The 3 Convenience Store Industry Trends You Need to Know

Convenience stores are more than just gas stations or quick stops on a long road trip—they supply on-the-go customers with crucial daily essentials. The demand for these goods and services is steadily rising. By 2028, the c-store industry will generate an estimated $3.12 trillion.  

Yet, for c-store leaders, increased demand results in more competition and customers. You must cater shopping experiences to loyal guests as well as find innovative ways to attract more customers. That’s why tracking convenience store trends is essential. In this article, we’ll cover leading convenience store industry trends and wrap up with ideas for how you can use them to your advantage. 

Overview of the Convenience Store Industry 

The convenience store business model started in Dallas, Texas, in 1927. They were owned and operated by the Southland Ice Company, which would evolve into today’s 7-Eleven.  

The original concept of convenience stores was to provide consumers with quick and easy goods or services while they were on the go. The c-store model took off mid-century when demand for fast shopping options grew.  

Convenience stores as we know them today began taking shape in the 1970s. Advancements in technology introduced barcode scanning and electronic cash registers, allowing c-stores to quickly expand their customer base.  

Since then, convenience stores have only grown. What was once a quick pit stop is now an entire shopping experience, equipped with online shopping, mobile payment options, and customer loyalty programs. Today, c-store leaders respond to industry trends to uncover opportunities to engage their guests and create memorable shopping experiences.  

3 Trends Worth Following in the C-Store Industry 

C-store trends cover everything from more sophisticated technology to sustainable business practices. But these are three major convenience store trends worth your attention: 

1. Digital Transformation: Technology grants convenience retailers access to websites with online ordering, rewards programs, purchasing data, and mobile ordering. By digitizing the entire transaction, it’s easy for guests to make purchases. Additionally, store leaders can leverage technology to aggregate data, advertise their business using retail media, and uncover trends specific to their customer base.  
2. Health and Wellness Products: An increasing number of c-store customers want access to healthier food and drink options. For c-store leaders, this could look like carrying more snacks like almonds, fruit bowls, and yogurt instead of chips, fountain drinks, and candy bars.  
3. Sustainability Initiatives: Customers want to make eco-conscious purchasing decisions. That means minimizing waste, recycling, reducing energy consumption, and responsibly sourcing products for your store. Some c-stores may benefit from implementing renewable energy sources, such as solar or electric, into their business practices.  

Key Insight: The proof is in the numbers—the percentage of c-store shoppers who say they want healthy options rose from 59% to 66% over the last seven years. Use insights like these to inform how you stock your shelves.  

Technology and Innovation 

Advancements in technology allow c-store leaders to find innovative ways to meet their loyal customer’s expectations. These are three ways digital transformations can enhance your business operations:

1. Point of Sale Innovations: A c-store’s POS system efficiently streamlines transactions. Not only does it shorten a customer’s wait time, but it also provides accurate inventory tracking and purchasing insights so you can make more precise business decisions.  
2. Loyalty Programs and Personalization: You can use POS system insights to develop personalized customer experiences and loyalty program features that align with guest expectations. Both increase customer satisfaction which also translates to boosted revenue and more brand awareness.  
3. Automation and AI: You can streamline everything from inventory management to email marketing campaigns through automated processes. Artificial intelligence takes this to the next level by automatically analyzing guest data that you can use to offer personalized experiences.  

Technology is an asset for convenience stores of all sizes. It allows stores to remain flexible and predict customer buying habits, meeting their needs while staying ahead of competition. 

Key Insight: According to the National Association of Convenience Stores, smaller companies will find the most benefits from contactless payment and loyalty programs. These two strategies positively impact a c-store’s customer experience while still being straightforward technology for a small team to maintain. 

Consumer Behavior Shifts 

The most successful c-stores track consumer behavior trends and respond to them. Here are two key consumer behavior shifts to note:

1. Convenience vs. Experience: Customers want the c-store shopping experience to be efficient and reliable. However, it’s important not to sacrifice quality. C-store leaders must balance the demand for quick service with a high-quality experience.  
2. The Rise of Local and Artisan Products: A growing number of customers want to purchase locally sourced or artisanal products. These goods are often more environmentally friendly and give shoppers a sense of satisfaction from supporting a local business.  

By addressing one area of consumer behavior shifts, you may bolster the other. For example, if you stock your store with more locally sourced products, you’ll meet customer demand and create a high-quality shopping experience.  

Regulatory and Economic Factors 

As a convenience store, it’s your responsibility to maintain compliant business practices and monitor economic trends. Both will impact your customers and how you run the business. Here is how these two areas could influence your decision-making:

1. Regulatory Changes: Following the rules for operating a c-store, particularly in tobacco and alcohol sales, is crucial to maintaining a successful store. Monitor these regulations so you can adjust if they change.  
2. Economic Influences: Difficult economic times will force consumers to be more mindful about how they spend money. They might be more likely to look for a good deal or reduce spending entirely. Monitor economic fluctuations to stay ahead of how they could impact your business.  

Pro Tip: To help your guests make the most of each dollar they spend, offer a rewards program. That way, guests earn a reward they can redeem in the future and feel they are getting the most out of engaging with your c-store. Check out our guide on building a successful loyalty marketing strategy.  

The Current Competitive Landscape 

Customers have several options in the c-store marketplace. Your challenge is finding ways to prove that your business is the best choice. Here are two leading influences on the current competitive landscape:

1. Increase in Non-Traditional Competitors: Consumers can now access c-store goods using leading food delivery apps. When they make a purchase, guests have a limited time to add items to their order from a different local store, like a convenience or grocery store. By connecting with these apps, you can better serve customers where they are and find new audiences.  
2. Partnerships and Collaborations: By teaming up with other businesses, you expand the reach of your c-store into other markets. You can promote each other on social media, offer cross-company reward programs, and expand your target audience. 

Let’s look at a convenience store example: Circle K is a leading convenience store chain. It leverages partnerships with Shell and Coca-Cola to create a satisfactory shopping experience for customers. Collaborating with these two major brands may also boost Circle K’s brand perception. From the perspective of the average consumer, if well-known, quality brands like Shell and Coca-Cola team up with Circle K, it must be a reliable c-store. 

2 Predictions for the Next 10 Years of C-Stores 

As you adjust your current c-store business practices for modern demand, it’s also worth considering how the industry could change over the next several years. These are two categories we predict will see the most change over the next ten years:

1. Future Technologies: AI will significantly influence how c-store retailers will predict and meet consumer expectations going forward. Mobile apps make it easier for customers to engage with your business. Finally, the number of electric vehicle drivers is expanding. C-stores can introduce more electric charging stations to cater to these customers.  
2. Market Growth and Expansion: From 2011 to 2022, convenience stores across the country saw a nearly one billion dollar increase in non-fuel sales. An increasing number of customers want to shop in stores for quick snacks or beverages. You can stock shelves with high-quality items that meet guest demands.  

When you look at long-term predictions, make sure you analyze current trends and historical data. You can identify how past economic shifts or consumer preferences impacted industry growth, then use these insights to predict future market conditions. 

2 Strategic Implications 

By responding to industry trends, you can stay ahead of the competition and boost customer satisfaction. Here are strategies you can implement whether you’re a store owner or vendor:

1. For Store Owners: Create memorable customer experiences by building a personalized rewards program, using technology to create smoother checkout processes, stocking your shelves with healthy options, and implementing more sustainable business practices.  
2. For Suppliers and Vendors: Customer demand determines the goods that suppliers and vendors deliver. To stay competitive, make sure c-stores can purchase inventory that will align with their customer base. Examine which items all kinds of c-stores require to identify trends. Lastly, develop strong relationships with c-stores to get behind-the-scenes insight into customer-specific expectations. 

Remember, you don’t have to make all these changes at once. Start by analyzing data from your specific customer base to determine which strategies will have the greatest impact. The results of your analysis will determine which changes you should prioritize.  

Key Insight: To learn more about how you can leverage c-store trends to hit your business goals, check out our 2025 Trend Predictions Industry Report.  

Frequently Asked Questions About C-Store Industry Trends 

For greater insight, read our answers to the most asked questions about c-store industry trends. 

What is driving the growth of the convenience store industry? 

There are a handful of factors that drive growth for the convenience store industry, including these four influences:

1. A growing population and urbanization of various regions allow convenience stores to open more locations along major highways or remote areas. 
2. The average consumer leads a busy lifestyle, increasing the need for fast and easy resources. 
3. The average customer desires a personalized shopping experience, encouraging c-stores to leverage loyalty programs and customer data. 
4. Advancements in technology help streamline purchases and business operations so that c-stores can serve busy customers more efficiently.  

How can convenience stores differentiate themselves in a competitive market? 

Convenience stores can differentiate themselves from competitors by creating unique experiences that are customized to each guest’s expectations. Loyalty programs and personalized messaging can help you earn repeat customers.  

At the same time, a high-quality experience will enhance guest satisfaction, increase brand awareness, and expand your customer base. Finally, monitor industry trends. A c-store that aligns itself with these trends and uses them to its advantage stays ahead of competitors. 

What are the biggest challenges facing convenience stores today? 

The biggest challenges c-stores face today include the rising costs of goods, increased competition, and keeping up with shifting consumer preferences. To overcome these potential hurdles, you need the right tools to aggregate customer purchasing data.  

You can use these insights to identify trends, cater your offerings to your customers, and ensure you create a memorable shopping experience. Additionally, use the data to optimize your inventory, so you avoid overordering items or wasting money. 

Taking Advantage of These Trends 

Watching and responding to trends is an asset for your overall business strategy. They can help determine your c-store marketing strategy and how to stock your shelves. By embracing industry trends, your business is set for long-term success and profitability. 

Ready to explore how you can use industry trends to enhance the customer experience? Paytronix offers comprehensive tools and resources to ensure you roll out strategies that promote customer satisfaction and profitability. Book a demo with our team today.