What you need to know
While fuel sales generate as much as two thirds of total convenience stores revenue and remain a core traffic driver, c-store operators are increasingly turning their attention to in-store categories as the most direct path to increased sales and profits. Still, convenience stores face considerable challenges in categories like foodservice and packaged foods and beverages, where consumer preferences are changing and the competition is growing more intense.
Definition
For the purposes of this Report, Mintel defines convenience stores as establishments that retail a limited line of goods, primarily groceries and ready-to-consume beverages and snacks, in easily accessible locations. The majority of convenience stores also sell gasoline.
According to the NACS, common characteristics of convenience stores include:
Building size of less than 5,000 square feet
Stock of at least 500 SKUs
Off-street parking and/or convenient pedestrian access
Extended hours of operation with many open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
