Coffee and other hot dispensed beverages are major drivers for customers to walk into the convenience store, particularly for the morning daypart. The c-stores that capitalize on this category with promotional offers, new flavors and a variety of options are likely to create repeat customers, especially among those who travel the same route frequently. Understanding…
2024 Best Store Design Awards: EZ Stop
CStore Decisions is recognizing EZ Stop with a Best Store Design Award for its new upscale, modern design that drives inspiration from the east Tennessee community. The design debuted at EZ Stop’s new-to-industry store that measures 7,015 square feet and opened on Sept. 26, 2023, in Maryville, Tenn. The convenience store includes the chain’s new…
New Year, New Opportunities
As we enter 2024, c-store retailers and customers alike are keeping an eye on inflation and the economic outlook for the year. As this month’s operations article, “Tackling Inflation in C-Stores,” points out, while inflation has slowed from its high of 9.1% in June 2022 to 3.1% in November 2023, customers seem to be feeling…
Tackling Inflation in C-Stores
Since 2021, inflation has been impacting consumers’ spending and shopping habits, and as we enter 2024, customers seem to be feeling the pinch now more than ever. CivicScience reported its Penta-CivicScience Economic Sentiment Index — that tracks U.S. adults’ expectations of the economy and sentiment on current conditions — had fallen to its lowest point…
Breakfast Rules
Convenience stores understand why customers choose to eat breakfast outside of the home. Fifty-eight percent of consumers who eat breakfast away from home do so because of convenience, according to the “Breakfast Keynote Report” fielded in April 2024 by research firm Datassential. And c-stores know how to deliver on convenient, quick breakfast options. However, 36%…
Legislation Looms for Tobacco
As a longtime staple in the convenience store industry, tobacco has always been a key category on which retailers have focused. In recent years, however, increasing regulations have forced c-stores to repeatedly revamp their backbars to stay in compliance with changing rules, particularly around vape. Now, c-store operators are keeping an eye on the Food…
EV Adoption Still a Long Game
The past year has seen shifting trends in gas demand and fluctuating oil prices, inflation increases, a federal push for electric vehicle (EV) adoption and charger implementation, and growth in biofuel usage. These factors have all contributed to the fuel landscape in 2023 and its trajectory for 2024. Since one of the biggest draws bringing…
Homing in on Loss Prevention
Loss prevention is essential when running a successful and thriving c-store. Having different loss prevention strategies in place helps retailers keep a close eye on their stores while ensuring employees and customers are safe. However, as theft continues to rise in the U.S., c-store retailers must stay vigilant when it comes to upgrading the loss…
The 2024 Social Media Awards
CStore Decisions, for the 12th consecutive year, is recognizing the convenience store chains performing best on social media platforms. This year we looked at performance across Facebook (FB), Instagram (IG), X — formerly Twitter — and TikTok. For the fourth year in a row, CStore Decisions partnered with Rival IQ to determine the winners. Rival…
CStore Decisions’ 2023 40 Under 40 Leaders to Watch
Throughout 2023, the c-store industry has faced countless setbacks and challenges, from ongoing tobacco legislation, the lingering effects of COVID, labor shortages and much more. In 2023, retailers showed exceptional strength through innovation, strong leadership and adaptation to a changing c-store landscape. Many operators turned to foodservice, as the category continues to pick up steam…