Driving Growth Together: Join Us at the 2026 HRA C-Store Connect EXPO- the Southeast’s Largest Convenience & Retail Tradeshow
Horizon Retailers Association’s largest C-Store Connect to date will connect independent retailers with leading brands, exclusive show opportunities, industry innovation and more than $50,000 in prizes.
ATLANTA, Ga. — September 2026 — The independent convenience retail industry is coming together in Georgia this September as Horizon Retailers Association (HRA) prepares to host its largest C-Store Connect Trade Show to date.
On Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Cobb Convention Center, 2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, Georgia, thousands of convenience retailers, owners, operators and industry professionals are expected to connect with more than 225 manufacturers, brands, suppliers and vendors for a full day focused on driving growth and profitability in independent convenience retail.
Since launching C-Store Connect in 2021, HRA has grown the annual event into one of the Southeast’s most anticipated gatherings for the convenience retail community. The continued growth of the show reflects HRA’s larger mission: giving independent retailers the collective resources, relationships and buying power they need to compete and grow.
Today, HRA represents a growing network of more than 5,800 retailers, owners and decision-makers. C-Store Connect brings that network together with the companies shaping the future of convenience retail—all under one roof.
More Than a Trade Show—An Opportunity to Grow
For independent operators, every decision on the store floor impacts the bottom line. C-Store Connect is designed to turn one day of connections into opportunities that can deliver value long after the show ends.
Attendees will have direct access to suppliers offering event-focused pricing, promotions and business opportunities while exploring solutions across beverage, foodservice, technology, point-of-sale systems, loyalty programs and other key areas of convenience retail.
The show floor will also give retailers an opportunity to discover emerging products, technologies and trends while seeing live demonstrations and connecting directly with the companies behind them.
For HRA, however, the value of C-Store Connect goes beyond products and pricing. It is about relationships.
Independent retailers face challenges that are often difficult to solve alone. C-Store Connect creates an environment where store owners can speak directly with suppliers, exchange ideas with fellow operators and build relationships with partners who understand their businesses.
More Than $50,000 in Prizes—and a Chance to Win a Car
Business may be the focus, but HRA is also bringing plenty of excitement to this year’s event. Attendees will have opportunities throughout the day to participate in raffles, doorbusters, cash giveaways and prizes valued at more than $50,000.
HRA members will receive an additional exclusive opportunity: entry into the event’s mega giveaway for a chance to win a brand-new car.
The Power of Independent Retailers—Together
At its core, C-Store Connect represents what HRA calls “The Power of Collective.”
Independent operators face unique challenges every day, but they do not have to face them alone. By bringing retailers, suppliers, manufacturers and industry leaders together, HRA is creating opportunities to lower costs, discover new revenue streams, strengthen relationships and help independent businesses remain competitive in an evolving retail environment.
The 2026 HRA C-Store Connect Trade Show is more than a one-day event. It is a gathering of an industry built on entrepreneurship, relationships and the belief that independent retailers are stronger when they grow together.
Retailers, vendors and convenience industry professionals are encouraged to secure their place at the 2026 C-Store Connect and be part of HRA’s largest show yet.
C-Store Connect 2026
Thursday, September 17, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cobb Convention Center | 2 Galleria Pkwy SE | Atlanta, GA 30339
Registration: www.hratradeshow.com
About Horizon Retailers Association
Horizon Retailers Association (HRA) represents a growing network of more than 5,800 independent retailers, owners and decision-makers. Through strategic vendor partnerships, purchasing opportunities, marketing support, industry resources and events such as C-Store Connect, HRA works to help independent retailers strengthen their businesses, increase profitability and compete more effectively in today’s convenience retail marketplace.
Learn more at www.hraga.com and www.hratradeshow.com.
Founded in 2012, Horizon Retailers Association (HRA) is a growing retail association dedicated to empowering independent convenience store owners throughout the Southeast. HRA brings together thousands of retailers and leading vendor and service partners to create a powerful network built around growth, profitability, and long-term success.
Through the power of collective buying, strategic vendor partnerships, industry resources, and hands-on support, HRA helps independent retailers access competitive programs and opportunities that can help lower costs, increase revenue, maximize profitability, and strengthen their businesses.
What began as an organization serving retailers in Georgia has expanded across the Southeast, with HRA now supporting more than 5,500 members across multiple states. Beyond programs and rebates, HRA serves as an advocate and resource for independent retailers—connecting members with trusted partners, innovative solutions, industry knowledge, and opportunities designed to help them compete and grow in an evolving convenience retail marketplace.
At the heart of HRA is a simple belief: we are stronger together. By building meaningful relationships between retailers, vendors, distributors, and industry partners, HRA is committed to strengthening the independent convenience store community and creating opportunities for shared success.
