosure and active exploitation shrinking dramatically. Organizations that aren’t prepared now won’t have time to catch up. They need proactive visibility into how attacker behavior is evolving.” 

With dark web activity skyrocketing, there’s a staggering financial impact: Organizations hit by threat actors like NightSpire face average recovery costs of $4.88 million, according to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report. Meanwhile, a 24x increase in Vidar Stealer listings suggests a sharp rise in compromised credentials and a growing list of potential victims throughout 2025. 

While exploitation activity declined overall during the quarter, edge technologies such as firewalls and VPNs remained popular targets. A notable example included proof-of-concept code that was actively exploited within weeks of disclosure—highlighting the critical need for swift preventive action. 

“This quarter’s data reflects a more dynamic threat environment where new actors move faster and legacy vulnerabilities still get abused,” said Josh Smith, Supervisor of Threat Intelligence, PDI Technologies. “Organizations—especially those in high-target sectors like manufacturing, finance, and retail—need to double down on vulnerability and patch management. Working with a managed security services provider can help accelerate response times and improve resilience in the face of fast-moving threats.” 

The full “Q2 2025 Threat Landscape Report” is available now. Given the rapid evolution of these threats, PDI will host a live briefing and webinar on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 2:00 pm ET. Security leaders can register online to attend and receive actionable hardening recommendations. The recording will also be accessible online following the webinar. 

About PDI Security and Network Solutions 
With over 25 years of cybersecurity expertise, PDI Security and Network Solutions is redefining managed security through intelligent unification and protection. The company delivers fully managed security and network services—including Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Firewall as a Service—through 24/7 Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and AI-powered insights via the PDI Cybersecurity Platform. PDI Security and Network Solutions protects over 2,500 organizations, processes more than 1 trillion traffic logs quarterly, and safeguards over $1 trillion in retail transactions annually. Its 97% client retention rate reflects an unwavering commitment to client success and innovation. 

Media Contacts
PDI Technologies, pr@pditechnologies.com

Chain retailers and independent operators can work with the technology company to integrate new AGDC opportunities and enhance customer loyalty as PDI is now Personalization Plus (P+) certified 

ATLANTA, GA, July 17, 2025 (GlobeNewswire) – Following Altria Group Distribution Company’s (AGDC) announcement of the 2026 AGDC Digital Trade Program (DTP), PDI Technologies is strengthening its commitment to providing innovative solutions that support those upcoming changes. A global leader in the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem, PDI already is assisting retailers across the United States as they participate in the current AGDC DTP, including the technologies and support that are necessary to implement and maximize the tobacco loyalty experience and retailer bottom line. 

“PDI is proud to be P+ certified with the requirements from AGDC now, and we’re ready to support customers as the requirements evolve,” said Mike Melson, SVP & GM, Payments & Loyalty, PDI Technologies. “We’ve been working to develop a solution offering and seamless technology integration so that both chain and independent retailers can benefit from AGDC’s program requirements. Our team is excited to help retailers unlock the full potential of the AGDC DTP at all Tiers and extend those benefits to engaged Adult Tobacco Consumers 21 years of age or older [ATC21+].” 

Changes from AGDC are expected to take effect on January 1, 2026, subject to change, with PDI committed to developing capabilities ahead of that date. Retailers are recommended to begin preparations now using the following resources: 

• For complete details on AGDC’s DTP announcement, contact your AGDC representative.  

• To learn more about integrated solutions from PDI and begin implementing the changes to maximize engagement and sales, visit the PDI AGDC DTP Requirements information page.

AGDC, a Gold Level sponsor of PDI Connections Live 2025, will offer in-person training classes on their requirements at the event. PDI customers can attend the “Maximizing Retail Success with AGDC’s Digital Trade Program” session hosted by AGDC at Connections Live 2025, August 24-27 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado. Register for PDI Connections Live 2025 here.

About PDI Technologies
With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By “Connecting Convenience” across the globe, we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we’re simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Visit the PDI Technologies website.  

About Connections Live
Presented annually by PDI Technologies, Connections Live is the industry’s premier training and networking event bringing together global leaders and innovators in the fuel, convenience, and retail industries. Connections Live features in-person training, expansive networking, and educational opportunities, all with the goal of accelerating innovation across the convenience ecosystem. To learn more and register for Connections Live 2025 (August 24-27 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado), visit connections.live. 

Media Contacts
PDI Technologies, pr@pditechnologies.com

Want more loyalty content from PDI?

Check out C-Store Loyalty Insider for the latest in convenience loyalty—at PDI and across the industry.

Convenience retailers and petroleum wholesalers will join both new and veteran PDI team members from August 24-27 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort

ATLANTA, GA – July 1, 2025 – Connections Live, the annual event presented by PDI Technologies to bring together leaders and innovators from the convenience industry and beyond, will take place this year from August 24-27 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado. Regarded as one of the industry’s premier training and networking events, the four-day conference offers fuel and c-store professionals the opportunity to build their skills and earn continuing education credits with in-depth, in-person training. Attendees can select from 160+ classes this year, including numerous advanced and hands-on sessions. 

“Our packed agenda offers something for everyone,” said Bethany Allee, Chief Marketing Officer, PDI Technologies. “I can’t wait to see Connections Live 2025 attendees learning in the classrooms, discovering new convenience technology solutions in the lab, networking at the Expo, winning at the game tables, and having fun at our tailgate-themed Big Night Out party. No matter what role you play or how long you’ve been a part of our industry, you’ll have multiple ways to learn and connect.”  

In addition to its focus on live learning opportunities, Connections Live 2025 will enable attendees to make valuable connections with peers and other industry innovators, as well as hear firsthand from distinguished industry experts. Several dynamic leaders from across the ecosystem are set to headline the Denver event, including: 

• Brittany Hodak, author, podcaster, and “superfans” creator, who will serve as the Connections Live 2025 Keynote Speaker and motivate attendees with expert insights on how to build one-of-a-kind customer relationships  

• PDI c-suite leaders Jimmy Frangis (Chief Executive Officer), Linnea Geiss (Chief Operating Officer), and Raghu Bongula (Chief Technology Officer) 

• Additional PDI subject matter experts, including Matt Andrews (EVP, Site Solutions), Justin Baxley (SVP, Product Management), Jeff Hassman (VP and GM, Data Solutions), Mike Melson (SVP and GM, Payments & Loyalty), and Tom Di Mercurio, who recently joined the PDI team as SVP, ERP & Fuel Supply 

• Several other industry innovators, including representatives from Fintech, Datalogic, Altria, bp, EBizCharge, FYIsoft, Mansfield Service Partners, Paycor, Ports Petroleum, Qualys, Quantum Services, Rovertown, SIGMA, Taiga Data, Vusion Group, and more

• Patrick De Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis for GasBuddy, a PDI company

Industry ecosystem partners will participate throughout the conference, including Diamond Level sponsor Fintech, Platinum Level sponsor Datalogic, and over 25 Gold, Silver, and Bronze Level sponsors. To learn more, visit the PDI Connections Live event site. Interested attendees can register before August 15 to take advantage of the Advanced Rate savings.  

About PDI Technologies
With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By “Connecting Convenience” across the globe, we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we’re simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Visit the PDI Technologies website.  

About Connections Live
Presented annually by PDI Technologies, Connections Live is the industry’s premier training and networking event bringing together global leaders and innovators in the fuel, convenience, and retail industries. Connections Live features in-person training, expansive networking, and educational opportunities, all with the goal of accelerating innovation across the convenience ecosystem. To learn more and register for Connections Live 2025 (August 24-27 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado), visit connections.live.

Media Contacts
PDI Technologies, pr@pditechnologies.com  

New features unlock more savings for GasBuddy users at the pump and beyond 

DALLAS, TEXAS, June 25, 2025 (GlobeNewswire) – GasBuddy^®, North America’s trusted source for fuel savings, today announced the launch of GasBuddy Rewards and a series of new platform developments as it celebrates its 25^th anniversary. Since its founding in 2000, GasBuddy has evolved from a simple gas price tracking website to a comprehensive savings platform serving millions of users across the US and Canada.  

As part of its 25-year celebration and commitment to delivering more everyday savings to drivers, GasBuddy is giving back to the community that built the platform with a summer of giveaways and expanded savings opportunities. Through the newly launched GasBuddy Rewards, drivers can now earn points for daily activities like snapping receipts, accessing exclusive offers from leading brands, and playing GasBuddy Games. These recent developments highlight the transformation of the platform into a destination drivers can turn to whenever they hit the road—whether searching for the lowest gas prices, maximizing savings during downtime on road trips, or earning rewards on everyday purchases beyond the pump. 

“For 25 years, GasBuddy has helped millions of drivers save money at the pump, and with GasBuddy Rewards, we’re taking that a step further,” said Eric Stecker, Divisional COO, Brands & Consumers at PDI Technologies. “We’re excited to bring even more value not just to drivers, but to the convenience retailers and brands who serve them. By connecting our highly engaged community of consumers with exclusive in-store and fuel offers, we’re helping our partners drive traffic, grow loyalty, and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.” 

Other key platform enhancements: 

• GasBuddy’s Pay with GasBuddy+ membership, launched in January 2025, offers members more substantial rewards at the pump—and now extending into the convenience store—with guaranteed savings of 3 to 5 cents per gallon*. 

• Coming in July 2025, Pay with GasBuddy+ members will be able to redeem GasBuddy Rewards points for gas savings within the GasBuddy app.  

• GasBuddy is also exploring new ways to help drivers save more on the cost of owning a vehicle through collaborations with partners like TrueCar.  

“GasBuddy’s legacy has always been rooted in empowering consumers through transparency and savings, and that mission remains as vital today as it was in 2000,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “Whether gas prices have soared to record highs or dropped to unexpected lows over the past 25 years, we’ve consistently helped drivers navigate the peaks and valleys, saving them money when every cent counts. While we honor the community-driven foundation that built this brand, we’re equally excited about the road ahead—expanding our platform to meet the evolving needs of drivers in an increasingly dynamic fuel market.” 

Drivers can download the GasBuddy app at gasbuddy.com/app to start earning points and saving on fuel and everyday purchases. For more information about GasBuddy Rewards and the company’s 25th anniversary initiatives, visit the GasBuddy Newsroom or contact press@gasubddy.com. 

About GasBuddy  

GasBuddy, North America’s trusted fuel savings platform for over 25 years, empowers consumers to fuel up for less. With over 100 million app downloads, GasBuddy is reimagining everyday mobility with real-time gas prices at 150,000+ stations, tangible rewards at and beyond the pump, and the Pay with GasBuddy+ program. Owned and operated by PDI Technologies, GasBuddy connects top brands with millions of digitally engaged consumers—wherever the road takes them—by unlocking data and insights into purchase patterns through a frictionless experience. To learn more about GasBuddy, visit gasbuddy.com. 

Media Contact
Nicole Petersen
npetersen@gasbuddy.com

Through exclusive integration with PDI Technologies, consumers can now earn Fetch Points at the pump

Madison, Wisconsin, June 24, 2025 (PR Newswire) – Fetch, America’s Rewards App, today announced a new way for users to earn Fetch Points by fueling up at leading retailers—marking its entry into the fuel category. This new offering is powered by an integration with PDI Technologies, a global leader in the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem.

For consumers, this expansion means even more ways to score rewards for everyday purchases—now including fuel. By scanning their receipts for gas and grab-and-go goodies, drivers can turn fuel-ups into their favorite gift cards.  

Trusted by leading companies across the CPG, restaurant and retail industries, Fetch also helps brands across all categories acquire and retain lifelong consumers as a full-funnel performance advertising solution. Through this exclusive collaboration with PDI, Fetch is bringing the rewards revolution to yet another essential consumer category. In doing so, PDI delivers more value to convenience retailers, CPG brands and their consumers. 

“We’re always focused on enriching the consumer and brand experience with Fetch. This move into gas and convenience retail is another major step in creating value for both,” said Daniel Block, Head of Corporate Business Development at Fetch. “Together with PDI Technologies, we’re introducing a new way for brands to connect with consumers when they’re fueling up.” 

With more than 12.5 million monthly active users, Fetch’s business model is rooted in creating a win-win for both brands and consumers. By rewarding users every time they shop or engage with brands on the platform, Fetch fosters long-term loyalty while providing actionable insights that drive measurable results for brands. Using powerful purchase-based targeting for unmatched personalization, Fetch is proving that rewards are a better way to do advertising. 

“PDI connects retailers, brands and consumers to drive measurable growth across the fuel and convenience ecosystem,” said Eric Stecker, Divisional COO, Brands & Consumers, at PDI Technologies. “This collaboration enables PDI retailers to activate a network of 20M+ engaged consumers across GasBuddy®, Fetch and other programs—extending beyond their direct loyalty efforts. Brands too benefit from our focus on providing unmatched reach, in addition to PDI’s expanded offer network, independent store solutions and more.” 

For more information about Fetch or PDI Technologies, visit here and here, respectively.

About Fetch 

Fetch, America’s Rewards App, empowers consumers to live rewarded and helps brands create lifelong customers through the power of Fetch Points. Designed to acquire and retain consumers, Fetch has unparalleled visibility into what people buy, capturing billions of spending transactions annually using cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. Users submit 11M receipts per day and have earned more than $1 billion in Fetch Points. The app is available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store and has more than 6 million five-star reviews from happy Fetchers. 

About PDI Technologies 

With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By “Connecting Convenience” across the globe, we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we’re simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Visit the PDI Technologies website.

Media Contacts
Fetch, press@fetch.com
PDI Technologies, pr@pditechnologies.com  

The European Female Leaders in Convenience Awards celebrate five extraordinary women who embody leadership and achievement, and serve as powerful role models

Hamburg, Germany, and Frankfurt, Germany, June 24, 2025 (MobilityPlaza) – The Retail Marketeers, proudly supported by PDI Technologies, are pleased to announce the inaugural winners of the 2025 European Female Leaders in Convenience Awards. The awards recognize exceptional women who drive innovation, growth, and significant impact within the European convenience retail and mobility sectors. The five outstanding leaders honored this year are: 

• Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland, celebrated for her dynamic leadership in delivering sustained success in the Irish market and driving innovation across Circle K’s network, including EV charging and sustainable fuels, and her focus on delivering for customers, empowering colleagues, and supporting communities across Ireland. 

• Fiona Matthews, Group Chief Commercial Officer at Applegreen, acknowledged for her strategic commercial acumen and significant contributions to Applegreen’s growth and success. 

• Jennifer Schmidt-Brekenfeld, Managing Director of Autobahn Tank & Rast GmbH in Germany, recognized for her long-standing leadership and her strategic adaptation of the company’s offerings to meet evolving customer needs on German highways. 

• Mariette Kristenson, CEO of Reitan Convenience A/S, recognized for her extensive leadership within the Reitan Group and her strategic vision in navigating the diverse convenience markets across the Nordics and Baltics. 

• Sandra Schütte, Head of Business Unit Mobility at Westfalen AG in Germany, commended for her forward-thinking approach in shaping the future of mobility retail, including the innovative Alvore Shop concept. 

In a rapidly evolving industry, these leaders exemplify strategic vision, deep market understanding, and commitment to innovation as they shape the future of how consumers shop, fuel, and commute across Europe. 

“From the forecourts of Ireland to the boardrooms in Germany and Scandinavia, these five women are steering major companies through the energy transition, evolving consumer demands, and technological advancements. We are honored to recognize them and the outstanding contributions they make in shaping the future of global convenience and fuel,” said Dawn Desai, EVP & GM, Enterprise Solutions, at PDI Technologies. 

“The landscape of Europe’s convenience retail and mobility sectors is increasingly being shaped by the vision and leadership of the award recipients. Their achievements serve as an inspiration and underscore the significant contributions women are making in these dynamic industries. We look forward to working with them and others to determine future awardees,” said Christian Warning, owner and Managing Director of the Retail Marketeers. 

The Retail Marketeers and PDI Technologies will celebrate these inspiring leaders and their invaluable contributions to the European convenience retail and mobility sectors together with the leaders of the European Convenience Retail and Mobility Industry on December 3, 2025. The ceremony will be part of The Retail Marketeers Convenience Leaders Convention in Hamburg, Germany, the annual industry gathering for international leaders in the fuel retail sector.  

About The Retail Marketeers Convenience Leaders Convention 

The Retail Marketeers Convenience Leaders Convention is the annual highlight for decision-makers in global convenience retail. On December 2 and 3, 2025, this unique English-speaking industry event in the heart of Hamburg will bring together the leading minds from across the entire value chain for the ninth time. This two-day summit of the petrol station industry will also feature the NACS Convenience Leaders Exchange for the D-A-CH region. NACS President and CEO Henry O. Armour and Christian Warning, NACS Relationship Partner D-A-CH and owner of The Retail Marketeers, will welcome executives from local, national, and multinational convenience retailers in the D-A-CH region. 
https://theretailmarketeers.events/  

About PDI Technologies 

With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. “Connecting Convenience” is our brand promise across the globe, as we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we’re simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Today, we serve over 200,000 locations in more than 60 countries and have regional offices in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. 
https://pditechnologies.com/  

Contacts: 

Christian Warning on behalf of The Retail Marketeers GmbH 
christian.warning@theretailmarketeers.com 
+49 160 974 42 730 

Dimitra Farou | Sr. Manager, Regional Marketing, International 
on behalf of PDI Technologies 
+49 69 8237 9613 
dfarou@pditechnologies.com 

Weigel’s achieves loyalty success with the new self-service campaign creator

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, May 29, 2025 (GlobeNewswire) – Today’s consumers expect a meaningful connection to the convenience brands and retailers they trust for their everyday needs. This means companies must deliver personalized interactions at every touchpoint to engage shoppers, build loyalty, and drive long-term growth. With the help of PDI Technologies and its new PDI Experience Designer, convenience retailers like Weigel’s can create and manage personalized loyalty journeys that increase customer engagement and business profitability. 

“Standing up a loyalty program alone isn’t enough,” said Jessica Starnes, Director of Loyalty, Weigel’s. “A retail loyalty marketing team needs to use all the data available to create meaningful, personalized member experiences that impact lift. PDI Experience Designer allows us to launch highly targeted campaigns that drive specific purchasing behaviors and achieve excellent open and conversion rates.” 

PDI Experience Designer is a powerful self-service platform that helps retailers create personalized, omnichannel loyalty campaigns with ease. The solution is equipped with a user-friendly customer engagement tool, pre-built templates, and data-driven insights. PDI Experience Designer is designed to help retailers quickly launch targeted promotions, product recommendations, and customer re-engagement efforts—all with minimal effort and without requiring additional resources. Whether the goal is nurturing new customers, retaining loyal ones, or reactivating lapsed shoppers, PDI Experience Designer simplifies the entire process so retailers can focus on what matters most: growing their business. 

“We launched PDI Experience Designer to respond to the specific needs and use cases of our customers,” said Mike Melson, SVP & GM, Payments & Loyalty, PDI Technologies. “From very simple drag-and-drop content creation to complex, automated lifecycle management, PDI Experience Designer enables retailers to execute on their strategic objectives. And this is just a glimpse into some of the loyalty- and promotional-focused innovations we’re developing for retailers as we optimize and integrate their operations across the enterprise.” 

PDI created the PDI Experience Designer solution through an integration with Braze, the leading customer engagement platform used by companies like Gap, Intuit, and Max, among others. Braze was designed to support companies of all sizes across all industries. This design makes it a key platform for an industry like convenience, where retailers vary greatly in number of stores and have distinct retail needs due to their participation in regulated programs for 21+ consumers. Unique to the PDI Experience Designer integration with Braze, PDI remains the main point of contact and support for convenience retailers using the solution.  

“At Braze, we help brands build, iterate, and optimize fully orchestrated journeys across the customer lifecycle,” said Ryan Fish, Enterprise Account Executive, Braze. “PDI Experience Designer has showcased the possibilities of combining best-in-class customer engagement with an equally powerful loyalty engine. Weigel’s has led the way in adopting this technology, offering their loyal shoppers highly personalized, customized experiences that ultimately drive an elevated brand experience and improved bottom-line results.” 

PDI Experience Designer is available now to convenience retailers of all sizes. To explore how PDI Experience Designer can elevate your loyalty program, Schedule a Demo. To learn more about all PDI loyalty and payment solutions, visit PDI Loyalty. 

About PDI Technologies 

With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By “Connecting Convenience” across the globe, we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we’re simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Visit the PDI Technologies website.  

About Weigel’s 

Established in 1931, Weigel’s is a family-owned East Tennessee business operating 83 stores, along with its own dairy and bakery. Known for its top-quality products and premium customer service, Weigel’s represents state-of-the-art convenience retailing and a strong connection to the communities it serves. For more information about Weigel’s, including store hours and offerings, visit weigels.com or follow @weigelsstores on X, Instagram, and Facebook. 

For more information, contact: pr@pditechnologies.com 

Want more loyalty content from PDI?

Check out C-Store Loyalty Insider for the latest in convenience loyalty—at PDI and across the industry.

“The C-Store Workforce Guide” highlights best practices and guidance for fuel and convenience retailers

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, May 28, 2025 – PDI Technologies, a global leader delivering powerful solutions and insights that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem, today released “Staffing Success: The C-Store Workforce Guide.” The new guide provides actionable strategies to help operators transform global staffing challenges into competitive advantages through innovative technology deployment and comprehensive training programs. The guide is the latest in a series of resources developed by PDI to support businesses throughout the fuel and convenience ecosystem. 

“We continue to hear that hiring and retention are among the top operational concerns of fuel and convenience retailers,” said Traci Fulmer, Director, Education and Development, PDI Technologies. “The good news is that the dynamic combination of integrated technologies and ongoing education is a proven way to overcome workforce challenges and foster business success. We’re proud to support our customers with solutions and training courses that address these concerns in a hands-on way.”  

Key takeaways from the guide include:  

• Critical areas that impact staffing, from labor availability to regulatory compliance and more 

• Both universal and regional staffing considerations that vary across global markets 

• Productivity-enhancing technologies and how to leverage AI to identify new market opportunities  

• Workforce training best practices and training resources like PDI University  

You can download “Staffing Success: The C-Store Workforce Guide” today. To learn more about in-person training opportunities for workforce solutions and other relevant technical topics, register for PDI Connections Live 2025. Connections Live 2025 will take place August 24-27 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado, and features over 160 sessions, including advanced-level classes and hands-on training opportunities. 

About PDI Technologies 

With 40 years of industry leadership, PDI Technologies, Inc. resides at the intersection of productivity and sales growth, delivering powerful solutions that serve as the backbone of the convenience retail and petroleum wholesale ecosystem. By “Connecting Convenience” across the globe, we empower businesses to increase productivity, make informed decisions, and engage faster with their customers. From large-scale ERP and logistics operations to loyalty programs and cybersecurity, we’re simplifying the industry supply chain for whatever comes next. Visit the PDI Technologies website.  

About Connections Live 

Presented annually by PDI Technologies, Connections Live is the industry’s premier training and networking event bringing together global leaders and innovators in the fuel, convenience, and retail industries. Connections Live features in-person training, expansive networking, and educational opportunities, all with the goal of accelerating innovation across the convenience ecosystem. To learn more and register for Connections Live 2025 (August 24-27 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado), visit connections.live. 

For more information, contact: pr@pditechnologies.com 

“Q1 2025 Threat Landscape Report” is call to action for retail business and cybersecurity leaders as the industry climbs to fourth most targeted

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, April 29, 2025 (GlobeNewswire) – PDI Security and Network Solutions, a leading provider of managed cybersecurity services and a part of PDI Technologies, today released its latest cyber threat report: “Q1 2025 Threat Landscape Report.” The report analyzes the latest attack trends and cybercriminal behaviors, highlighting the sharp rise in ransomware targeting retail, shifts among leading ransomware groups, and a notable slowdown in dark web marketplace activity due to declining Lumma Stealer campaigns.  

According to the report, ransomware extortion activity remained elevated in Q1 with 2,197 incidents reported—a modest 2.83% decline compared to Q4 2024. However, this slight decrease follows a significant spike in Q4, signaling that ransomware operators continue to operate at high levels of activity. 

Akira ransomware led the charge with a 24% increase in activity, driven by its continued exploitation of VPN vulnerabilities and adaptive attack methods. At the same time, the retail sector experienced a staggering 74.71% increase in ransomware extortion incidents, climbing from the eighth to fourth most targeted industry in just one quarter. 

“Akira’s rise and the explosive growth of attacks on the retail sector show that threat actors are constantly recalibrating their targets and techniques,” said Justin Heard, Director of Security Operations, PDI. “Organizations need to move beyond reactive defenses and adopt proactive, intelligence-driven security strategies.” 

Key Findings from the PDI Q1 2025 Threat Landscape Report 

Ransomware Trends 

• 2,197 ransomware extortion publications were recorded, continuing the surge in ransomware extortion activity from Q4 2024 

• Akira and Qilin gained momentum, while Clop and RansomHub slowed 

• Retail (+74.71%), transportation (+63.51%), and public administration (+39.19%) were among the sectors with increased ransomware targeting 

Dark Web Activity 

• 1.35 million listings were down 38.68% from Q4 

• Lumma Stealer listings dropped by 58.94%, significantly impacting credential availability 

• Redline saw a sharp rise, increasing by 89.48% 

Exploit Activity 

• 29 million exploit attempts were tracked, nearly flat quarter-over-quarter 

• Exploits against Log4j, Hikvision, and legacy Bash vulnerabilities remained widespread 

“The data shows threat actors are refining their approach,” said Josh Smith, Principal Threat Intelligence Analyst, PDI. “Threat actors are heavily focusing on remote access technologies by exploiting vulnerabilities or using stolen credentials. It’s clear organizations must prioritize their visibility and response agility.”   

The full threat report is available for download here. To help organizations navigate these findings and gain expert insights, the PDI threat intelligence team will host a live webinar on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 2 pm ET. Security leaders can register online for the webinar. 

About PDI Security and Network Solutions 

With over 25 years of cybersecurity expertise, PDI Security and Network Solutions is redefining managed security through intelligent unification and protection. The company delivers fully managed security and network services—including Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Firewall as a Service—through 24/7 Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and AI-powered insights via the PDI Cybersecurity Platform. PDI Security and Network Solutions protects over 2,500 organizations, processes more than 1 trillion traffic logs quarterly, and safeguards over $1 trillion in retail transactions annually. Its 97% client retention rate reflects an unwavering commitment to client success and innovation. 

For more information, contact: pr@pditechnologies.com