Category Trends
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C-store maxxing: How convenience stores became the ultimate one-stop shop
As wellness becomes part of daily routines, c-stores are rising to the occasion.
Sept. 14, 2026 -
Retrieved from Lil' Drug Store Products.
Lil’ Drug Store Products acquires Navajo’s health, beauty and wellness portfolio
The c-store general merchandise supplier is expanding into grocery and drug stores while broadening its health and beauty assortment.
By Brett Dworski • Sept. 11, 2026 -
Column
3 Big Numbers: C-store retailers are feeling optimistic
While macroeconomic disruptions have made shoppers more cautious, retailers are largely positive about the future, according to a survey from retail technology company Toast.
By Jessica Loder • Sept. 11, 2026 -
Wally’s, Jump Start add on-tap beverages
The retailers are tapping into demand for greater beverage variety and customization, with eight-faucet systems tailored to each store’s menu.
By Brett Dworski • Sept. 9, 2026 -
Couche-Tard’s merchandise growth keeps on rolling into fiscal 2027
Circle K’s parent company saw U.S. same-store merchandise revenue increase by 1.7% during Q1, driven by momentum in food, energy drinks and other nicotine products.
By Brett Dworski • Sept. 3, 2026 -
Juul granted marketing approval for second device
In addition to the Juul2, the FDA also gave the green light to menthol and tobacco-flavored pods for use with the product.
By Jessica Loder • Aug. 31, 2026 -
US alcohol consumption remains at all time low
A new report from Gallup showed drinking rates are stabilizing after a multiyear decline, but still remain at the lowest level since 1939.
By Laurel Deppen • Aug. 28, 2026 -
Love’s to roll out premium private label baked goods line
The assortment, which will debut nationwide on Aug. 30, will feature muffins, cakes and danishes.
By Brett Dworski • Aug. 24, 2026 -
Where SNAP participation has fallen the most
All but one state saw a year-over-year drop in the number of people enrolled in the food assistance program in April.
By Catherine Douglas Moran • Aug. 21, 2026 -
Retrieved from Gopuff.
Gopuff expands private label, debuts first-ever seasonal product lineup
The additions mainly include baked goods such as cakes, cookies, danishes, edible and bakeable cookie dough, toaster pastries and fudge.
By Brett Dworski • Aug. 21, 2026 -
Retrieved from Murphy USA.
4 c-store execs weigh in on cautious consumers
Leaders from Arko, CrossAmerica Partners, Global Partners and Murphy USA shared the impact tentative spending and high gas prices had in Q2.
By Jessica Loder • Aug. 17, 2026 -
5 new snacks capitalizing on hot c-stores trends
Unique offerings from both newer and popular snackmakers are rising up to meet changing customer tastes.
By Christine Blank • Aug. 12, 2026 -
FDA grants marketing approval to 4 On! nicotine pouches
The agency greenlit the products as part of a pilot program aimed at shortening approval times.
By Jessica Loder • Aug. 5, 2026 -
Tyson suggests high beef prices face long recovery
The meat giant said the Trump administration's efforts to boost supply are unlikely to make a significant impact in the near-term.
By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 5, 2026 -
Altria Group expands On! Plus distribution
The nicotine pouch brand, which received marketing approval from the FDA for multiple varieties in late 2025, expanded to 120,000 stores nationwide.
By Jessica Loder • Aug. 4, 2026 -
Gen Z isn’t drinking less after all
An IWSR report found that younger drinkers imbibe at roughly the same rate as the rest of the population, upending a narrative that Gen Z is a “generation of moderation.”
By Laurel Deppen • July 21, 2026 -
Consumers say rewards matter, but many aren’t actually using them
In the crowded loyalty landscape, a successful program goes beyond growing enrollment to actually influencing customers’ shopping behavior.
By Bryan Wassel • July 20, 2026 -
Column
3 Big Numbers: Building a better beverage bar
Convenience retailers are drink destinations for a significant portion of shoppers, according to a recent Intouch Insight report.
By Jessica Loder • July 17, 2026 -
FDA allows Zyn to market nicotine pouches as lower-risk alternative to cigarettes
The administration’s latest orders allow Zyn to claim that using the products instead of cigarettes decreases the risk of several smoking-related diseases.
By Brett Dworski • July 1, 2026 -
Sheetz, Dash In lead the charge as refreshers reshape c-store beverage sales
The drinks sit at the intersection of fruit flavor, wellness and afternoon treat occasions, making them highly adaptable across c-store menus.
By Christine Blank • June 29, 2026 -
How to open a restaurant in a c-store
Built-in traffic and low build-out costs make c-stores an attractive growth opportunity, but brand fit and executional discipline are essential, experts say.
By Michael Brady • June 29, 2026 -
Retrieved from Onvo.
Onvo debuts private label snacks
The retailer’s new array of proprietary potato chips was designed to complement its existing foodservice offering.
By Jessica Loder • June 25, 2026 -
3 charts outlining the growing smokeless nicotine market
With Zyn and On! Plus earning marketing approval from the FDA, the category is becoming increasingly important in c-stores.
By Jessica Loder • June 22, 2026 -
Anheuser-Busch invests $20M in Michelob Ultra production in bet on beer rebound
The Bud Light owner will upgrade brewery and packaging equipment at facilities across Missouri after executives expressed optimism that the worst is over for the industry.
By Sarah Zimmerman • June 18, 2026 -
SNAP waivers could lead to $830M sales loss for soda, candy, energy drinks
By the end of 2026, state-specific restrictions are expected to impact one-third of participants in the government food assistance program, Numerator found.
By Catherine Douglas Moran • June 2, 2026