#United States #Jacksonville #Acosta Group #convenience store #shopper insights

Convenience Stores: The Quick Stop Solution for Shoppers

In recent years, convenience stores have successfully woven themselves into the fabric of American daily life. According to fresh research conducted by Acosta Group, over 50% of convenience store (c-store) shoppers report buying food and beverages from these locations at least once a week. This creates a stable market, suggesting these establishments play a crucial role in meeting the needs of busy consumers. However, a deeper analysis indicates that convenience stores have an opportunity to bolster their appeal by enhancing their offerings and addressing customer demands.

Capturing the Next Food Occasions

The study, unveiled prior to the esteemed 2026 NACS Show, explores how c-stores fare against grocery chains, mass retailers, fast food outlets, and coffee shops for food-related purchases. With 37% of shoppers turning to c-stores while traveling or on road trips, and 32% seeking a quick snack or the nearest option, it’s clear that convenience remains at the forefront of their minds. Yet, these shoppers are versatile, with 81% also visiting fast-food restaurants and 78% opting for mass retailers.

Kathy Risch, Senior Vice President of Shopper Insights and Thought Leadership at Acosta Group, emphasizes that while c-stores maintain a critical competitive edge through their swift services, merely being convenient is no longer sufficient. Shoppers express an increasing need for value and food quality — two essential factors that could drive them to choose convenience stores over other options. By aligning fast service with high-quality, fresh food and beverage choices, c-stores can appeal to consumers seeking more than just a quick stop.

Competing Channels and Consumer Expectations

The landscape is not just confined to c-stores; fast-food establishments are fierce rivals for quick meals and cravings, while coffee shops dominate beverage selections. The competition extends to grocery stores and mass retailers, known for larger stock and fill-in trips. With 53% of shoppers indicating that enhancing value for money could boost their inclination to purchase food from c-stores, it becomes evident where the potential for growth lies.

Feedback from the Acosta study indicates that wrapping value with quality is paramount, with 47% seeking higher-quality food and 35% desiring more freshly prepared meals. Interesting enough, a basic yet popular combo of a sandwich with a beverage was the top choice among 62% of participants when considering c-store offerings. This signals an existing demand; 84% reported purchasing prepared food from c-stores within the last three months alone.

Expanding Offerings with Fresh Selections

Health and wellness trends offer another door for growth. Almost three-quarters of participants consider healthier food options important while shopping at c-stores. Freshly prepared foods, along with fruits, vegetables, and high-protein alternatives, were highlighted as top interests among consumers. This emphasizes the complexity of c-store shoppers, who are looking for multifaceted products that cater to various dietary needs.

As Jami McDermid, President of CROSSMARK notes, brands must understand which products can successfully penetrate the market. They must ensure that these products are readily available, visible, and position them for thriving sales.

A Look Ahead: Changing Shopping Behavior

Looking forward, convenience stores have the chance to convert momentary interactions into enduring relationships with customers. Hobart Walker, Senior Vice President for the Small Format Division at Acosta, argues that ensuring the right assortment can significantly enhance sales during quick stops, empowering c-stores to evolve into more than just casual pit-stops.

Travis King, President of CORE Away From Home, underscores the significance of satisfying consumer needs at the right moment. Consumers may not distinguish between shopping channels when hunger strikes; c-stores must compete for those cravings that might otherwise be fed by eateries.

Acosta Group, along with CROSSMARK and CORE Away From Home, will leverage their foodservice expertise at the upcoming 2026 NACS Show, equipping retailers with the necessary tools to adapt to changing shopping habits and lifestyle preferences. The continuous evolution in consumer demands suggests that convenience stores must rethink strategies to capture a broader scope of meal occasions in today's fast-paced environment.

In summary, while convenience stores find themselves in a strong position on the food and beverage spectrum, embracing a fusion of value, quality, and fresh options will be pivotal for them to retain and grow their customer base in an increasingly competitive landscape.