Retailers of all kinds were hoping 2026 could usher in more stability, but they instead face national and international unrest. And in the middle of it all, convenience retailers — many of whom are strapped for cash as consumers’ wallets remain tight — must decide how to spend their money as labor, technology and other operating costs continue to rise. 

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Tech companies are making more bespoke products for the industry, retailers are stretching their wings in foodservice and chains are entering new markets at breakneck speed. 

Over the past few weeks, C-Store Dive has dug deeper into the topics that are expected to be top-of-mind for the industry this year. Our trends article took a broad look across the entire spectrum, while more focused stories dissected which companies and categories are due for a big year. 

Below are these in-depth stories looking at what the c-store industry should see in 2026.