CSN May 2025

W H AT ’ S N E X T I N C O N V E N I E N C E A N D F U E L R E TA I L I N G

THE BEST PART

OF SUMMER

SCAN FOR MORE INFO

REASONS RETAILERS LOVE FRAZIL • Machine and service at no cost • Stores start making money on DAY 1 • Frazil is the #1 slush program across the U.S.

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W H AT ’ S N E X T I N C O N V E N I E N C E A N D F U E L R E TA I L I N G

RETHINKING YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION FOOD-FORWARD CONVENIENCE RETAILERS ARE IN A POSITION TO STRIKE WITH THE RIGHT OFFERING

M AY 2 0 2 5 C S N E W S .C O M

THE TOP 100 C-STORE CHAINS

PREVENT UNDERAGE SALES OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS Ensure that retail remains the most trusted place to responsibly sell tobacco products.

FDA COMPLIANCE CHECKS Per Month (Avg.)

Did you know the average number of FDA compliance checks per month are approaching pre-COVID-19 levels?

In 2023, as of 9/30/23, the FDA conducted 9,381 compliance checks per month, which was an uptick from previous years.*

*Source: FDA CTP Violation Rate analysis was completed using publicly available raw data posted online at fda.gov.

Calculations of Total Compliance Checks and Violation Rates were computed by AGDC based on Decision Data published. Inspections data FFY 2019 - 2023

Violation Rate*

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

10.18-9.19

10.19-9.20

10.20-9.21

10.21-9.22

10.22-9.23

Federal Fiscal Year (FFY)

UNDERAGE ACCESS PREVENTION RESOURCES

Age Validation Technology (AVT) Modernize and simplify the ID check process with AVT, helping to reduce the likelihood of selling tobacco products to underage individuals

Improve ID check rates at a store and individual employee level, with We Card™ Training, available for Free via AGDC

State and Federal Law Summaries and additional resources via the We Card™ resource center

Reinforce your sales associates’ understanding of ID check requirements and policies with Mystery Shop incentives

For More Information Contact Your AGDC Representative

R

6

Join store owners across the country who are fighting for fair tobacco policies.

Get Involved at TobaccoIssues.com

©2025

EDITOR’S NOTE

What Is Your Value Proposition?

Customers need a compelling reason — or reasons — to turn right into your parking lot instead of turning left into your competitor’s lot “IS IT WORTH IT?” I find myself asking this question

more these days when considering purchases, as the total cost of my weekly grocery bill keeps ticking up and no one seems to be able to definitively answer what the impact of the tariff situation will be.

I know I’m not alone in being more price-conscious these days. According to the 2025 Convenience Store News Realities of the Aisle Study, which surveyed 1,500 consumers who shop a c-store at least once a month, roughly six in 10 shoppers say the most important factor that defines “a positive shopping experience” for them is the price of products.

While worth is most associated with price, value is a much broader concept — and more subjective. Value tends to be the sum of several qualities that each customer considers important. Price can certainly be in the mix, but so can convenience, quality, uniqueness and joy.

Our cover story this issue (see page 24) highlights the importance of convenience store retailers finetuning their value proposition, which is essentially their “it factor.” What compelling reason or reasons do you give customers to choose your store over your competitors?

This is especially crucial when it comes to foodservice sales. Consumers today are looking to save on food, so convenience retailers focused on high-quality fresh food at affordable prices are in a position to capitalize, but they face intense competition from other c-stores, quick-service restaurants, fast-casual outlets and even the home kitchen.

To measure the success of their value proposition, many retailers engage directly with their customers for feedback. 7-Eleven Inc. has something called the Brainfreeze Collective, which includes more than 250,000 engaged members who regularly share ideas, opinions and experiences related to their visits to 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores. The insights gathered from this community have a direct impact on business decisions.

A clearly stated value proposition is a must for every convenience retailer and should be the lens through which business decisions are made. When consumers consider visiting your c-store and ask themselves “is it worth it?” you want the answer to be a resounding yes.

For comments, please contact Linda Lisanti, Editor-in-Chief, at llisanti@ensembleiq.com.

EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS (2016-2025)

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Laura Aufleger OnCue Express

2021 Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award Finalist, Best Infographics, June 2021

2018 Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award

Finalist, Best Editorial Use of Data, June 2017

2023 American Society of Business Press Editors, National Azbee Awards Silver, Data Journalism, January/April/June 2022

2023 American Society of Business Press Editors, Upper Midwest Regional Azbee Awards Gold, Data Journalism, January/April/June 2022 Bronze, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, March 2022

2016 American Society of Business Press Editors, National Azbee Awards

2024 Eddie Award, Folio: magazine Winner, Business to Business, Retail, Single Article, May 2024 Honorable Mention, Business to Business, Magazine Section, October 2024

2023 Eddie Award Honorable Mention, Folio: magazine Business to Business, Retail, Full Issue, September 2022 Business to Business, Retail, Single Article, March 2023

2022 Eddie Award, Folio: magazine Winner, Business to Business, Retail, Single Article, March 2022 Winner, Business to Business, Food & Beverage, Series of Articles, October 2021 Honorable Mention, Business to Business, Retail, Single Article, September 2021

Gold, Best How-To Article, March 2015 Bronze, Best Original Research, June 2015

2020 Eddie Award, Folio: magazine

2016 American Society of Business Press Editors, Midwest Regional Azbee Awards

2018 Eddie Award Honorable Mention, Folio: magazine

Gold, Best How-To Article, March 2015 Silver, Best Original Research, June 2015

Business to Business, Retail, Series of Articles, September 2019 Business to Business, Retail, Website Business to Business, Retail, Full Issue, October 2017

Business to Business, Editorial Use of Data, June 2017

2017 Eddie Award, Folio: magazine 2020 Trade Association Business Publications Intl. Tabbie Awards

Honorable Mention, Best Single Issue, September 2019

Winner, Business to Business, Retail, Single/Series of Articles, May 2017 Honorable Mention, Business to Business, Retail, Single/Series of Articles, June 2016

2016 Trade Association Business Publications Intl. Tabbie Awards

2016 Eddie Award Honorable Mention, Folio: magazine Business to Business, Retail, Full Issue, October 2015

Silver, Front Cover Illustration, June 2015

4 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Business to Business, Retail, Single/Series of Articles, August 2015

Faheem Jamal CPD Energy Corp./ Chestnut Markets

Richard Cashion Curby’s Express Market

Vito Maurici McLane Co. Inc.

Billy Colemire Majors Management

Jonathan Polonsky Plaid Pantries Inc.

Robert Falciani ExtraMile Convenience Stores

Greg Scriver Kwik Trip Inc.

Jim Hachtel Core-Mark Chris Hartman Rutter’s

Roy Strasburger StrasGlobal

VIEWPOINT

It’s a Question of Balance

Convenience stores must navigate generational shifts to grow foodservice sales THE CONVENIENCE STORE INDUSTRY has always been about adapting to consumer

needs and today, those needs are shifting rapidly across generational lines. As operators navigate the evolving preferences of baby boomers, Gen Xers, millennials and Gen Zers, it is clear that one-size-fits-all can’t work. Understanding the unique priorities of each generation is key to driving growth, especially foodservice growth.

Kevin Farley, a former executive at GSP Retail and W. Capra, and currently an independent c-store consultant, says “it’s fascinating how food consumption varies across generations.” Kevin moderated a panel on this topic at the 2025 Convenience Store News Convenience Foodservice Exchange event in Denver this month. He noted that while baby boomers prioritize quality and tradition, younger generations seek convenience, value and unique food experiences.

Understanding the unique priorities of each generation is key to driving growth, especially foodservice growth.

For boomers, c-stores often struggle to provide the “from-scratch” or full-meal experiences they prefer. Additionally, their resistance to rapid technological advancements can pose challenges in engagement.

However, boomers’ spending power is significant and c-stores that offer high-quality, freshly prepared options will find a loyal customer base within this group.

Millennials and Gen Z, on the other hand, are driving the growth of c-store food sales. Their emphasis on speed and diverse food options makes them frequent visitors. Digital engagement is critical for these consumers — they expect mobile ordering, loyalty programs and an active social media presence. And they don’t have baby boomers’ preconceptions about the quality of gas station food. Furthermore, these younger consumers are highly receptive to new food trends, making innovative menu options a key differentiator for c-stores looking to capture their business.

Beyond foodservice, the shift in consumer demographics is reshaping multiple facets of the convenience retailing business, particularly in: Marketing: Social media engagement, personalized promotions via mobile apps and influencer partnerships are driving consumer interactions. However, these efforts must be seamlessly integrated with the in-store experience, ensuring consistency from digital touchpoints to physical locations.

Employee Management: As foodservice operations become more complex, employee training must evolve. Staff must be well-versed in food preparation, technology-driven ordering systems and superior customer service. Additionally, fostering a positive work environment is crucial for attracting and retaining talent in a competitive job market.

Product Mix: The demand for healthier snacks, functional beverages and meal solutions is rising. While traditional convenience store staples remain important, expanding options to include mocktails, adaptogenic drinks and global flavors can attract younger consumers seeking variety and wellness-focused products.

While catering to millennials and Gen Z is essential for growth, c-store operators cannot afford to neglect baby boomers and Gen Xers. The key lies in balance — leveraging digital innovation to engage younger consumers while maintaining high-quality offerings that appeal to older generations. By strategically adapting to these generational shifts, c-stores can position themselves as go-to destinations for foodservice across all age groups.

For comments, please contact Don Longo, Editorial Director Emeritus, at dlongo@ensembleiq.com.

6 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

CONTENTS MAY 25

VO LU M E 61 N UMB ER 5

FEATURES

COVER STORY

24 Rethinking your Value Proposition Food-forward convenience retailers are in a position to strike with the right offering.

TOP 100

50 A Familiar Landscape, for Now Despite a relatively quiet year for deals, a mega-merger looms with the potential to alter store counts, the competitive landscape and consumer perception.

DEPARTMENTS EDITOR’S NOTE

4 What Is Your Value Proposition?

Customers need a compelling reason — or reasons — to turn right into your parking lot instead of turning left into your competitor’s lot.

VIEWPOINT

6 It’s a Question of Balance

COVER STORY - PAG E 24

Convenience stores must navigate generational shifts to grow foodservice sales.

12 CSNews Online

50

19 New Products S M A L L O P E R AT O R

20 The Local Advantage

Cliff’s Local Market prioritizes made-to-order foodservice and community partnerships.

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR D&I

70 Opening Doors

Imperial Trading runs an internship program for historically black colleges and universities.

90 70 8 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

INSIDE THE CONSUMER MIND

90 Tightening Their Wallets

Today’s c-store shoppers are price conscious and concerned about their financial situation.

19

Latin-Inspired.

Shelf-Approved.

From crispy, crave-worthy chips to rich, flavor-packed cookies, GOYA® Snacks deliver the bold taste consumers love and the quality retailers trust. With decades of brand loyalty and growing demand across generations, GOYA® brings authentic Latin

© 2025 GOYA FOODS INC.

flavor to every aisle. Discover the snack lineup that keeps customers coming back.

Contact your GOYA representative or email salesinfo@goya.com | Trade.goya.com

CONTENTS MAY 25

VO LU M E 61 N UMB ER 5

66

8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Ste. 225, Chicago, IL 60631 (773) 992-4450 Fax (773) 992-4455 WWW.CSNEWS.COM BRAND MANAGEMENT SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/GROUP PUBLISHER, CONVENIENCE NORTH AMERICA Sandra Parente sparente@ensembleiq.com EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Linda Lisanti llisanti@ensembleiq.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Melissa Kress mkress@ensembleiq.com MANAGING EDITOR Danielle Romano dromano@ensembleiq.com SENIOR EDITOR Angela Hanson ahanson@ensembleiq.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EMERITUS Don Longo dlongo@ensembleiq.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Renée M. Covino, Tammy Mastroberte ADVERTISING SALES & BUSINESS ASSOCIATE BRAND DIRECTOR Rachel McGaffigan - (774) 212-6455 rmcgaffigan@ensembleiq.com ASSOCIATE BRAND DIRECTOR Ron Lowy - (330) 840-9557 - rlowy@ensembleiq.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Griffin Randall - (404) 702-6931 - grandall@ensembleiq.com

INDUSTRY ROUNDUP

CATEGORY MANAGEMENT

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Terry Kanganis - (917) 634-7471 - tkanganis@ensembleiq.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION/MARKETING

14 Parkland CEO to

Step Down

F O O D S E R V I C E S T U DY

16 Eye on Growth

32 Cooking Up Competitive Strength Food-forward convenience retailers are taking steps to overcome challenges and enhance their appeal as dining destinations.

18 Retailer Tidbits

TOBACCO

16 Fast Facts

18 Supplier Tidbits

40 Infusing Technology Into Tobacco Selling Pricing, personalization and buydown management are just a few of the areas that can benefit.

ART DIRECTOR Cristian Bejarano Rojas crojas@ensembleiq.com PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Pat Wisser pwisser@ensembleiq.com MARKETING MANAGER Jakob Wodnicki jwodnicki@ensembleiq.com MARKETING COORDINATOR Mateo Rosas mrosas@ensembleiq.com SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES LIST RENTAL mbriganti@anteriad.com SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS contact@csnews.com

C A N DY

46 Sweetening Candy Category Sales Innovation in the nonchocolate segment is a bright spot for c-stores.

TECHNOLOGY

46

66 Cashing In on Retail Media Networks

Convenience retailers can create their own or join an aggregated network to generate revenue.

CORPORATE OFFICERS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Jennifer Litterick

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Jane Volland

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

Ann Jadown

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Derek Estey

CONVENIENCE STORE NEWS AFFILIATIONS Premier Trade Press Exhibitor

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations.

Convenience Store News (ISSN 0194-8733; USPS 515-950) is published 11 times per year, monthly, by EnsembleIQ, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Ste. 200, Chicago, IL 60631. Subscription rates: Subscription rate in the United States: $144 one year; $265 two year; $17.85 single issue copy; Canada and Mexico: $196 one year; $375 two year; $21.40 single issue copy; Foreign: $196 one year; $375 two year; $21.40 single issue copy; Digital One year, digital $84; two year, $155. Periodical postage paid at Chicago, IL 60631, and additional mailing addresses. Copyright 2025

by EnsembleIQ. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Convenience Store News, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste. 200, Chicago, IL 60631.

10 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

PUT MORE PEP IN YOUR RONI CUPS

YOU’LL LOVE IT WITH Request a sample and start drizzling: Request a sample

mikeshothoney.com/sample

CSNEWS ONLINE

CSN EXCLUSIVE TOP VIEWED STORIES

1

Wawa Celebrates Another First on Wawa Day 2025

On April 16, Wawa Inc. marked its 61st anniversary in the convenience retail space, as well as the company’s expansion into its 10th state. A grand opening celebration took place at the new Wawa store in Liberty Township, Ohio.

Circle K Expands Fuel Payment Options

convenience and fuel retailer now accepts the 10-4 2 The

by WEX mobile app, which offers independent truckers

and small trucking companies in the U.S. fuel discounts typically reserved for larger trucking enterprises. The app is accepted at more than 60% of Circle K’s locations that offer high-flow diesel.

3

Shell Acquires Fuel Rewards Loyalty Program

The company will continue to develop the nationally recognized program to deliver future enhancements and value following the purchase from PDI Technologies and Excentus Corp.

PDI will remain the platform’s technology and service provider.

Casey’s Offers ‘Pizza Refund’ Deal

of Casey’s Rewards who purchased any large 4 Members pizza on April 15 received a pizza refund in the form a

free large, one-topping pizza credited to their rewards account.

The Pizza Refund could be redeemed anytime during the 21 days after Tax Day.

Yesway Builds Up Allsup’s Network

retailer added four new-to-industry stores in Belen, 5 The Las Cruces and Chaparral, N.M., and Ardmore, Okla. The

locations are part of Yesway’s initiative to expand its banners, and mark the company’s 81st new store or major rebuild in the past three and a half years.

VIDEO

Onvo’s Marketing VP Discusses Groundbreaking Travel Plaza Onvo’s new Pottsville, Pa., travel plaza marks several milestones for the chain.

Not only is it the retailer’s largest location to date at 9,961 square feet, but it also introduces Onvo’s first madeto-order food program and its first dog park. Convenience Store News recently caught up with Harman Aulakh, vice president of marketing for the Scranton, Pa.-based company, to discuss how this site came to fruition and what’s ahead for the retailer.

12 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Inside the Leadership Transition at Parker’s Kitchen In March, the retailer announced that founder and longtime CEO Greg Parker was transitioning to the role of executive chairman after 50 years at Parker’s helm. Brandon Hofmann, who joined the retailer as a third-shift cashier at the age of 19 and worked his way up through a variety of leadership roles at Parker’s Kitchen — most recently, serving as president — has now assumed the company’s top executive role. The outgoing CEO and incoming CEO spoke with Convenience Store News about the leadership transition and what’s next for Parker’s Kitchen.

For more exclusive stories, visit the Special Features section of CSNews.com.

MOST VIEWED NEW PRODUCT

Oreo New Flavor Innovations The Oreo brand is growing in 2025 thanks to the addition of four new flavor innovations that join the portfolio as permanent additions. Oreo Irish Creme Thins feature the brand’s original thin cookies filled with Irish Creme-flavored creme. Oreo Minis Peanut Butter, a new take on its classic Minis, feature bite-sized chocolate cookies filled with smooth peanut butter creme. Golden Oreo Cakesters, back after more than a decade, feature creme filling sandwiched between two soft-baked golden snack cakes. Rounding out the new offerings, Oreo Loaded cookies feature the brand’s classic chocolate cookie with Mega Stuf level creme that’s filled with bits of actual Oreo pieces.

Mondelēz International Group Chicago oreo.com

The Power of OWL™

Owlservices.com

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The OWL team specializes in every aspect of petroleum construction and installation.

We make it easy to build and maintain reliable EV charging solutions with

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POS systems, card readers and fuel dispenser communications EMV technology for fraud detection Secure network infrastructure and system integration

OWL Services Technical Operations and Training Center (TOTC) provides a diverse range of training programs designed to meet various learning preferences, skill levels and operational requirements.

We use our skilled technicians for deployments and daily service, ensuring quality and consistency.

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INDUSTRY ROUNDUP

Parkland CEO to Step Down

The leadership change comes as the company is experiencing shareholder dissent A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP is coming to Parkland Corp. after

President and CEO Bob Espey announced that he is stepping down after 15 years of leading the company.

This news comes on the heels of Calgary, Alberta-based Parkland launching a strategic review process that includes analysis and evaluation of the company’s business strategies and optimization opportunities, as well as consideration of value maximization alternatives that are in the best interests of all shareholders. Those alternatives include, but are not limited to, asset divestments, acquisitions, transformative business combinations and a sale of the company.

Espey will stay on until Parkland’s board of directors appoints a new CEO, the completion of the company’s strategic review or until Dec. 31, whichever comes first.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Bob for his vision and leadership over the last 15 years as president and CEO,” said Michael Jennings, Parkland’s executive chair. “Bob has led Parkland through a period of exponential growth, transforming the company from a small regional fuel retailer into one of Canada’s leading fuel and convenience retailers with international operations in 26 countries. We thank him for his unwavering commitment and dedication.”

Espey’s departure accompanies a period of dissent among some of the company’s investors. Earlier this year, Parkland’s largest shareholder Simpson Oil Ltd. won a

14 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

court ruling freeing it from voting and standstill restrictions required by a 2019 governance agreement. On April 7, Simpson sent a letter to all Parkland shareholders announcing its intention to nominate nine new board members to replace incumbent directors. Simpson accused Espey of having an “undisciplined M&A [merger and acquisition] strategy, poor integrations and runaway spending.” Parkland countered by calling Simpson’s nomination slate an attempt to seize full control of the company without paying a control premium.

Parkland’s board of directors has already formed a CEO search committee comprising independent directors who will oversee an extensive executive search process to select a qualified candidate to replace Espey.

“Serving as Parkland’s CEO has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I want to thank the entire Parkland team — past and present — for their incredible dedication and drive. I am proud of what we have built together,” Espey said at the time of his announcement in April.

“Over the past few months, it became clear that stepping down and announcing my departure may help bring resolution to the situation with Simpson Oil Ltd. and benefit all shareholders. I remain deeply committed to Parkland and will support a smooth transition to new leadership.”

Give Your Customers the Snacks They Love

© Mondelēz International group

INDUSTRY ROUNDUP

FAST FACTS

34%

Gen Z and millennial consumers represent roughly 34% of protein snack consumers.

— Chomps

Eye on Growth

1.63M

39%

In 2024, 1.63 million U.S. middle and high school students used e-cigarettes.

About one in four consumers (39%) eat breakfast before 8 a.m.

— The U.S. Food and Drug Administration

— Circana

Maverik — Adventure’s First Stop cut the ribbon on two stores in Kansas, marking the chain’s entrance into its 21st state of operation. The retailer also recently celebrated the completion of 40 Kum & Go rebrands in Oklahoma.

Parker’s Kitchen opened new locations in Evans and Richmond Hill, Ga., as well as in Beaufort and Moncks Corner, S.C. The convenience stores serve up Southern-style, made-from-scratch Parker’s Kitchen food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Richmond Hill location features a new, hand-painted version of the town’s iconic Lettuce Label mural.

Love’s Travel Stops expanded its portfolio with new locations in New Iberia, La., and St. Clairsville, Ohio. Both feature a Love’s Fresh Kitchen, dog park and self-checkout options. The two travel stops add 184 truck parking spaces to the company’s network.

Royal Farms welcomed customers to a new store in Lexington Park, Md. This location features 24/7 service, 16 fuel dispensers offering E-free fuel and fresh, made-to-order food, including Royal Farms’ signature World-Famous Chicken.

Pilot Travel Centers has begun the development of a new travel center at Empire Industrial Park in Eagle Pass, Texas. This development was made possible through a land purchase from Empire Industrial Park LLC.

16 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Walmart Inc. has big plans for its convenience services in 2025. The retailer — which currently operates more than 400 gas and c-stores nationwide — is poised to open or remodel more than 45 fuel stations across the United States this year.

100% SATISFACTI ON GUARANTE ED

Capture the spirit of a ClassiC Brand Wildhorse Cigarettes • Made from the finest U.S.-grown flue-cured tobacco

• Smooth smoking experience

• Value pricing • Styles to satisfy every taste

• Free POS & merchandising programs

gopremier.com Premier Manufacturing, Inc. is owned by U.S. Tobacco Cooperative Inc. (USTC), a cooperative of proud American farmers who use the finest flue-cured tobacco in the U.S. to make high-quality, value-priced cigarette brands for adult consumers.

INDUSTRY ROUNDUP

Retailer Tidbits

Sunoco LP is bringing an in-car payment option to its North American network. The SheevaConnect platform will be available to thousands of drivers at Sunoco stations this summer.

The chain entered the state through a 2017 acquisition.

Stinker Stores is selling 13 convenience stores in Colorado as part of portfolio optimization efforts. The retailer signed a listing agreement with Corner Realty LLC to sell the fee property sites.

7-Eleven Inc. is teaming up with AriZona Beverages to bring Southland Reserve, an exclusive private label drink line, to the retailer’s network.

It pays tribute to 7-Eleven’s origin story as the world’s first c-store founded in 1927 as Southland Ice Co.

Forward Corp., a fifth-generation family-owned business, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The fuel retailer is gearing up for a yearlong series of events designed to give back to the communities it serves.

EG America relaunched the SmartRewards program. Working with Par Technologies, the reimagined platform is expected to increase customer engagement by 275% this year.

Supplier Tidbits

The logo incorporates the original W. Capra star and the Impact 21 icon.

Maverik — Adventure’s First Stop enhanced the mobile experience for its Adventure Club rewards members. A redesigned app boasts a more intuitive interface, an upgraded map feature and the addition of Nitro Mobile Pay.

bp is rolling out its epic goods private label brand, which includes more than 50 unique products, exclusively across its retail brands: ampm, Thorntons and TravelCenters of America. The company introduced the product line in 2024.

Patron Points Inc. celebrated the one-year anniversary of its formi universal mobile app.

Launched in January 2024, the app is the first instant savings digital platform for the convenience channel, according to the company.

Mondelēz International is partnering with Club International de Fútbol Miami as the professional soccer club’s official snacking partner. Mondelēz brands will use partnership assets such as player appearances, tickets and resources to support local businesses.

Following W. Capra’s acquisition of Impact 21, the combined entity unveiled a new company logo to reflect the joint companies doing business under the W. Capra name.

Jenny Lee Sammiches, manufactured by 5 Generation Bakers, has landed a spot on the menus of numerous college campus convenience stores and dining facilities. Locations include the University of Michigan, Michigan State and Franklin College.

The Hershey Co. is expanding its better-for-you portfolio with the acquisition of LesserEvil, a growing, cross-category snack brand. Following the acquisition, which is expected to close later this year, Hershey will increase its share in popcorn, puffed snacks, snack bars and overall savory snacks.

18 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

National Retail Solutions announced a new integration with Google. Independent retailers can automatically showcase their in-store products to local customers searching on Google Search, Google Maps and the Shopping tab.

NEW PRODUCTS

Red Bull Zero

Red Bull Zero is a no-sugar option crafted with monk fruit extract and other sweeteners for a unique taste that is distinct from Red Bull Sugarfree. Packaged in a sleek 8.4-ounce can, the sweet and tart energy drink blends notes of tutti frutti with the taste of pineapple and vanilla, according to the brand. One can of Red Bull Zero contains 80 milligrams of caffeine, comparable to the caffeine content in a home-brewed cup of coffee. The beverage is available nationwide.

RED BULL • SANTA MONICA, CALIF. • REDBULL.COM

Ritz Bits Spicy Queso Cracker Sandwiches

The Ritz brand is tapping into consumer trends with its latest flavor innovation: a layered experience that combines a rich, creamy cheese flavor with a bold, spicy kick. Ritz Bits Spicy Queso Cracker Sandwiches marks the first new Ritz flavor in nearly a decade. The product is available in 3-ounce snack-sized bags at convenience stores and 8.8-ounce boxes at major food retailers. Spicy Queso follows the successful launch of Ritz Toasted Chips’ Sweet Habanero flavor earlier this year, the brand noted.

MONDELĒZ INTERNATIONAL INC. • EAST HANOVER, N.J. • SNACKWORKS.COM/BRANDS/RITZ

Tyson Gluten Free Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Tenderloins As demand for gluten-free offerings grows, Tyson Foodservice brings to market Gluten Free Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Tenderloins. The product is designed to replicate the taste and texture customers expect from traditional breaded chicken tenderloins, but without the top nine food allergens, including gluten. The fully cooked tenderloins can help operators reduce back-of-house labor and ensure consistent quality and food safety, according to the company.

TYSON FOODSERVICE • SPRINGDALE, ARK. • TYSONFOODSERVICE.COM

Lay’s All Dressed

U.S. snackers can now enjoy the best Lay’s flavors — Sour Cream & Onion, Salt & Vinegar and Barbeque — in one bite with Lay’s All Dressed. The chips come in a 2.5-ounce bag for a suggested retail price of $2.69 and a 7.75ounce bag for $4.99. This is already one of the most beloved varieties in Canada and after years of fan requests, Lay’s brings it stateside for the first time in its classic potato chip format. Previously, Ruffles All Dressed was offered in the United States for a limited time in 2021 and 2024, while Lay’s Kettle Cooked Ruffles All Dressed was available as part of the brand’s Flavor Swap Program in 2023.

FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA INC. • PLANO, TEXAS • LAYS.COM

Prefabricated ModBrite Car Wash System

AutoBrite introduces a prefabricated ModBrite Car Wash System, with a small footprint that allows convenience store operators to keep their old car wash structures or install the pre-fab structure within just weeks. C-stores can have a technologically advanced, automated, express mini-tunnel car wash with a conveyor belt system that is optimized for profitability in a fraction of the time as most other modern car wash options, the company noted. Standard features include stainless steel construction and an advanced dual 30-inch conveyor belt system that delivers benefits such as four times the output of traditional in-bay automatic systems, in footprints as small as 35 feet.

AUTOBRITE • SAN ANTONIO • AUTOBRITECO.COM

M AY

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Convenience Store News

19

SMALL OPERATOR

The Local Advantage

Cliff’s Local Market prioritizes made-to-order foodservice and community partnerships

By Renée M. Covino WHEN A SMALL CHAIN wanted to recommit

to the communities it served in a new way, it made “local” its middle name, literally.

Cliff’s Local Market emerged in 2017 after being a part of the Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes franchise program for many years.

“Our franchisor was acquired by a local entity and we saw similar consolidation across the industry,” recalled Mike Clifford, vice president of Cliff’s Local Market. “The ‘local’ part of our brand name is exactly how we sought to distinguish ourselves.

We prioritize local partnerships, selling local products, and investing in and giving back to our local communities. This helps us stand out and craft our own identity while competing with larger chains.”

Cliff’s currently owns and operates 22 convenience stores, many of which have been recent knock-down and rebuild projects to

expand and strengthen the chain’s dedication to the local neighborhoods it serves in Central New York.

“Given our size and locale, we focus on our adaptive and flexible abilities to provide an elevated customer experience,” said Jeff Carpenter, director of education and training at parent company Clifford Fuel Co., which has roots stretching back three generations to 1961. “With all the consolidation that has been prevalent in the industry, we are proud to have all that comes with the ‘local advantage’ in serving our customers.”

A Made-to-Order Experience

With most stores hovering around 4,500 square feet, Cliff’s new sites were designed to include a labor-intensive, fully made-to-order (MTO) foodservice program.

“Even in our early days, foodservice played a prominent role, but as we’ve expanded and remodeled stores, it has become a core focus,” explained Derek Thurston, director of foodservice for the chain, which is now known for offering high-quality, fresh and convenient options such as made-to-order sandwiches, hot breakfast items, pizza and house-made ciabatta sandwiches. With a wide selection of freshly baked breads, proteins, cheeses and vegetables, patrons can customize their orders to their liking.

“Our deli lines are customer facing, which allows them to see our fresh product offering, but also to be involved in the experience of their food being made. A little extra lettuce?

Sure. Too many tomatoes? No problem,” noted Carpenter.

Cliff’s is known for its elevated foodservice experience.

20 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Added Thurston: “Our MTO staff takes pride in offering exceptional service and it’s not uncommon for customers to compliment them for the quality of the product and the experience.”

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SMALL OPERATOR

Cliff’s also caters to those customers who are in a rush, but still crave fresh, ready-to-go options. For them, grab-and-go coolers are stocked with freshly made salads, wraps, sandwiches, fruit cups, yogurt parfaits and protein bowls. During peak times, warmers hold breakfast sandwiches, burgers, chicken sandwiches and soups.

The local angle has enhanced the foodservice experience at Cliff’s. “We’ve really raised the bar by introducing quarterly, limited-time offers (LTOs) and fostering local partnerships,” Thurston said. “For example, we partnered with Utica Coffee, a respected local brewer, to offer their coffee in our stores. This partnership aligns with our values of community connection and sets us apart from competitors.”

A Personal Appeal

While Cliff’s foodservice program was created to appeal to a wide range of customers, the chain is focused on increasing visits from female shoppers. To do this, the retailer is partnering with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women luncheons.

“This gives us the opportunity to showcase our heart-healthy options to a group of successful women entrepreneurs. We’ll distribute coupons at the event to encourage future visits,” Thurston said. In addition, Cliff’s is working on targeted marketing campaigns that expand awareness of its food offerings.

“Looking ahead, we’re focused on further streamlining the customer experience and exploring new ways to enhance both the in-store and online ordering process.”

— Derek Thurston, Cliff’s Local Market

Streamlining the customer experience is a priority for the retailer as well. When customers walk into a Cliff’s Local Market, they’re immediately greeted by the open-air case stocked with fresh, made-in-house items. Just next to it, right near the registers, pizza warmers offer hot, freshly made slices to encourage impulse sales. Then, the heart of the store features the large MTO area where customers can engage with staff to create their perfect sandwich.

In this area, three large digital menuboards showcase LTOs with professional food photography and motion to capture attention.

“The layout is designed for smooth customer flow from ordering to checkout, creating a seamless experience with minimal friction,” Thurston told Convenience Store News.

To this end, Cliff’s also offers online ordering and is proud of the progress it’s recently achieved with the program.

“Our existing foodservice program has provided a great foundation from which to build customer engagement, and we intend to lean in further on this newer offering,” said Carpenter. “The dichotomy of our online vs. in-store experience allows us to capture customers who enjoy the customized personal engagement, as well as those who prefer the ‘don’t talk to me deliveries’ with a ‘leave on porch, don’t ring bell’ request. Pickup works very similarly.”

The chain has added online order pickup racks to all its locations to improve convenience for customers in a hurry. “Looking ahead, we’re focused on further streamlining the customer experience and exploring new ways to enhance both the in-store and online ordering process,” Thurston added.

Cliff’s is looking at other technology advancements, but treading cautiously as there are a lot of factors to consider, including team member impact, according to Carpenter.

“Being a smaller retailer, it can be challenging to tie together different pieces of necessary technology to create a seamless customer experience and not overwhelm your support/store teams with all the technological pieces,” he said. “It is important for us not to rush into solutions and ensure they’re a good fit for all parties — especially our customers. It’s also worth noting that you have to be extremely conscious of how today’s decisions can affect future initiatives.” CSN

22 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

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COVER STORY

RETHINKING YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION FOOD-FORWARD CONVENIENCE RETAILERS ARE IN A POSITION TO STRIKE WITH THE RIGHT OFFERING

By Angela Hanson WITH ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY SPIKING and

fears of a looming recession, it is no surprise that consumers are looking to save on food. Convenience retailers focused on high-quality fresh food at affordable prices are in a position to capitalize, but they face intense competition.

What’s more, it is no longer enough to offer the best price. To win out over other c-stores, quick-service restaurants (QSRs), fast-casual outlets, or even the home kitchen, food-forward convenience retailers must revisit their overall value proposition to ensure they are giving consumers a reason to choose them, again and again.

“Good value is a mix of price, quality, convenience and overall satisfaction from the purchase. It’s not always about getting the cheapest option, but rather the one that meets or exceeds your needs and expectations for the cost,” said Ryan Blevins, director of food and beverage innovation at Weigel’s, describing the Powell, Tenn.-based chain’s approach to crafting its own value proposition. “Sometimes, value is subjective. If the purchase brings joy, convenience and it tastes great, it may be of greater value than something that saves you a little money.”

For all convenience stores, a vital component of a well-planned value proposition is right there in the name of the channel. It’s not just what customers want, but when and how they want it.

“Availability is extremely important. You need to have all offers available during expected hours of operation,” said Dave Grimes, vice president of foodservice at Martin and Bayley Inc., operator of Carmi, Ill.-based Huck’s Market. “We look at volume

24 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

by item by store to ensure we have all products available at each location that offers that product.”

Consistency is another pillar of the value proposition, and one that can only be built over time. Consumers are more likely to return to a foodservice operator they trust to serve something they enjoy the same way every time than they are to take a chance on a competitor of unknown quality. Consistent execution requires investment in consistent training. At Huck’s, this includes written procedures, how-to videos and QR codes that link to a guide for any product it offers.

Adding delivery to the value proposition through multiple third-party operators is also increasingly feasible thanks to delivery aggregators and other moves to streamline digital ordering, which have made it easier for c-stores to extend the reach of their menu without overwhelming their timestrapped kitchen employees.

“We have found e-commerce platforms to be very helpful, as many consumers want fast and easy transactions that come to their door,” Grimes said, pointing to Grubhub, DoorDash and Uber Eats as reliable partners, along with online ordering for its Godfather’s Pizza offering.

Tim Powell, a principal at research and consulting firm Foodservice IP, headquartered in Chicago, advises c-store operators to think of value in terms of “price-and.”

“Beyond price point, this commonly includes quality. Consumers might also factor in a broader range of things that are more individually important to them like the ease of the overall experience (speed, service and

accuracy), portion size, uniqueness, the ability to find options that meet their dietary considerations, etc.,” he explained. “So, even as absolute price points have become something consumers are paying more attention to in the current environment, value can be relative. And what can be considered a good value from a pricing standpoint might vary.”

Tiered menus and barbell pricing can be beneficial by providing a range of options and different price points, giving customers the opportunity to trade up or down depending on the attributes they consider to be most important, Powell added.

Emphasizing the Channel’s Unique Attributes

As consumers take stock of their dining habits these days and reconsider the best options for their priorities, c-store operators must be prepared to make a case for why they are the better

option than the local QSR, fast-casual outlet or cooking at home.

Ensuring their prepared food and beverage offerings are of similar or better quality is a baseline requirement. Beyond that, retailers should emphasize what they offer that others don’t.

“C-stores win on immediate gratification — no drive-thru wait, no tipping,” said Powell. “C-stores must emphasize convenience and immediate availability as their edge.”

He advises c-store operators to shift their framing from cost to savings in both time and effort, and

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Convenience Store News

25

COVER STORY

Consistency and product availability are pillars of Huck’s value proposition.

recommends highlighting “skip the wait” or “grab-and-go without compromise.”

that the most popular items on a c-store menu are also some of the most commonly available.

Convenience retailers can also give their foodservice offerings a better competitive angle by emphasizing how nonfoodservice items such as fuel, packaged beverages, snacks and other everyday essentials can be purchased during a single trip, increasing the efficiency of time spent away from home.

Operators should lean into this with bundles that offer a prepared food item with an in-demand product from another category.

To succeed, retailers need to offer customers what they want, but do so in a way that differentiates themselves. For instance, retailers can’t offer value if consumers view pizza and chicken strips as fully interchangeable regardless of the purchase location.

“Our stores offer a one-stop experience, allowing customers to quickly grab a satisfying, fresh-made meal along with their everyday essentials — all in a single visit,” said Blevins.

While meals eaten at home will usually win in a financial comparison, c-stores can offer superior value in other ways. “While cooking at home may save money, it often requires more time and effort. We offer hot and cold meals that provide the same comfort and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal without the prep or cleanup,” Blevins added. “For busy consumers, this time-saving convenience is a key value proposition.”

Grimes, though, pointed out that c-stores can sometimes compete with the savings of meals at home. He cited the “extremely aggressive single-day promotions” that Huck’s runs to create loyalty engagement and endearment and drive visit frequency. In addition, he agreed that the intangible benefits of c-stores can be extremely impactful.

“We also sell them time. The customer can be in and out quickly,” he said. “I can sell you 20 minutes of sleep every morning!”

Honing a Competitive Advantage

Developing a value proposition also means developing distinctiveness despite the fact 26 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

“We recognize that while core menu favorites remain consistently popular, differentiation is essential to staying relevant in a competitive market,” said Blevins.

“Our approach focuses on elevating familiar favorites, such as chicken and pizza, while continuously introducing innovative, craveable options that set us apart.”

Examples include Weigel’s Hot Honey Big Pig limited-time offer (LTO), which reimagines a classic breakfast favorite by incorporating premium ingredients to enhance both flavor profile and visual appeal. The chain also partnered with a renowned hot sauce company to develop exclusive sauce flavors using “speed-scratch” recipes.

Meanwhile, Huck’s highlights the quality of its breading, which is a vital yet often under-recognized part of chicken menu items. An upcoming campaign will highlight the fact that Huck’s hand-breads its chicken and fresh-cracks its eggs daily. “We have our own proprietary chicken breading,” said Grimes. “It will always be unique because it is ours.”

Likewise, Powell advocates for maintaining consistency in the core menu while using seasonal, limited-run flavors to differentiate from competitors’ menus and drive purchases. He pointed to Royal Farms as a good example of a smaller c-store chain that balances standard, best-selling chicken piece meals with seasonal specialty chicken tenders.

“Limited-time options encourage impulse buys,” he said. “Behavioral cues like ‘only available this month’ increase perceived exclusivity. Lessons from past economic downturns show that consumers gravitate toward comfort foods in uncertain times. C-stores should emphasize nostalgic favorites while adding subtle innovations to keep offerings fresh.”

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COVER STORY

While convenience retailers may view their made-to-order offerings as the most fitting to go head-to-head with the QSRs and fast-casual restaurants, a high-quality, differentiated grab-and-go offering can be a draw — even if it doesn’t offer customization.

Brown noted that 7-Eleven has worked to further cement itself as a leader in immediate consumption by continuously expanding its grab-and-go options and bake-in-store programs to improve the quality of its core items, increasing its ability to compete.

Weigel’s focuses on elevating familiar favorites, while continuously introducing craveable options that set it apart.

“Even as absolute price points have become something consumers are paying more attention to in the current environment, value can be relative.”

— Tim Powell, Foodservice IP

These efforts need to be ongoing, not a one-and-done cultivation process.

“Our competitive advantage is our ability to bring exclusive proprietary items to our customers. We work with our broad network of 16 commissaries and 16 bakeries across the U.S. to develop and deliver new, high-quality menu items daily. We partner closely with each to adapt our offerings to reflect seasonality and shifting customer preferences,” said Brandon Brown, senior vice president of fresh foods at Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc. “For example, in the past year, we have worked with our partners to develop and introduce new LTO items like Mangonada donuts with Tajin, [the] Old Bay Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Curry Bowls and Everything Breakfast Sandwiches,” he added.

7-Eleven also has a dedicated team of product developers that continually work to identify and create new, on-trend products and recipes to meet customer cravings.

28 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

“Our fresh food strategy is all about keeping pace with evolving customer expectations — delivering food that meets customers’ needs for high-quality, fresh, craveable and on-the-go convenient food,” he said.

Getting the Message Across

Of course, no competitive advantages will be as effective if they are not marketed well.

“At 7-Eleven, we’re constantly looking for ways to show customers that great value and craveable food can go hand-in-hand — anytime, anywhere,” said Brown. “Our marketing strategy for fresh food, especially with items like pizza, has recently focused on an integrated mix of channels, including social media, connected TV and traditional media. These platforms allow us to reach different audiences where they are, in ways that resonate most with them.”

As an example, he pointed to 7-Eleven’s recent Pi Day promotions, which supported its offer of whole pizzas for just $3.14 on March 14. The retailer activated “a full-tunnel campaign” to build awareness and drive traffic both in-store and through its 7NOW delivery app.

“The response proved that when we show up where it counts with an offer that resonates, customers respond,” Brown shared.

Retailers can gain by getting specific about the benefits their foodservice program offers. For instance, Huck’s ties its Huck’s Kitchen logo to the tagline, “Made Fresh, Right Here.”

“We think it is important that the customers know that we make our subs, salads and wraps in-house. Our Godfather’s Pizza is freshly made, our chicken is freshly made,” said Grimes. “Often, when people think of the convenience environment, they think it is something you put

CHOOSE

COVER STORY

“While sales data is one of the ways we measure the success of value proposition — looking at performance by store, geography, product category, etc. — we also put significant emphasis on engaging directly with our customers for feedback,” Brown said.

7-Eleven considers the Brainfreeze Collective, its proprietary customer research panel launched in 2021, as one of the most useful tools in this area. The Brainfreeze Collective includes more than 250,000 engaged members who regularly share ideas, opinions and experiences related to their visits to 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores.

7-Eleven’s dedicated team of product developers identify and create new, on-trend products and recipes.

in the microwave and then transfer to a warming unit! That is definitely not us.”

Marketing plans need to consider how each component contributes to the strength of the overall message. Weigel’s markets its value proposition through a layered approach that meets customers in multiple touchpoints throughout the day, according to Blevins.

“Our most loyal guests typically get the message first through our app — whether it’s a push notification, an in-app reward or a reminder of an offer tied to their behavior,” he said. “From there, we reinforce it in-store with intentional signage, point-ofsale messaging and cashier engagement.”

Outside its stores, Weigel’s utilizes fuel pump video content designed to catch customers’ attention during dwell time, as well as targeted online marketing and streaming platforms to reach customers where they are already spending time.

Social media also helps Weigel’s add energy and personality to its brand while building a sense of community.

“The most successful efforts are the ones that connect across all channels,” Blevins said. “When a customer sees the offer on their phone, hears it while fueling up, and walks into the store to see it front and center — that consistency builds trust, drives action and reinforces our value.”

Foodservice sales are the most direct measure of successful marketing, but savvy retailers also pursue more nuanced methods of determining whether they are delivering on their value proposition in a way that resonates with consumers.

30 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

“The insights we gather from this community are shared across our internal teams and have a direct impact on business decisions, from product innovation to in-store experience,” Brown explained. “A great example of this is the Slurpee rebrand that we unveiled in 2023, where feedback from the Brainfreeze Collective helped inform the brand’s vibrant new look.”

Chains that lack the ability to launch such a largescale initiative can still gain valuable data by connecting with customers in other ways. Whether it’s through the company’s mobile app, in-store comment cards or other channels, the key is listening.

“While sales performance is a key indicator, we place significant emphasis on gathering customer and team member feedback. And usually the latter two tell the entire story,” said Blevins. “If the feedback from our customers and our operators is well received, then you can almost count on the sales performance to fall in line.” CSN

“While sales data is one of the ways we measure the success of value proposition — looking at performance by store, geography, product category, etc. — we also put significant emphasis on engaging directly with our customers for feedback.”

— Brandon Brown, 7-Eleven Inc.

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FOODSERVICE FOODSERVICE

Cooking Upthe Competitive Strength Playing Long Game

Food-forward retailers are store taking steps to overcome challenges and Cautiouslyconvenience optimistic, convenience operators are banking on long-term enhance their appeal as dining destinations investments in prepared food and dispensed beverages

By Angela Hanson

By Angela Hanson

However, taking a closer look reveals obstacles that Foodservice Segments Offered even the best-designed food program can’t ignore. foodservice category is rosy, and convenience time, effort and money into a foodservice program Economic difficulties and concerns about the future store operators areadoing can be the difference between good everything year and right. Sales % OFFERING are prompting consumers to tighten their purse strings, profits are with most retailers predicting a great one and during times ofup, prosperity — or the FOODSERVICE SEGMENT while rising costs have slowed profit growth compared continued increases throughout 2024, and difference between profit and loss during more to last year. Meanwhile, employee and companies are investing in new technology, equiptroubled times.

2025 recruitment 2024 2023 retention remain a struggle despite some easing of the ment and menu innovation to ensure success in labor crunch. yearsretailers to come.

Increasingly,the c-store are expanding their Prepared food 92% 96% 95% prepared food and dispensed beverage offerings as they fight for foot traffic in a competitive marHot dispensed beverages 91% 87% 97% ket. The foodservice category is a vital sales and Segments Offbeverages ered traffic driver within the convenience channel andFoodservice is Cold dispensed 83% 85% 87% only becoming more important as c-stores expand their competitive sphere to include retail foodFrozen dispensed beverages 82% 66% 72% % OFFERING AVERAGE % OF TOTAL service at large and work to establish themselves FOODSERVICE SEGMENT FOODSERVICE SALES as top-of-mind dining destinations for those who AVERAGE % OF TOTAL want convenient yet quality food.

FOODSERVICE SALES FROM A DISTANCE, current state of the FOR MANY CONVENIENCE STORE the RETAILERS , investing

2024

Prepared food

96%

97% of large operators Hot dispensed beverages 87% offer frozen dispensed Cold dispensedup beverages 85% beverages, from 77% a year ago.

Frozen dispensed beverages 66%

2023

2022

54% 54%

2023 2023

2022

54% 54%

53%

95%

97%

97%

99%

Hot dispensed Hot dispensed beveragesbeverages 24%

22% 22%

24% 24%

22%

87%

88%

Cold dispensed beverages 24% Cold dispensed beverages Frozen dispensed beverages 16%

25% 25% 12%

21% 21% 10%

22%

72%

78%

10%

10%

SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY

42 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m 32 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

2024 2024

2025 Prepared food Prepared food 48%

Frozen dispensed beverages 12%

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FOODSERVICE

FOODSERVICE

Playing the Long Game Cautiously optimistic, convenience store operators are banking on long-term investments in prepared food and dispensed beverages

By Angela Hanson FROM A DISTANCE, the current state of the foodservice category is rosy, and convenience store operators are doing everything right. Sales and profits are up, with most retailers predicting continued increases throughout 2024, and companies are investing in new technology, equipment and menu innovation to ensure success in the years to come.

Prepared Foods Offered

The good news is that compared to last year, c-store operators across the United States have reason to believe they are on the right track. According to the findings of the 2025 Convenience Store News Foodservice Study, nearly eight out of 10 operators expect their foodservice sales and profits to grow in 2025. At the same time, rising food costs, shifts in consumer behavior and economic uncertainty threaten to upend forecasts, underlining the need for c-store retailers to carefully plan for whatever the future holds.

Foodservice Segments Offered

% OFFERING FOODSERVICE SEGMENT

2025

2024

2023

Breakfast sandwiches

92%

80%

90%

Pizza

80%

72%

85%

Chicken

75%

73%

74%

Bakery

73%

70%

76%

Hamburgers

72%

64%

72%

Snacks/appetizers

72%

67%

76%

Hot dogs

67%

56%

74%

Other roller-grill items

52%

38%

53%

Other sandwiches

50%

66%

72%

Wraps

45%

56%

62%

Salads

45%

55%

72%

Hot entrées

42%

56%

48%

Tacos/quesadillas

30%

25%

31%

Soup

27%

36%

48%

Seafood*

2%

-

-

Sushi*

2%

-

-

Other

5%

8%

7%

*New response added in 2025

Dispensed Beverages Offered

AVERAGE % OF TOTAL FOODSERVICE SALES

2024

2023

2022

2024

2023

2022

Prepared food

96%

95%

97%

Prepared food

54%

54%

53%

Hot dispensed beverages

87%

97%

99%

Hot dispensed beverages

22%

24%

22%

Cold dispensed beverages

85%

87%

88%

Cold dispensed beverages

25%

21%

22%

Frozen dispensed beverages 66%

72%

78%

Frozen dispensed beverages 12%

10%

10%

SPONSORED BY

42 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

42-50.FoodServiceStudy_CSN_0524.indd 42

For now, convenience retailers are backing up their commitment to foodservice by giving the category the space to grow.

The average square footage devoted to foodservice rose to 35% of total store size this year, up from 25% last year.

Prepared food remains the primary category driver, offered by 92% of the retailers surveyed and generating, on average, 48% of total foodservice sales.

Hot, cold and frozen dispensed beverages vary in availability, but all are offered by a significant majority of retailers. Hot and cold dispensed beverages each account for 24% of total foodservice sales, while frozen beverages account for 16% and are especially popular with the industry’s larger operators.

On the Menu

2025

2024

2023

Hot coffee

89%

95%

98%

Hot chocolate

81%

82%

80%

Hot cappuccino/latte/espresso

76%

71%

69%

Frozen drinks (e.g., slushies)

76%

62%

61%

Fountain carbonated beverages

69%

87%

84%

Iced tea

60%

61%

57%

Iced coffee

58%

66%

54%

Fountain sports drinks/energy drinks

58%

51%

48%

Fountain noncarbonated beverages

55%

54%

46%

Hot tea

52%

56%

59%

Cold brew coffee

50%

48%

34%

Milkshakes

50%

36%

25%

Smoothies

40%

23%

13%

Iced cappuccino/latte/espresso

37%

38%

28%

Juices

32%

23%

28%

Soft-serve frozen yogurt/ice cream

29%

20%

15%

Kombucha

7%

12%

7%

Aguas frescas

5%

15%

12%

34 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

However, taking a closer look reveals obstacles that even the best-designed food program can’t ignore.

Economic difficulties and concerns about the future are prompting consumers to tighten their purse strings, while rising costs have slowed profit growth compared to last year. Meanwhile, employee recruitment and retention remain a struggle despite some easing of the labor crunch.

Many c-stores are embarking on a simple plan to boost their foodservice success: give customers more of what they want.

Enhanced menu items, expanded offerings and a focus on quality and freshness are among the reasons retailers express a positive outlook for 2025.

Small operators were more likely than large operators to add cappuccino/ latte/espresso items, milkshakes and smoothies to their dispensed beverage lineup last year.

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FOODSERVICE

FOODSERVICE

Playing the Long Game Cautiously optimistic, convenience store operators are banking on long-term investments in prepared food and dispensed beverages

By Angela Hanson FROM A DISTANCE, the current state of the foodservice category is rosy, and convenience store operators are doing everything right. Sales and profits are up, with most retailers predicting continued increases throughout 2024, and companies are investing in new technology, equipment and menu innovation to ensure success in the years to come.

Supply Chain Issues IMPROVED

How much did inflation and economic issues affect your company in 2024?

WORSENED

STAY THE SAME

DON'T KNOW

Foodservice Segments Offered % OFFERING FOODSERVICE SEGMENT

37%

54%

8%

AVERAGE % OF TOTAL FOODSERVICE SALES

2024

2023

2022

2024

2023

2022

Prepared food

96%

95%

97%

Prepared food

54%

54%

53%

Hot dispensed beverages

87%

97%

99%

Hot dispensed beverages

22%

24%

22%

Cold dispensed beverages

85%

87%

88%

Cold dispensed beverages

25%

21%

22%

Frozen dispensed beverages 66%

72%

78%

Frozen dispensed beverages 12%

10%

10%

14%

SPONSORED BY

42 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

42-50.FoodServiceStudy_CSN_0524.indd 42

VERY POSITIVELY

However, taking a closer look reveals obstacles that even the best-designed food program can’t ignore.

Economic difficulties and concerns about the future are prompting consumers to tighten their purse strings, while rising costs have slowed profit growth compared to last year. Meanwhile, employee recruitment and retention remain a struggle despite some easing of the labor crunch.

17%

SLIGHTLY POSITIVELY

59%

NEUTRAL SLIGHTLY NEGATIVELY VERY NEGATIVELY

48%

43%

22%

33%

6% 12% Prediction for 2024

2%

14%

2%

Actual 2024

14%

19%

Prediction for 2025

“Consumers are looking for quick, easy meal solutions, making c-store foodservice a popular choice for on-the-go meals," said one study participant. Another remarked, “We are adding new kitchen equipment and with this, will be able to have a larger offering.”

Breakfast sandwiches are by far the most widely available prepared food item in the channel (offered by 92% of the retailers surveyed), regaining the lead after seeing a 10-point dip in 2024. Pizza (offered by 80%) surged past chicken (75%) for this year’s No. 2 spot — a shift driven mainly by small operators, 81% of whom report offering it, up from 60% a year ago.

C-store operators are expanding their number of food preparation locations, with food ready to heat and serve from convenience distributors, company commissaries and direct-store delivery gaining traction over the past year. Overall, prepared food is more frequently being delivered ready to heat and serve (78%) vs. assembled at the store (68%).

Other top c-store prepared food items in terms of availability are bakery, hamburgers, snacks/appetizers, hot dogs and other roller grill items. Year over year, hot entrées (down 15 points) and wraps (down 11 points) saw the largest declines in availability. This could indicate that some retailers are trimming the size of their menus and focusing on their best-selling items.

Although the convenience channel is building its collective reputation for high-quality proprietary foodservice programs, branded partnerships — particularly with pizza and coffee brands — remain important, with 40% of study participants reporting that they franchise or license a branded restaurant concept. The industry’s small operators are fueling growth in this space, with 41% having a branded partner, up from 21% in last year’s study.

The average foodservice department occupies 1,328 square feet.

On the beverage side of the category, hot options such as coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccino and lattes lead in availability, but cold and frozen options are growing, particularly frozen drinks like slushies and smoothies, juices and fountain sports/ energy drinks.

36 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

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FOODSERVICE

FOODSERVICE

Playing the Long Game Cautiously optimistic, convenience store operators are banking on long-term investments in prepared food and dispensed beverages

By Angela Hanson FROM A DISTANCE, the current state of the foodservice category is rosy, and convenience store operators are doing everything right. Sales and profits are up, with most retailers predicting continued increases throughout 2024, and companies are investing in new technology, equipment and menu innovation to ensure success in the years to come.

However, taking a closer look reveals obstacles that even the best-designed food program can’t ignore.

Economic difficulties and concerns about the future are prompting consumers to tighten their purse strings, while rising costs have slowed profit growth compared to last year. Meanwhile, employee recruitment and retention remain a struggle despite some easing of the labor crunch.

Foodservice Segments Offered

“Consumers are looking for quick, easy meal solutions, making c-store foodservice a popular choice for on-the-go meals."

— Study participant

How do you anticipate inflation and economic issues will affect your company in 2025?

6%

32%

VERY POSITIVELY SLIGHTLY POSITIVELY NEUTRAL SLIGHTLY NEGATIVELY

29%

VERY NEGATIVELY

29%

3%

Convenience store operators are divided between optimism, neutrality and pessimism regarding inflation's 2025 impact.

38 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

% OFFERING FOODSERVICE SEGMENT

AVERAGE % OF TOTAL FOODSERVICE SALES

Made-to-order, barista-style beverages saw a big jump over the past year with 28% of study participants saying they now offer them, up from 13% the previous two years.

2024

2023

2022

2024

2023

2022

Prepared food

96%

95%

97%

Prepared food

54%

54%

53%

Hot dispensed beverages

87%

97%

99%

Hot dispensed beverages

22%

24%

22%

Cold dispensed beverages

85%

87%

88%

Cold dispensed beverages

25%

21%

22%

Frozen dispensed beverages 66%

72%

78%

Frozen dispensed beverages 12%

10%

10%

SPONSORED BY

Overcoming Challenges

42 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

In recent years, labor hiring and retention have presented a significant challenge to c-store operators. As a result of implementing higher wages, competitive benefits and performance-based bonuses, among other measures, retailers now report better results in this area.

42-50.FoodServiceStudy_CSN_0524.indd 42

“We are providing not just more pay, but also incentives per month if the food sales increase and there is a decrease in throwaway,” one retailer noted. Another cited “foodservice training classes, state certification and hiring people with QSR [quick-service restaurant] experience” as effective steps they have taken.

The supply chain failed to improve as much as hoped during the last year, but largely did not worsen. Nearly half of operators (48%) reported that supply chain issues stayed the same in 2024 vs. 37% that reported improvement. Nearly six in 10 expect supply chain issues to improve this year.

Convenience retailers are adjusting their menus in response: 45% said they removed at least one food item due to supply chain issues last year. Of these operators, 72% said they plan to bring back some but not all items, while 24% said all items will be brought back.

Inflation was one of the most prevalent challenges in the past year as a majority of the retailers surveyed said inflation and economic issues affected their company either very negatively (19%) or slightly negatively (43%) in 2024. Small operators were especially impacted.

For this year, both large and small operators are split between optimism, neutrality and pessimism regarding how they anticipate inflation and economic issues to affect them in 2025. However, retailers were surveyed prior to the April implementation of tariffs.

To manage whatever inflation and economic-related challenges that do arise, several operators plan to adopt strategies for pricing and cost management (43%) and for better operational efficiency (26%). Local sourcing, limiting menu items that don’t use common ingredients and tightening equipment spending are among the specific steps operators expect to take this year.

Retailers also plan to implement new sales and marketing strategies to help consumers combat inflation. “For 2025, we are looking at doing more combo deals with multiple items in different categories,” one retailer shared. “Customers like to see specials.” CSN

4/26/24 10:47 AM

TOBACCO

Infusing Technology Into Tobacco Selling

Pricing, personalization and buydown management are just a few of the areas that can benefit

By Renée M. Covino SELLING TOBACCO and nicotine products

is the antithesis of a simple task. Nobody out there is setting the price of a pack and calling it a day. You can’t put a price tag on a cigarette, and advertising is extremely restricted and regulated.

What’s more, convenience store operators must juggle manufacturer-imposed pricing rules, complex regulatory requirements, state and local minimums, shifting consumer trends and the need to maintain profitability.

40 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

“It’s a balancing act and doing it manually can feel like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded,” said Caitlin Orosz, senior director of marketing at Scottsdale, Ariz.-based ClearDemand, a provider of artificial intelligence (AI) driven price optimization and competitive intelligence solutions. “Tobacco category managers are the unsung heroes. They handle complex tasks while constantly facing the risk of fines and missing manufacturer buydowns.

This is where technology can help them.”

By integrating technology, Orosz explained that improvement can be realized in:

TOBACCO

Sales Optimization: AI-driven insights can reveal customer buying patterns, helping retailers optimize their pricing and promotions, such as cross-promoting complementary items.

Pricing: Technology ensures that prices align with demand, regulatory requirements and manufacturer buydowns so that retailers don’t leave money on the table. “Instead of scrambling to adjust prices manually, automation ensures retailers hit rebate targets effortlessly,” Orosz noted.

Marketing & Personalization: Data-driven promotions and personalized loyalty programs can influence brand perception and encourage repeat visits by customers.

Regulatory Compliance: Automated compliance tracking helps retailers stay ahead of evolving regulations, avoiding costly fines and ensuring they meet all state and local requirements.

Buydown Management: With technology, retailers can meet manufacturer buydown pricing terms, maximize funding and stay compliant without extra effort.

Automation & Efficiency: Advanced pricing technology can streamline the entire process, integrating manufacturer buydowns all the way to price execution to the store point-of-sale and in some cases, to the digital price tag.

Tracking the Consumer Transformation

Another top challenge in the tobacco category is the transformation of adult tobacco consumers who are switching from traditional cigarettes to other forms of nicotine.

“As traditional cigarette consumption continues to decline, without data it can appear that the retailer and tobacco companies are losing consumers. However, in many cases, using technology like a loyalty program can help understand and identify if the consumer has quit or just migrated brands or nicotine product types,” explained Margaret Ogren, senior business director for Woodbury, Minn.-based Patron Points, which provides loyalty applications, scan data analytics, mobile app solutions and other customer retention tools.

This information can then be used by a convenience retailer to message a 21-plus consumer with a targeted deal to keep them visiting the location. “Personalized

42 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

“We’ve seen through our data that consumers are no longer satisfied with ‘surprise and delight’ discounts. They want to know where to go to receive value and connect with their preferred brand or product.”

— Margaret Ogren, Patron Points

promotions improve the relationship with the retail location and/or brand and reduce the risk of the consumer looking to a competitor for a better price on their new product choice,” Ogren said.

Last September, Patron Points formed an agreement with Laval, Quebec-based Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. to offer loyalty and scan data services to legacy franchisees of Circle K and Kangaroo Express locations. The partnership offers tobacco loyalty promotions, as well as participation in digital trade programs offered by leading tobacco brands.

Patron Points gives c-store retailers the ability to offer and notify adult tobacco consumers of personalized coupons, discounts and deals, directly communicating to the consumer via email and mobile app notifications when they have discounts waiting for them at a specific retail location.

“We’ve seen through our data that consumers are no longer satisfied with ‘surprise and delight’ discounts,” Ogren told Convenience Store News. “They want to know where to go to receive value and connect with their preferred brand or product.”

Patron Points is also seeing a shift in consumer purchasing habits. For instance, instead of purchasing a carton of cigarettes, consumers are spreading out their purchases to two packs at a time, thus increasing trips. These shifting behaviors open retailers up to risk, but also opportunity, according to Ogren.

“If adult consumers know where they are getting value for their tobacco, it is shown that they will also more than likely purchase additional items during that transaction.

In our data, the tobacco consumers who receive personalized offers purchase more items per transaction and visit, which equates to more profits,” she said.

The Near-Future Picture

To create an even stronger customer experience, the near future for c-store retailers is not only about engaging the adult tobacco consumer when they’re at your store, but also engaging them when they are thinking about lunch,

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TOBACCO

trying to decide what to make for dinner, looking for a morning pick-me-up and so on, advised Ogren. Using mobile applications, retailers can communicate with consumers through timely notifications, personalized promotions and rewards.

“It will be about creating relationships that drive more repeat visits,” she told CSNews. “Our data shows that retailers who integrate a mobile app into their loyalty program experience an 82% increase in loyalty participation. We believe that this is because with mobile apps, consumers are more aware of the value that is available and therefore, they seek to engage with those retailers who provide them with it.”

The way ClearDemand’s Orosz sees it, manufacturers are already using tobacco scan data to come up with more regional and localized prices and incentives to maximize their sales and margins, and they are expecting c-store retailers to follow suit.

AI and automation are changing everything for the tobacco category manager, and the improvements Orosz believes will stand out the most moving forward are: • No more analyzing mountains of data to predict sales trends. AI will identify the right price points, best-selling SKUs and emerging product trends before tobacco category managers will think to ask. AI also will help optimize promotions on products that drive repeat purchases and build baskets.

• A competitor down the street that just dropped tobacco prices will be no problem for category

44 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

“At the end of the day, retailers who embrace technology aren’t just keeping up, they’re getting ahead. They’re making smarter pricing decisions, building customer loyalty and ensuring compliance without the daily stress.”

— Caitlin Orosz, ClearDemand

managers moving forward. A pricing tool can automatically adjust based on competitor activity, demand fluctuations and compliance requirements.

• Pricing tailored to regional market dynamics, competitive pressures and consumer preferences — down to the individual store level — will become more prevalent soon.

• AI-powered analyses of consumer behaviors will refine loyalty programs and targeted promotions, resulting in relevant offers for the right people. More relevant offers mean stronger customer loyalty and higher overall sales.

• Automated compliance solutions will ensure up-todate pricing and promotional compliance to prevent fines and lost rebates for retailers.

“At the end of the day, retailers who embrace technology aren’t just keeping up, they’re getting ahead,” Orosz said. “They’re making smarter pricing decisions, building customer loyalty and ensuring compliance without the daily stress.” CSN

CANDY

Sweetening Candy Category Sales

Innovation in the nonchocolate segment is a bright spot for c-stores

By Kathleen Furore WHILE A LITTLE MORE THAN HALF of all confectionery sales

are driven by chocolate, nonchocolate candy has grown by nearly $5 billion since 2019, an increase of almost 70%.

In the convenience channel, the nonchocolate segment was a bright spot last year in an otherwise unimpressive year for candy sales, according to Sally Lyons Wyatt, global executive vice president and chief advisor, consumer goods and foodservice insights for Chicago-based Circana.

“In the convenience channel, nonchocolate grew one dollar-share point in 2024 vs. 2023. However, overall sales for confections in the convenience channel were down across dollars, units and volume for the category,” she said. “Part of the sales decline was due to the loss of c-store traffic; however, there were pockets of growth across the U.S.” Spicewood, Texas-based Texas Born (TXB) Stores is one convenience retailer that has benefitted from the popularity of confections that don’t contain chocolate.

“Nonchocolate experienced strong same-store growth,” reported Benjamin Hoffmeyer, vice president of marketing and merchandising for the chain, which operates 50 locations throughout Texas and Oklahoma. Sweet, sour and infused juice-filled candy were among the best-sellers, according to Hoffmeyer, who expects the infused flavor trend to remain strong this year.

“Flavors are always a hit within the nonchocolate category,” Lyons Wyatt echoed.

Mashups that include combinations of two or more flavors such as grape and strawberry are among today’s 46 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

most popular options for candy shoppers, as well as products that boast creative flavor profiles such as tamarind chili, peach chili and lime, honey bun and green apple, she noted. Nonchocolate candy in special shapes and textures is also popular.

“Forms like snakes, unicorns, worms, strips, wedges and rope delight consumers, [and products] with crunchy and chewy type textures grew significantly,” Lyons Wyatt shared.

The rapid rise of freeze-dried candy illustrates the role that texture is playing in nonchocolate candy sales. The #freezedriedcandy hashtag is nearing 5 billion views on TikTok. With a light, airy, crisp texture that’s especially popular with younger consumers, freeze-dried candy is expected to grow at a rate of 8.5% from 2024 to 2030, Grand View Research predicts.

The Power of Promotions

While many factors come into play when evaluating category performance, price is a big one impacting candy sales, or the lack thereof. According to the National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) 2025 “State of Treating” report, 30% of Americans are treating themselves “a little less” these days — many due to concerns about the cost of confections.

“Eighty percent of these consumers said

CANDY

price was the or a factor for consuming less. Additionally, price is now the No. 1 purchase decision factor, whereas mood has taken the top spot in years past,” the NCA noted in its report.

Nonchocolate candy has grown by nearly $5 billion since 2019, an increase of almost 70%.

Consequently, 41% of consumers say they are often/usually looking for sales promotions when buying confectionery for themselves, 44% when buying confectionery to share for holidays such as Halloween and 25% when buying confectionery as a gift for someone else.

Source: National Confectioners Association

What kinds of promotions are candy shoppers hoping to find? In 2024, consumers favored buy one, get one deals and mix-and-match discounts, NCA’s research revealed.

The impact that price is having on candy sales is evident at TXB Stores, where Hoffmeyer said special promotions have helped boost candy sales of the nonchocolate variety.

“Buy 2 Peg, Save $1 has worked extremely well, and the ability to mix and match across multiple brands has done well,” he pointed out. “King-size candy has also experienced strong growth with our Buy Two, Get One Free offers.”

To take advantage of customers’ preferences for these kinds of promotions, TXB added several floor displays to create “additional points of interruption to gain incremental sales” and leveraged “multibuy app digital coupons that stack on top of promotions to help build baskets,” Hoffmeyer said. “We also are seeing an uptick in private label sales adoption as guests look for more value, and higher app digital coupon redemptions as well.”

What the Future Holds

With economic concerns front and center for today’s consumers, it’s hard to predict how candy sales will fare. “2025 has started out with uncertainty, and we are seeing consumers pulling back from some categories,” Lyons Wyatt cautioned.

Consumers’ love of sweets bodes well for the category. In 2024, 98% of households purchased confectionery at least once, according to NCA’s research. However, that doesn’t mean c-stores will have an easy road considering that last year saw candy

48 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

buyers shift to value-forward channels, particularly club and dollar stores.

“Convenience retailers will have to work hard to get traffic back up and use categories that are a big draw — and nonchocolate is a traffic-building category,” Lyons Wyatt stressed.

She suggests finding ways to promote the candy category in fun and engaging ways.

“Work with CPGs [consumer packaged goods companies] to communicate to ‘co-owned’ consumers — those who buy the category and shop c-stores — and work to increase foot traffic with new consumers,” she advised. “Consumers are looking for ways to reward or treat themselves, to get away from the challenging times.

Convenience retailers should find ways to message consumers with inspiration to do just that.”

To that end, Lyons Wyatt advises c-store operators to pay close attention to their candy inventory on hand.

“They should make sure they have the right variety/ assortment available, so when consumers do visit their stores, they have what they are looking for, both the loyals and those who may be more transient in the category,” she explained.

Having the right promotion, incentive and/or price point to encourage “just one more” purchases is another strategy Lyons Wyatt recommends. “Leverage innovation to excite consumers on a regular basis, especially with limited-time offers. Additionally, build up seasonal and celebrate the big holidays, but also build up micro-holidays,” she added.

When it comes to exciting consumers, platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok can help. Social media has become a powerful tool in inspiring consumers with new consumption occasions or trial. Young consumers especially are motivated by viral products and trends, according to the NCA, which reported that 27% have found a new brand or item through social media posts and influencers.

Perhaps the best barometer of the future is the way convenience store retailers are feeling as the year progresses. At TXB, a positive mood prevails.

“I am excited about the candy category this year as there is a lot of great innovation,” Hoffmeyer said.

“Typically, great innovation leads to higher impulse, profitable sales.” CSN

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FEATURE

TOP 100 A FAMILIAR LANDSCAPE, FOR NOW

Despite a relatively quiet year for deals, a mega-merger looms with the potential to alter store counts, the competitive landscape and consumer perception

By Melissa Kress & Danielle Romano MERGER AND ACQUISITION (M&A) ACTIVITY in

the convenience channel has been relatively quiet over the past 12 months, save for a few notable deals such as Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey's General Stores Inc.'s $1.145 billion acquisition of Temple, Texas-based Fikes Wholesale and its CEFCO Convenience Stores network, and Brentwood, Tenn.-based Delek US Holdings' decision to sell off all its retail assets to a subsidiary of Mexico-based FEMSA, parent company of the OXXO network.

As a result, the U.S. convenience store landscape has remained mostly unchanged, as reflected in this year’s Convenience Store News Top 100 report, compiled in partnership with Nielsen TDLinx using March 2025 data. Same as last year's rankings, the top three chains are Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc. with 12,369 stores, Laval, Quebec-based Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (ACT) with 5,851 stores, and Casey's with 2,899 stores.

These three companies account for a combined 21,119 stores of the industry’s 152,192 total locations or 13.87%.

Rounding out the top 10 are Westborough, Mass.-based EG America (1,406 stores), Richmond, Va.-based GPM Investments LLC (1,334 stores), El Dorado, Ark.-based 50 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Murphy USA Inc. (1,173 stores), Tulsa, Okla.-based QuikTrip Corp. (1,142 stores), Media, Pa.-based Wawa Inc. (1,117 stores), La Crosse, Wis.-based Kwik Trip Inc. (879 stores), and Salt Lake City-based Maverik Inc. (852 stores). In all, the top 10 companies account for a combined 29,022 stores or 19.06% of the industry total.

With talks stretching on about a possible tie-up between 7-Eleven's parent company, Tokyo-based Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd., and ACT, the parent company of the global Circle K banner, it is possible that next year's Top 100 ranking could look very different.

Whether it’s a Circle K and 7-Eleven pairing or another channel-shaking deal, we reached out to industry insiders to get a read on what effect a mega-merger would have on the industry.

The Power of a National Brand

While the c-store landscape is made up of more than 152,000 stores, there is not one convenience store company that is a national brand, according to M&A specialist Terry Monroe, president of American Business Brokers & Advisors. Unlike other nationally known businesses such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Holiday Inn that provide a consistent experience throughout the guest journey, the only c-store chain that comes close to being national is 7-Eleven.

If a deal were to close, the combined entity’s brand equity would increase exponentially, Monroe said. “All of a sudden, they can begin marketing on a national basis.

FEATURE

TOP 100 Think of TV, video streaming shows, the internet and social marketing. Think of an app that can be used everywhere, like McDonald’s and other national brands.

Think of reduced costs of products and the ability to purchase on a national basis,” he pointed out.

Monroe recounted a conversation he once had as a franchisee with Michael Ilitch, the owner and founder of Little Caesars.

During that chat, Ilitch shared that the day the multinational restaurant chain went national on TV, sales rose and catapulted

the company into a business realm they had never experienced before.

“From there, [Little Caesars has] done nothing but grow,” Monroe said.

The creation of a nationally recognized convenience brand would significantly alter the competitive playing field. A company with an excessive controlling market share would dominate, potentially reducing the market share for smaller players while expanding its own reach and efficiencies. This would create a divide of winners and losers, according to Peter Rasmussen, founder and CEO of Convenience and Energy Advisors.

TOP 100 2025 Rank

Company, City, State

Total U.S. Store Count

CompanyOperated Stores

Franchise/ Licensee Stores

Primary Store Names

1

7-Eleven Inc. Irving, Texas

12,369

5,153

7,216

2

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. Laval, Quebec

5,851

5,849

2

Circle K, Holiday

3

Casey’s General Stores Inc. Ankeny, Iowa

2,899

2,899

0

Casey’s General Stores, CEFCO Food Store, Goodstop

4

EG America Westborough, Mass.

1,406

1,405

1

Cumberland Farms, Turkey Hill Minit Market, Minit Mart, Loaf ‘N Jug, Kwik Shop, Tom Thumb, Quik Stop, Certified, Fastrac, Sprint Foods

7-Eleven, APlus, Speedway, Stripes, Rich Oil

5

GPM Investments LLC Richmond, Va.

1,334

1,334

0

EZ Mart, Fas Mart, Scotchman, Admiral Petroleum, Roadrunner Markets, Village Pantry, Fast Market, Express Stop, Flash Market, Shore Stop, Apple Market, Handy Mart, Pride Market, Next Door Food Store, Young’s, Dixie Mart, Li’l Cricket, Town Star, Jiffi Stop, Bread Box, Minit Mart, Corner Mart, Market Express, Rose Mart, 1 Stop Food Store, Bread & Butter Shop, Jiffy Stop Food Marts, Lemmen, Cash and Sons, Jetz Convenience Center, R Store, Uncle’s, Speedy Q Market, Speedy’s

6

Murphy USA Inc. El Dorado, Ark.

1,173

1,173

0

Murphy USA, Murphy Express, QuickChek

7

QuikTrip Corp.

Tulsa, Okla.

1,142

1,142

0

QuikTrip

8

Wawa Inc. Media, Pa.

1,117

1,117

0

Wawa

9

Kwik Trip Inc. La Crosse, Wis.

879

879

0

Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Stop N Go, Tobacco Outlet Plus Grocery

10

Maverik Inc. Salt Lake City

852

852

0

Maverik, Kum & Go

11

RaceTrac Inc. Atlanta

851

594

257

RaceTrac, RaceWay

12

Sheetz Inc. Altoona, Pa.

777

777

0

Sheetz

13

Pilot Co. Knoxville, Tenn.

664

663

1

Pilot Travel Center, Flying J, Mr. Fuel, EZ Trip, Pilot Express, One9 Fuel Stop, Arco

14

Love’s Country Stores Inc. Oklahoma City

655

655

0

Love’s Travel Stop, Love’s Country Store, EZ Go

15

bp Houston

510

510

0

Thorntons, TA, TA Express, Petro Stopping Center

16

Military Arlington, Va.

500

500

0

AAFES, Shoppette, NEXCOM Mini Mart, Marine Corps Shoppette, Troop Store, Coast Guard Mini Mart

17

United Pacific Long Beach, Calif.

492

492

0

Alta Convenience, Petro Mart, Rocket

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FEATURE

TOP 100 Winners would include consumers who might benefit from more standardized services, lower prices due to economies of scale and increased convenience through a larger store network. Losers might include smaller, independent c-stores and regional players that would not be able to compete with the sheer scale and resources of the merged entity.

“Frankly, though, this would not be unheard of,” Rasmussen said, pointing to Mexico’s OXXO, which is owned

by FEMSA, the country’s third-largest company. With more than 20,000 convenience stores, the retailer reaps efficiencies from upstream vertical integration, including ownership of the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Mexico. “In their case, they have elevated the convenience market, and I would argue even grocery channels in Latin America that compete in segments with OXXO.”

TOP 100 2025 Rank

Company, City, State

Total U.S. Store Count

CompanyOperated Stores

Franchise/ Licensee Stores

Primary Store Names

18

Yesway Fort Worth, Texas

438

438

0

Yesway, Allsup’s

19

Stewart’s Shops Corp.

Ballston Spa, N.Y.

406

406

0

Stewart’s Shop, Jolley Stores

20

CrossAmerica Partners LP Allentown, Pa.

383

366

17

Choice, Hy-Miler, Joe’s Kwik Mart, Mobil, One Stop WV, Rocky Top Market, Speedway, Stop In, Uni-Mart, Zoomerz

21

Majors Management Inc. Lawrenceville, Ga.

354

308

46

MAPCO, MAPCO Mart, MAPCO Express, Hop In, Marathon, C Store, Kangaroo Express, Summit, Maritime Farms, Delta Express, Chevron, Star Stop Food Mart, Time Out Market, Circle K

22

Global Partners LP/Alliance Energy Corp.

Waltham, Mass.

330

294

36

Alltown, Xtra Mart, Jiffy Mart, Wheels, Miller Mart, T Bird Mini Mart, Mr. Mikes, Convenience Plus, Mobil Mart, Fast Freddie’s

23

Anabi Oil Co. Upland, Calif.

322

232

90

Rebel, Speedway Express, USA Gas, Fast Track, Shell, Aisle 1

24

Jacksons Food Stores Inc. Meridian, Idaho

315

222

93

Jacksons Food Store, ExtraMile

25

Two Farms Inc. Baltimore

306

306

0

Royal Farms

26

Nouria Energy Worcester, Mass.

292

291

1

Nouria, Enmarket, Shell

27

FEMSA Odessa, Texas

253

252

1

DK, Alon, OXXO

28

United Refining Co. of Pennsylvania Warren, Pa.

251

251

0

Kwik Fill, Country Fair, Kwik Fill & Smokers Outlet

29

Croton Holding Co. Pittsburgh

236

236

0

Par Mar Stores

30

Refuel Co. North Charleston, S.C.

235

235

0

Refuel, Double Quick

31

H&S Energy Products LLC Orange, Calif.

234

153

81

Power Market, ExtraMile, Pinnacle 365, Chevron, Texaco, Mobil

32

Giant Eagle Inc. Pittsburgh

229

229

0

GetGo

33

Shell Oil Houston

212

212

0

Timewise/Shell

34

G&M Oil Co. Inc. Huntington Beach, Calif.

199

41

158

ExtraMile, G&M Food Mart, Chevron

35

True North Energy LLC Brecksville, Ohio

192

192

0

True North

36

Meijer Grand Rapids, Mich.

190

190

0

Meijer Gas Station

37

Hy-Vee Food Stores Inc. West Des Moines, Iowa

188

188

0

Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh Express

54 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

FEATURE

TOP 100 A Chain Reaction

When asked if a mega-merger would have the power to trigger other deals for consolidation across the convenience channel, industry experts said signs point to “yes.”

The tipping-off point, they agree, is that in the event of a mega-merger, the acquiring companies would have to divest a number

of stores as part of antitrust governance mandates, giving regional players the opportunity to pick up the leftover sites and scale their operations.

For example, while no definitive merger agreement had been signed or recommended as of press time, Seven & i and ACT earlier this spring assessed the viability of a divestment process in the event of a merger. This included

TOP 100 2025 Rank

Company, City, State

Total U.S. Store Count

CompanyOperated Stores

Franchise/ Licensee Stores

Primary Store Names

37

Terrible Herbst Inc. Las Vegas

188

188

0

Terrible’s

39

Bolla Management Corp.

Garden City, N.Y.

181

181

0

Bolla Market

40

Tri Star Energy LLC Nashville, Tenn.

179

179

0

Twice Daily, Sudden Service, Little General, Southern Traders, Maverick Quick Shop

41

Blarney Castle Oil Co. Bear Lake, Mich.

176

176

0

EZ Mart

42

United Dairy Farmers Cincinnati

172

172

0

United Dairy Farmers

43

BTCM Houston

151

150

1

BrakeTime, Corner Market, Valero

44

Martin & Bayley Inc. Carmi, Ill.

132

132

0

Huck’s

45

Petroleum Marketing Group Falls Church, Va.

127

96

31

Henny Penny, Phoenix Mart, Short Stop, Shell, bp, Exxon

46

Vintners Distributors/AU Energy Fremont, Calif.

124

52

72

Loop, Poppy, Shell, Chevron

47

Go Mart Inc. Gassaway, W. Va.

121

121

0

Go Mart

48

Englefield Oil Co. Heath, Ohio

116

116

0

Duchess Shoppe

49

Gas Express LLC Houston

115

1

114

Circle K, Kangaroo Express

50

The Kent Cos. Midland, Texas

113

113

0

Kent Kwik, Tom Thumb Food Store

51

Little General Stores Inc. Beckley, W. Va.

112

112

0

Little General

51

Panjwani Energy LLC Houston

112

112

0

Star Stop

51

Parkland USA Minot, N.D.

112

80

32

On The Run, Superpumper Store, KJ’s Super Stores, Casey’s Corner, Red Carpet, Hart’s, KB Express, Conomart Super Store, Mr. Gas, Silver Eagle, Circle K

54

Sampson Bladen Oil Co. Inc. Clinton, N.C.

110

110

0

Han-Dee Hugo’s

55

Town Pump Inc. Butte, Mon.

109

108

1

Town Pump, Flying J

56

Mirabito Energy Products Binghamton, N.Y.

108

108

0

Mirabito

56

Stinker Station Inc. Boise, Idaho

108

108

0

Stinker Stores

58

Plaid Pantries Inc. Beaverton, Ore.

107

107

0

Plaid Pantry

59

M.M. Fowler Inc. Durham, N.C.

105

105

0

Family Fare

56 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

4 servings Qer container Serving size 1/4 pizza {134g)

% Daily Value' The% Daily Value(OV)tells 14% youhow mucha 7% nutrient ina Dietary iber 2g --�-�---- servmgoffood Total Sugars 2g c ontr ibutestoa 8% Includes lg Added Sugars 2% daily d iet. 2,000 caloriesa day is .

Protein 14g used for general nutrijionad vic e.

Total Fat 16g

21% Total Carbohydrate 38g

Saturated Fat 8g Trans FatOg Cholesterol 25mg

40%

FEATURE

TOP 100

defining operational, management and financial characteristics of the group of stores to be sold and identifying potential buyers.

Seven & i estimated that more than 2,000 stores could be divested in the event of a merger, while Couche-Tard has not provided a divestiture target. Combined, the companies have approximately 20,000 convenience stores in the United States.

With a number of stores up for grabs in this situation or another, regional chains have the opportunity to get bigger and better, said Mark Radosevich, president of Petro Active Services, which works on mergers and acquisitions with petroleum wholesalers.

“Well-healed regional players will be the logical candidates to acquire these castoffs as they are reliable buyers that can close in a timely manner and help to make the larger transaction more seamless,” he explained.

TOP 100 2025 Rank

Company, City, State

Total U.S. Store Count

CompanyOperated Stores

Franchise/ Licensee Stores

Primary Store Names

60

Victory Marketing LLC Ridgeland, Miss.

104

104

0

Sprint Mart

61

The Parker Cos. Savannah, Ga.

98

98

0

Parker’s Kitchen

61

Toot’n Totum Food Store Inc. Amarillo, Texas

98

98

0

Toot’n Totum

63

Carroll Independent Fuel LLC Baltimore

97

97

0

High’s Dairy Store, Carroll Mart

64

The Spinx Co. Inc. Greenville, S.C.

95

95

0

Spinx

65

Fuel Maxx Inc. Spring, Texas

94

94

0

Fuel Maxx

66

Newcomb Oil Co. Bardstown, Ky.

92

92

0

Five Star Food Mart

67

CHR Corp.

York, Pa.

88

88

0

Rutter’s

68

Petrogas Group SC LLC Lexington, S.C.

87

87

0

Applegreen, Pitt Stop

69

Reid Stores Inc. Lockport, N.Y.

86

86

0

Crosby’s

69

S&S Petroleum Inc. Mukilteo, Wash.

86

22

64

Speedway Express, Mobil, Royal Mart, ampm, 76, Sierra Minit Mart, USA Gas, Shell, Chevron

69

Weigel’s Stores Inc. Powell, Tenn.

86

86

0

Weigel’s

72

FKG Oil Co. Belleville, Ill.

85

85

0

Moto Mart

72

Sunoco Inc. Philadelphia

85

81

4

Aloha Island Mart, Sunoco, APlus, Shell, Menehune Food Mart

74

Kenk Inc. Northridge, Calif.

83

0

83

USA Gas, Shell, Arco, Speedway Express, Chevron, Mobil, Flyers, USA Mini Mart

75

Family Express Corp.

Valparaiso, Ind.

81

81

0

Family Express

75

Good 2 Go Stores LLC Idaho Falls, Idaho

81

81

0

Good 2 Go

77

Campbell Oil Co. Massillon, Ohio

80

80

0

BellStores

77

MFA Petroleum Columbia, Mo.

80

80

0

Break Time, MFA Oil, Petro-Card 24

77

Midjit Market Inc. Las Vegas

80

80

0

Green Valley Grocery Store

77

Southwest Georgia Oil Co. Bainbridge, Ga.

80

80

0

SunStop

58 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

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FEATURE

TOP 100 Industry consolidation will persist as consolidators, larger regional chains and private equity groups continue acquiring smaller portfolios to drive growth, Jeff Traub, a partner at advisory firm Downstream Energy Partners, told CSNews.

“With fewer largescale deals involving chains of 100 or more locations, acquirers will remain active by shifting their focus to smaller, bolt-on acquisitions to expand market share and site counts.”

convenience industry store count (more than 60%) falls into the “A-sized” operator category, defined as having one to 10 stores. By comparison, "E-sized" operators, defined as having more than 500 stores, account for less than a quarter of the total.

Consolidation across the industry is as strong as it is because of supply and demand, according to Monroe. While ballooning inflation and interest rates have created difficult economic conditions for smaller players, the larger companies have pricing power and economies of scale that make it easier to weather turbulent times, and they have the capital to execute a growth strategy.

The pressure is on for the channel’s small operators as the majority of the U.S.

TOP 100 2025 Rank

Company, City, State

Total U.S. Store Count

CompanyOperated Stores

Franchise/ Licensee Stores

Primary Store Names

81

Byrne Dairy Inc. LaFayette, N.Y.

78

78

0

Byrne Dairy

81

Krist Oil Co. Iron River, Mich.

78

78

0

Krist Food Mart

83

First Coast Energy LLP Jacksonville, Fla.

77

55

22

Daily’s, Shell, Southeast Energy, Mountain Energy, Sunoco

83

Holiday Oil Co. West Valley City, Utah

77

77

0

Holiday

85

BFS Foods Inc. Morgantown, W. Va.

76

76

0

BFS Foods

85

C.N. Brown Co. South Paris, Maine

76

76

0

Big Apple

85

J&H Oil Inc. Wyoming, Mich.

76

69

7

J&H Family Store, Marathon

85

Johnson Oil Co. Rock Falls, Ill.

76

76

0

Express Lane

89

CPD Energy Corp.

New Paltz, N.Y.

75

68

7

Chestnut Market, Shell

90

Atlantis Management Group Mount Vernon, N.Y.

73

60

13

Atlantis Fresh Market, Food Bag, Citgo, Shell, bp, Mobil

90

Quick Track Inc. Bedford, Texas

73

73

0

Quick Track

92

OnCue Marketing LLC Stillwater, Okla.

72

72

0

OnCue Express

93

E&C Mid Atlantic Ventures Chantilly, Va.

71

30

41

Corner Mart, Crown Express Mart, Exxon, Mobil, Shell, Sunoco, The Wine Rack, Washington Express, APlus, Citgo, Gulf

93

Gate Petroleum Co. Jacksonville, Fla.

71

71

0

Gate

93

Sam’s Food Store Rocky Hill, Conn.

71

71

0

Sam’s Food Store, Chucky’s Food Store

96

Colbea Enterprises Cranston, R.I.

70

52

18

Seasons Corner Market, Shell

97

Jordan’s Kwik Stop Inc. Harrisburg, Ark.

69

69

0

Jordan’s Kwik Stop

98

7-Eleven Hawaii Inc. Honolulu

67

67

0

7-Eleven Hawaii

98

Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Inc. Ashland, Ky.

67

67

0

Clark’s Pump-N-Shop

100

Walters-Dimmick Petroleum Inc. Marshall, Mich.

66

63

3

Johnny’s Markets, Shell

60 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Life is a Ball INTRODUCING The LINDOR 3-PACK Discover A New Way To Indulge

FEATURE

TOP 100

"Larger operators want to expand their footprint and they know the best way to grow their business in numbers and return on their investment is through acquisitions.”

— Terry Monroe, American Business Brokers & Advisors

“Larger operators want to expand their footprint and they know the best way to grow their business in numbers and return on their investment is through acquisitions. But there aren’t enough good stores for sale, which in turn has kept the value of stores in demand and at a premium price,” he added.

For local c-store operators, a mega-merger could mean fewer opportunities for partnerships or favorable vendor agreements, making it harder to compete. It could also create barriers to entry for new c-store players. With a new entity controlling a significant portion of the market, Rasmussen highlighted several complexities that newcomers would face: • Difficulty in securing locations: The merged company might dominate prime real estate locations, leaving fewer spaces for new brands.

• Increased capital requirements: Competing with a giant would require considerable capital investment in infrastructure, technology and marketing to gain brand recognition.

• Supplier dominance: The merged company could negotiate better terms with suppliers, making it harder for new entrants to secure competitive pricing on products.

THE TOP 20 BANNERS Total Store Count

Company-Operated Stores

Franchise/Licensee Stores 7,241

1

7-Eleven

8,660

1,419

2

Circle K

6,025

5,422

603

3

Shell

4,417

1

4,416

4

Speedway

2,988

2,943

45

5

bp

2,678

1

2,677

6

Casey’s

2,642

2,642

0

7

Chevron

2,564

0

2,564

8

Marathon

1,873

0

1,873

9

Mobil

1,815

0

1,815

10

Sunoco

1,742

19

1,723

11

Exxon

1,464

0

1,464

12

CITGO

1,250

0

1,250

13

QuikTrip

1,142

1,142

0

14

Wawa

1,117

1,117

0

15

ExtraMile

1,095

0

1,095

16

Sheetz

777

777

0

17

Valero

776

0

776

18

Kwik Trip

704

704

0

19

Maverik

614

614

0

20

Murphy USA

609

609

0

62 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

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2025

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2026

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FEATURE

“Despite these challenges, innovation and niche markets could still provide some opportunities for new players, though they would need to focus on differentiation or local expertise,” Rasmussen said, pointing to two such examples in the grocery channel.

“When America’s grocery market was dominated by chains all selling the same packaged goods, out came Trader Joe’s (TJ) and then Aldi, completely disrupting the market with TJ’s differentiating products and Aldi’s extreme value,” he noted.

“Fast forward nearly 60 years since the first Trader Joe’s opened and both chains are still winning.”

Impact on the Consumer

Consumer reaction to a mega-merger often hinges on brand loyalty and perceived benefits. If the merger benefits customers with better prices or improved services, for example, it could be received positively. But brand loyalists may be wary of change, according to Rasmussen.

He pointed to recent high-profile merger attempts, such as JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, where Spirit’s low customer satisfaction made a takeover seem like an upgrade. Grocery shoppers, on the other hand, had mixed reactions to the Kroger-Albertsons merger, balancing the fear of higher prices with the promise of stronger competition against giants like Walmart and Amazon.

For digitally connected shoppers, a megamerger represents not just consolidation, but also simplification and consistency.

Think shared loyalty programs, familiar user interfaces and targeted marketing that feels relevant in the next town or another state, said Monroe.

“As someone who travels a lot, I have gotten accustomed to using apps. I use the McDonald’s app when I’m ordering. I use my Marriott or Hilton app when booking a room, and the list goes on. The same would apply to customers who want consistency,” he explained. “Think of marketing. All of a sudden, the company is marketing directly to me and I can share that messaging with someone in my family, whether they’re living in another town or another state.”

For Radosevich, it comes down to the simple rule that consumers want fuel at a great price and a c-store that fits their

64 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

daily needs. He pointed to the evolution of convenience and fuel retailing: • From the service bays of the 1980s, with fuel being the primary driver of visits, this led to oil companies divesting their c-store operations.

• In the early 2000s, fuel took a backseat to the ever-growing importance and dominance of the store experience and foodservice.

• Fast forward to recent years and the reemergence of oil companies, which are reentering the c-store market to maintain their fuel brand relevance.

“Whoever can deliver the best, most reliable experience in this regard will prosper. We in the industry get wowed by all of this, but the average persons on the street are generally ambivalent,” Radosevich said. CSN

“With fewer largescale deals involving chains of 100 or more locations, acquirers will remain active by shifting their focus to smaller, bolt-on acquisitions to expand market share and site counts.”

— Jeff Traub, Downstream Energy Partners

TOP 100

152,192* Total Number of Industry Stores

45,154

29.66%

29,022

19.06%

21,119

13.87%

Number of Stores Operated by the Top 100 Chains

Percentage of Stores Operated by the Top 10 Chains

Percentage of Stores Operated by the Top 100 Chains

Number of Stores Operated by the Top 10 Chains

Number of Stores Operated by the Top 3 Chains

Percentage of Stores Operated by the Top 3 Chains

*As of March 2025 Source: Nielsen TDLinx

Moving Up the Ranks 2025 Rank

2024 Rank

Change

BTCM

43

67

+24

The Parker Cos.

61

83

+22

Nouria Energy

26

45

+19

Vintners Distributors/AU Energy

46

64

+18

The Kent Cos.

50

65

+15

Fuel Maxx Inc.

65

77

+12

Panjwani Energy LLC

51

63

+12

S&S Petroleum Inc.

69

79

+10

Weigel’s Stores Inc.

69

79

+10

M AY

2025

Convenience Store News

65

TECHNOLOGY

Cashing In on Retail Media Networks Convenience retailers can create their own or join an aggregated network to generate revenue

By Tammy Mastroberte CONVENIENCE RETAILERS are always looking

to boost sales and create new high-margin streams of revenue, whether it’s drawing people in-store from the pump, upselling at the register or through a mobile app, or launching a car wash or foodservice program. Retail media networks (RMNs) — either running one or participating in one — can offer revenue opportunities as well.

“For convenience store operators, a retail media network opens a valuable new revenue stream that doesn’t rely on traditional retail margins,” said Laura Wiener, global head of Boston Consulting Group’s marketing, sales and pricing practice, and global lead of its retail media and data monetization business.

“It allows companies to better use their digital platforms, loyalty programs and in-store screens to reach customers with timely, relevant messaging.”

A retail media network also gives consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands the ability to advertise “in the exact moments when customers are making quick purchase decisions like on their way to work or during a fuel stop, making every interaction more targeted and measurable,” Wiener added.

Partnering with Google for a research study on RMNs, Boston Consulting Group found that they are growing rapidly — approximately 25% year over year — and expected to become a $100 billion market in the next few years, which is more than a quarter of all digital media spend.

“What’s driving that growth is the unique value RMNs offer: first-party data from retailers, which allows for more precise targeting, and the ability to tie ads directly to in-store or online sales,” Wiener explained. “It’s a rare case where both retailers and advertisers are seeing real, measurable upside.”

While some c-store retailers, such as 7-Eleven Inc., Wawa Inc. and Casey’s General Stores Inc., have opted to launch and operate their own RMN, other retailers either don’t have the scale, staff or infrastructure to do so. These operators instead can participate in an aggregated network, such as Axonet, GSTV or TriggerPoint Media.

66 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

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TECHNOLOGY

With roughly 160 million people shopping the channel each day, convenience stores are an ideal space for CPG suppliers to access customers and advertise their products, according to Kevin Struthers, cofounder and chief product officer of Axonet, a division of Chicago-based W. Capra Consulting Group.

“It’s a very impulse buying retail outlet because when someone enters the store, they are demonstrating intent to buy something.

People don’t browse a c-store. They go in to buy something like a soda and are then open to impulse buying,” he said.

Not only do brands that purchase advertising space on a retail media network get the opportunity to advertise to that audience, but they also get access to the data that comes from it — and in many cases, can tie the ad to purchases and measure the influence.

“There needs to be a measurement side to an RMN and infrastructure that offers proof of play,” Struthers advised. “If Pepsi ran an ad, we can see what sales resulted from it and be able to attribute the performance to the ad running. What time did the ad run? When did it stop? Then, we can see the attribution window and if sales occurred during that.”

The biggest benefits of either owning or joining a retail media network are monetizing first-party data, offering targeted advertising and the ability to measure customer engagement and insights, echoed Nick Paich, vice president of business development and industry relations at Austin, Texas-based TriggerPoint Media, which creates, installs and manages digital signage.

“For convenience store operators, a retail media network opens a valuable new revenue stream that doesn’t rely on traditional retail margins.”

— Laura Wiener, Boston Consulting Group 68 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

“Retailers are able to monetize their first-party data and the opportunity to reach customers during multiple phases of their path of purchase. Advertisers are willing to pay for this ability to develop targeted campaigns that meet not only their needs, but also those of their retail partners,” he said.

The Owned & Operated Route

Some of the largest chains in the c-store industry have opted to run their own retail media network, utilizing the screens, signage and audio inside and outside their stores. Other retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Dollar General, CVS, Target, Kroger and Home Depot are doing the same.

“Retailers like Amazon and Walmart set the standard early on, but we are also seeing strong innovation from players like Target, Kroger and CVS,” said Wiener. “These companies have built out full-scale media offerings with strong data, media inventory and reporting tools.”

Owning and operating a retail media network takes scale, staff and technology. Digital screens in-store or at the pump, in-store audio, loyalty programs and mobile apps are key, along with the infrastructure to deliver the ads like a content management system. In some cases, larger chains are even offering off-site media, letting brands reach their audience beyond their own platforms.

“What they all have in common is a clear strategy, strong tech and a focus on long-term brand partnerships, not just ad sales,” Wiener pointed out.

If a c-store chain is considering an RMN, the first thing to know is what the objective is — drive more sales, bring in ad revenue, or somewhere in between, according to Dan Trotzer, executive vice president of industry at GSTV, a forecourt video network based in Detroit. The second

piece of the puzzle is to investigate what assets and technology are already in place.

“What do they have and what do they need, and then do the gaps warrant the investment or does a partnership make more sense?” Trotzer explained. “With fuel and convenience, a lot of retailers may have the media structure already at their stores, so they should do a deep dive in terms of what screens they already have and what technology is already installed.”

The biggest challenge for a convenience retailer operating its own RMN is managing the data and having the ability to scale. CPG ad agencies are looking for both, but data is a priority, said Ed Collupy, owner of Boston-based Collupy System Solutions, which offers consulting services to the industry.

“All things data is a priority,” he said, noting that CPG ad agencies and brands themselves are looking for data to fully evaluate the effectiveness of the ads they are running and gauge how an ad “translates into product in cart being checked out.” They want data that goes across all regions of the country and includes all demographics and all types of retailers, big and small.

Joining an Aggregated Network

For retailers that don’t have the scale, staff or technology to run their own retail media network, there are options available that can enable them to offer ads and impact sales.

Companies such as Axonet, GSTV and TriggerPoint Media

give retailers the ability to participate in an RMN without having to take it on themselves. While GSTV is on screens at the forecourt with 115 million unique viewers per month, TriggerPoint Media and Axonet offer multiple touchpoints.

“An aggregated retail network is where we build the back end and then add multiple retailers to that to get the necessary scale and numbers of consented customers for a national footprint,” said Axonet’s Struthers. “If you have consented customers and a loyalty program, you could get started with that and the coupon program. Then, you take your return and invest [it] into building more digital screens and other touchpoints.”

Westborough, Mass.-based EG America, which owns and operates 1,500-plus convenience stores across 30 states, is an Axonet client. The retailer runs campaigns against its loyalty profiles and in-store media campaigns for both digital signage and in-store audio, Struthers noted.

GSTV works primarily in the fuel and convenience market, although the company recently announced partnerships with electric vehicle companies. The goal is to provide promotional messages to get people into the store and buy higher-margin products, said Trotzer.

“From an offer standpoint, we have daypart specific promotions to make messaging unique to the stores and it can be coordinated with national brands, as well as the c-store brand,” he added.

Once a retailer defines their objectives for a retail media network and surveys their inventory to see what technology and resources they already have available, it is easier to decide between going it alone or jumping into an established program, said Paich of TriggerPoint Media.

“There are a lot of moving parts. If a retailer doesn’t have resources to manage it from top to bottom, they need to work with companies that can help them in order to ensure that the experience is positive for their advertiser partners and their customers,” he said. CSN

M AY

2025

Convenience Store News

69

THEON BUSINESS AN EYE D&I CASE FOR D&I

Opening Doors

forward to today, the way that we approach team Imperial Trading runs has an internship program for historically black colleges and universities members and hear from them to change given that we’re at 642 locations and growing.

So, as we

By Linda Lisanti think about that, one of the things that we devised is culture tours and it’s a different way that I can go out IMPERIAL TRADING is a family-owned and visit with team members across the organization. convenience store distributor that It’s purely a means of having a little bit of a structured supplies more than 5,000 retail locations setting wherein theyfrom let me “Hey, here are across 21 states theknow, U.S./Canadian some border suggestions.”

And really it’s a path forward so to the Gulf of Mexico. As part that everybody can think about ways of its commitment to diversity and to improve the business.

Thesethe are the folksLa.-based that are close to the inclusion, Elmwood, customer, so naturally I think they’re the ones that company developed an internship wouldprogram have ideas on how to make things better for the in partnership with historically customer also how to make the organization better.

Love’s aims to cultivate a culture of respect and taking care of each other. blackbut colleges and universities (HBCUs).

CSN: Can you more, highlight some ofStore Love’s most valuable To learn Convenience News

We also announced this spring the Love Family recently caught up with Imperial Trading’s I&D initiatives to date?

Women’s Center at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City.

Chief Marketing Cantrell The 200,000-square-foot facility is able to better LOVE MEYER: In terms Officer of I&D Emile initiatives, we became more and Marketing Manager Stacey Matthews. serve more women and the multifaceted care they purposeful in hearing from groups within Love’s. We need. There’s two other things: one is our years-long talked about the culture tours, but this is really standing CSN: Howresource did Imperial Trading’s HBCUto hear from partnership with Urban League of Oklahoma City, and up employee groups as a way Internship get its start?underrepresented. then for our 60th anniversary [this year], we’re doing groups that areProgram traditionally called CANTRELL: Imperial began program a special donation to DonorsChoose. We’re able to So, we have a women’s ERG, athis Black ERG and a in 2023, just fromusing a perspective that as a way to donate $60,000 to DonorsChoose and that’ll fund 188 veteran’s ERG. We’re these groups ourthe industry overall school projects at Oklahoma City-area schools. I am so elevate respect part isofchallenged what we’re doing within with recruiting top young talent. happy and thrilled to be able to do that.

Love’s. We’re excited about those, but know that’s one Drilling down, the industry is even part of our I&D journey. more challenged with recruiting CSN: In your experience, what has the return on and attracting top minority talent, investment (ROI) been from yourStacey inclusion and CSN: Your I&D efforts extend outside of the company especially in the wholesale industry Matthews Emile Cantrell diversity efforts? and into the community.

Can you talk about some of where many of the wholesalers across thosethe programs?

LOVE MEYER: Yeah, it’s interesting. People talk about U.S. are family-owned businesses.

ROI opportunity a lot, rightlyfor so.usAnd I think what aseek lot of companies LOVE MEYER: One that we announced earlier this spring is So, we thought it was important to get That was a huge to go seek talent, minority are realizing is thatinto it’sthe hard to tie ROI industry. directly We’ve to I&D. a partnership Sooners Women’stalent Softball minoritieswith intoOklahoma the convenience sector, and hopefully bring them convenience A lot of times people talk about metrics and numbers.

(OU).and I’d say that OU softball is one of the winningest we have three HBCUs within 15 partnered with Southern University at New Orleans, Xavier University of for University. us, we really think that it goes back to how programs in softball … One of the thingsLouisiana we got andAnd minutes of wherehistory. we’re headquartered.

Dillard we cultivate that culture statement of respecting to know of the team is their way of operating both on and taking carework? of each other.

Ultimately, and off the field, and the values alignment with CSN: Love’s, How does the program What does it entail? we’re more We visit both University Southern University focused on Xavier the outcome as and opposed to the metricson that pardon the pun, was strikingly similar. That wasMATTHEWS: one of days.

There’s youth motivational get usThere’s there industry and that’s helped us abe successful for 60 the prime drivers of our decision to give the $12several millionoccasions. task force program Xavier they bring in alumni, wellbe asable years. at I fully amwhere optimistic and know thatas we’ll gift toward Love’s Field, one of the largest philanthropic friends and you go to be thesuccessful classes. It doesn’t to get there andand bespeak able to on our have own to gifts that’s been given to women’s sports. But also, theof Xavier, be in your area; just last week, we a biology journey, the same asspoke we’vetodone with class. otherYou’re parts just of way that we’ve been able to elevate women’s athletics speaking on your journey, the challenges you had getting to where you the business. through this donation.

CSN are and how you can overcome. We also give advice to the students on what they can do now as a student to prepare for the real world.

THE 2024 CONVENIENCE STORE NEWS BUSINESS CASE FOR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PROGRAM IS UNDERWRITTEN BY:

The students know us very well [and] reach out to us throughout the year. Even if they’re not a part of the program, we mentor a handful of students on the regular. So, it’s been really impactful for not only the students, but it’s been a great experience for Emile and myself because we have a pulse on the universities and the talent that’s at the universities. It’s a relationship that’s built over time, in addition to the relationships with the professors.

We keep these relationships going and once a student finds interest in one of our departments that we’re conducting the internship in, we’ll contact that department head, connect that student with accounting or The Business forand Diversity & Inclusionand program is part The Inclusion HR or Case sales marketing, we see ifofit’s a Convenience good fit and if it works Initiative, a Convenience Storeof News that The champions a modern-day convenience store with the schedule theplatform student. duration of the internship can be industry where current and emerging leaders foster an inclusive work culture that celebrates differences, allows team members to bring their whole selves to work, and enables companies to benefit from diversity of thought and background.

70 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

It’s purely a means of having a little bit of a structured wherein they let me know, “Hey, here are ANsetting EYE ON D&I

THEON BUSINESS AN EYE D&I CASE FOR D&I

some suggestions.” And really it’s a path forward so that everybody can think about ways to improve the business. These are the folks that are close to the customer, so naturally I think they’re the ones that would have ideas on how to make things better for the forward to today, the way that we approach team customer but also how to make the organization better. members and hear from them has to change given

Love’s aims to cultivate a culture of

that we’re at 642 locations and growing. So, as we think about that, onehighlight of the thingssome that we devised is most valuable CSN: Can you Love’s We also announced this spring forward to today, theculture way that approach teamway that of tourswe and it’s a different I can go out I&D initiatives to date?

Women’s Center at Mercy Hos members and hear from them has to change given and visit with team members across the organization.

The 200,000-square-foot faci MEYER: In terms of I&D initiatives, that we’re at 642 locations and growing.

So, asawe It’s LOVE purely a means of having little bit of a structuredwe became more a semester, it could be a full year. It all they let me know, “Hey, here are within Love’s. We think about that, one setting of purposeful the wherein things that devised is groups serve more women and the m in we hearing from depends on the needs of the student, suggestions.”

AndI really it’sout a path forward so culture tours and it’s some a different way that can go need.

There’s talked about the culture tours, but this is really standing and we just rotate out that way. two other thing that everybody can think about ways to improve the and visit with team members across the organization. partnership with Urban Leagu up employee resource asthe a way to hear from business.

These are the folks that groups are close to It’s purely a means of having a little bit of a structured CANTRELL: We are happy say 60th that anniversary customer, so that naturally I think they’re the ones thatunderrepresented. then fortoour are traditionally called setting wherein they would let groups mehave know, “Hey, here ideas on how toare make things better for the our interns that astarted with us, each to DonorsC special donation So, we have a women’s ERG, a Black ERG and a some suggestions.” And reallybut it’salso a path so organization better. customer how forward to make the Love’s one aims to a culture of respect and taking care of each other. ofcultivate them started for a semester

$60,000 veteran’s ERG. We’re using these groups as a way to that everybody can think about ways to improve the depending upondonate where they were at to DonorsCh CSN: Can you some of Love’s valuable We within also announced this spring the Love Family business. These are the folks thathighlight are respect close to the school projects at Oklahoma C elevate the part ofmost what we’re doing in their educational journey, but each I&D initiatives to date?

Women’s at have Mercyextended Hospital Oklahoma City. customer, so naturally I Love’s. think they’re theexcited ones that one Center ofone them beyond happy and thrilled to be able We’re about those, but know that’s The 200,000-square-foot facility is able to better MEYER: In terms of better I&D initiatives, we became more would have ideas on LOVE how to make things for the a semester. We train them to have part of our I&D journey. serve more women and the multifaceted care they purposeful in hearing from groups within Love’s. We customer but also how to make the organization better.

Love’s aims to cultivate a culture of respect and taking with care of each other. to two enter the things: workforce need. skills There’s other is our years-long what talked about the culture tours, but this is really standing CSN: In one your experience, hopefully over their partnership with some Urbanadvantages League of Oklahoma City, and up employee resource groups as a way to hear from investment (ROI) been from y CSN: Your I&D efforts extend outside of the company CSN: Can you highlight somethat of Love’s most valuable We also announced this spring thewhether Love[this Family competitors.

So, they stay then for our 60th anniversary year], we’re doing groups are traditionally called underrepresented. diversity efforts? and into the community.

Can you talk about some of at Imperial orOklahoma whether they move I&D initiatives to date?

Women’s Center athere Mercy Hospital City. a special donation to DonorsChoose.

We’re able to So, we have a women’s ERG, a Black ERG and a on$60,000 to another company, webetter tryYeah, to give donate to DonorsChoose and that’ll fund veteran’s ERG. We’re using these more groups as The a way200,000-square-foot to facility is able to LOVE MEYER: In terms of I&D initiatives, we became those programs?

LOVE MEYER: it’s 188 interesti school projects Oklahoma schools. so I thin the respect partLove’s. of whatwe we’re doingserve withinmore foundational training to getso.I am women and the theat multifaceted carerightly they purposeful in hearingelevate from groups within We ROI aCity-area lot, And LOVE MEYER: One that announced earlier thisthem spring is happy and thrilled toone be able to do that.

Love’s.

We’re excited about those, but knowneed. that’s There’s one them exposed to the business world. two other things: is our years-long talked about the culture tours, but this is really standing are realizing is that it’s hard to partnership with Oklahoma Sooners Women’s Softball partaof our I&D journey.

Urban League of Oklahoma City, and up employee resource groups as a way to hear from CSN: InCSN: yourWhat experience, hastimes the return on Awhat lot of people talk abo (OU). I’d say that OU softball ispartnership one of thewith winningest are the business benefits then for our 60th anniversary [this year], we’re doing groups that are traditionally underrepresented. investment (ROI) been from your inclusion and CSN: Yourcalled I&D efforts extend outside of the company And for us, we really think tha programs in softball history. …

One of the things we got for Imperial TradingWe’re from this special to efforts?

DonorsChoose. able to So, we have a women’s a Black ERG and diversity andERG, into the community.

Can a you talk about asome of donation program? we cultivate that culture state to know of the team is their way of operating both on donate $60,000 DonorsChoose and that’ll fund 188 veteran’s ERG. We’rethose usingprograms? these groups as a way to LOVEto MEYER: Yeah, it’s interesting.

People talk about CANTRELL: first, giving back ROI lot, rightly Well, so.

And I think what a Ilot ofof companies LOVE MEYER: that we announced this spring is and taking care each other and offOne the field, and the earlier values alignment with Love’s, school projects ata Oklahoma City-area schools. am so elevate the respect part of what we’re doing within to the community, right.

This our are realizing thatto it’sdo hard to tie ROIisthe directly to I&D. as op partnership with Oklahoma Sooners Softball happy and thrilled to be is able that.

Love’s. We’re excitedaabout those, but know that’s oneWomen’s focused on outcome pardon the pun, was strikingly similar.

That was one of effort topeople give back to themetrics community.

A lot of times talk about and numbers.

(OU). I’d say that OU softball is one of the winningest part of our I&D journey. get us itthere andtothat’s the prime drivers of…our $12 million These arereally localthink universities thatback And for us, we that goes how helped programs in softball history.

One decision of the thingsto wegive got the CSN: In your experience, what has the return on we cultivate that culture statement of respecting to know of the team is their Field, way of operating bothlargest on years.

I fully am optimistic and gift toward Love’s one of the philanthropic produce excellent talent. And just as investment (ROI) been fromcorporate your inclusion and CSN: Your I&D efforts and extend outside of the company and taking care of each other.

Ultimately, we’re more off the field, and the values alignment with Love’s, a regular business world, to get there and be able to be gifts that’s been given to women’s sports. But also, the diversity and into the community.

Canthe you talk about some of That was focused on the meeting outcome with as opposed toof the that pardon pun, was strikingly similar. one of efforts? if you’re a group 10metrics Trading partners withthat three HBCUs that are located within 15 minuteswomen’s of journey, the same as do we’ve been able to the elevate athletics thoseImperial programs?

LOVE MEYER: Yeah, it’s interesting.

People talk about get us there and that’s helped us be successful for we’ve 60 theway prime drivers of our decision to give $12 million managers and everyone sings from the company’s headquarters. the business. this donation.

CSN years.

I fully am optimistic and know that we’ll be able toward Love’s Field, one the largest ROI a lot, rightly so.

And I think what a lot of companies LOVE MEYER: One that gift wethrough announced earlier thisofspring is philanthropic the same choir, reads the same book, get there and be able to be successful on our own gifts that’sSooners been given to women’s sports. But the arealso, realizing istothat it’s hard tosame tie ROI directly to I&D. a partnership with Oklahoma Women’s Softball believes the things, you’re journey, the same as we’ve done with other parts of way that we’ve been able to elevate women’s athletics A lot of times people talk about metrics and numbers.

(OU). I’d say that OU softball is one of the winningest probably not getting the best out the business. through this donation.

CSNFOR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PROGRAM IS THE 2024 CONVENIENCE STORE NEWS BUSINESS CASE And for us, we really think that it goes So, back how programs in softball history. … One STORE of the things we got THE 2025 CONVENIENCE NEWS BUSINESS CASE FOR of your organization. thetoidea we cultivate that culture respecting to know of the team is their way of PROGRAM operating both on DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IS UNDERWRITTEN BY: behindstatement bringing in of interns is to get THEalignment 2024 CONVENIENCE NEWS BUSINESS CASE FOR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PROGRAM IS UNDERWRITTEN BY: and taking care of expressions each other.and Ultimately, we’re more and off the field, and the values with STORE Love’s, creative ideas from a different perspective, from minority focused on the outcome as opposed to the metrics that pardon the pun, was strikingly similar. That was one of youth, and tous just the different get us there and that’s helped behear successful for 60 the prime drivers of our decision to give the $12 million ideas that maybe would have years. I fully am optimistic and know that not we’ll be able gift toward Love’s Field, one of the largest philanthropic everybodyon in the to get there and become ablealong to beifsuccessful our room own gifts that’s been given to women’s sports. But also, the were on the same page, theparts sameof journey, the same as we’ve done with other way that we’ve been able to elevate women’s athletics the business. CSN background experiences, the same through this donation. life experiences. So again, [it’s] our commitment to the community, and THE 2024 CONVENIENCE STORE NEWS BUSINESS CASE FOR DIVERSITY & INCLUSIONthen PROGRAM IS UNDERWRITTEN BY: the reciprocal commitment from these students and the The Business Case for Diversityback & Inclusion program is part of The Convenience Inclusion universities tochampions give us their interests Initiative, a Convenience Store News platform that a modern-day convenience store The Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion program is part of Th and their industry where current and emerging leaders perspective foster an inclusive on workbusiness. culture that celebrates

Convenience Store News platform that champions a m differences, allows team Initiative, members to a bring their whole selves to work, and enables companies

to benefit from diversity industry of thought and background. where current leaders MATTHEWS: Yeahand andemerging if I can add, it’sfoster an inclusive w

also a allows cost-effective way of differences, team members to supporting bring their whole selves to w

our company, too. Bringing in that top talent, bringing in a fresh perspective, Initiative, a Convenience Store News platform that champions convenience 120 Convenience Store News C S N E W S .acmodern-day om innovation. It’s very cost effective for store industry where current and emerging leaders foster an inclusive work culture that us to employ an intern and in return, celebrates differences, allows team members to bring their whole selves to work, and they get, you know, all the invaluable enables companies to benefit from diversity of thought and background.

The Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion program is part of The Convenience Inclusion experience that they can take on to 120 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m Initiative, a Convenience Store News platform that champions a modern-day store the next spot in their convenience journey. CSN The Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion program is part of The Convenience Inclusion

to benefit from diversity of thought and background.

industry where current and emerging leaders foster an inclusive work culture that celebrates differences, allows team members to bring their whole selves to work, and enables companies to benefit from diversity of thought and background.

72 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

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INSIDE THE CONSUMER MIND

Tightening Their Wallets Today’s c-store shoppers are price conscious and concerned about their financial situation Persistent inflation, the threat of a recession and worries that tariffs are going to push up the price of products has U.S. consumers on edge. According to the 2025 Convenience Store News Realities of the Aisle Study, which surveyed 1,500 consumers who shop a c-store at least once a month, roughly six in 10 shoppers say the most important factor that defines “a positive shopping experience” for them these days is the price of products.

The survey, fielded at the beginning of this year, also revealed:

How Do You Expect Your Household's Financial Situation to Change in 2025?

Compared to a Year Ago, How Often Are You Noticing Price Increases on the Items You Usually Purchase at Convenience Stores?

MUCH/SOMEWHAT TIGHTER

Nearly nine in 10 c-store shoppers say they are noticing either more or the same level of price increases in the convenience channel compared to a year ago.

DON'T EXPECT MUCH CHANGE SIGNIFICANT/SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT

53% 75%

64%

Total

Haven't noticed any

6% 32%

16%

6%

43% Noticing fewer

30% 18%

50%

33%

26%

9%

10%

Gen Z

Millennials

19% Gen X

24%

Noticing same amount

Baby Boomers

Overall, about half of c-store shoppers expect their financial situation to either be unchanged or tighten up further this year. The older consumer groups exhibit a more reserved attitude, while the younger generations have a more optimistic outlook.

Year over year, the mean spend per visit declined from $12 to

24% 13%

11%

17%

$11.60

3% Less than $2

$2 to $4.99

$5 to $9.99

$10 to $14.99

$15 to $19.99

More than $20

*Excluding the cost of fuel 90 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Noticing more

When they encounter a product that is too expensive, shoppers are most likely to purchase a different product type (35%), leave without making a purchase (34%) or purchase anyway because they need it (32%). Compared to last year, shoppers are less likely to leave without buying anything.

How Much Did You Spend on Your Most Recent C-store Visit?*

27%

55%

33%

The mean number of trips per week, though, rose from 1.6 to 2.1 over the same period.