Category Trends: Page 2

  • A photo of the inside of a convenience store, showing taps for dispensed beverages, a counter for ordering fresh food and shelves of products. A sign on the wall says fresh beverages.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Dash In
    Image attribution tooltip

    Coffee customization is more popular than ever. Here’s how c-stores can capitalize.

    The right array of creamers, sweeteners and other flavor options can elevate an already stellar coffee program — but only if it’s done right, experts say.

    By Michael Brady • March 17, 2025
  • Exterior shot of a Dollar General store.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Dollar General
    Image attribution tooltip

    Dollar General trims Popshelf fleet amid store footprint review

    The dollar store chain is cutting 20% of the higher-priced format, while only 96 of its namesake stores will get the axe.

    By Nate Delesline III • March 14, 2025
  • A rendering of the interior of a convenience store. There are tables and chairs, a fireplace, benches and TV screens on oen wall showing a variety of sports.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Rutter's
    Image attribution tooltip

    Rutter’s announces new stores with bar and lounge

    This design is the latest in a series of updates the Pennsylvania-based retailer has rolled out over the past few years.

    By • March 12, 2025
  • A photo of a partially built modular construction building. The frame is up and some but not all of the walls have been put in place.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Family Express
    Image attribution tooltip

    Family Express joins modular construction trend

    The retailer is building the first of several prefabricated c-stores across its home state of Indiana.

    By • March 6, 2025
  • A photo of the interior of a store, showing a hallway and a bathroom through an open door. The bathroom has blue and white tile. A sign on the wall says Yatco. Proudly serving Worcester. Massachusetts.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by King Retail Solutions
    Image attribution tooltip

    How to perfect c-store restrooms

    From updating designs to helping workers keep the place clean, there are a variety of steps retailers can take to elevate the experience.

    By • March 3, 2025
  • Wawa
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Wawa.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Column

    3 Big Numbers: C-stores eye bold beverage innovation

    Fruit-forward drinks, discounted coffee and sparkling tea lead the latest round of introductions from top c-store companies.

    By • Feb. 21, 2025
  • 7-Eleven
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by 7-Eleven
    Image attribution tooltip

    4 ways c-stores are elevating their coffee programs

    Consumption outside the home is finally back to pre-pandemic levels. Here’s how retailers like Casey’s, GPM Investments and 7-Eleven are capitalizing.

    By • Feb. 18, 2025
  • A can of Coca-Cola's Simply Pop prebiotic soda.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Coca-Cola
    Image attribution tooltip

    Coca-Cola enters trendy prebiotic soda market with Simply Pop

    The drink, which contains fiber for gut health and Vitamin C and zinc for immunity support, pits the beverage giant against fast-growing upstarts Olipop and Poppi.

    By Christopher Doering • Feb. 18, 2025
  • A photo of a smiling person sitting at a table, about to bite into a burrito. A sign on the wall behind them says Laredo Taco.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of 7-Eleven
    Image attribution tooltip

    3 foodservice moves 7-Eleven has already made in 2025

    While North America’s largest c-store retailer begins building hundreds of food-focused stores, it’s also making more immediate changes to its menu.

    By • Feb. 13, 2025
  • Arko
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from NACS.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Arko rolls out fuel discounts up to $2

    Members of the company’s Fas Rewards program can stack discounts up to that level as Arko continues focusing on price-conscious shoppers.

    By • Feb. 11, 2025
  • A photo of the exterior of a store, seen at night with all its lights on. A sign over the door says Yatco.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by King Retail Solutions
    Image attribution tooltip

    Inside Yatco’s new c-store design

    The New England company worked with King Retail Solutions to develop a uniform look for all its new stores.

    By • Feb. 11, 2025
  • A photo of a person pouring a beverage from a large dispenser in a store into a white and yellow disposable cup. the person has a lid for the cup in the other hand.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores
    Image attribution tooltip

    3 top c-store dispensed beverage trends for 2025

    Retailers should offer a variety of flavors and the ability to customize not just taste but function, experts from Love’s and EG America said.

    By Christine Blank • Feb. 10, 2025
  • Casey's
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Casey's.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Column

    3 Big Numbers: C-stores pushing the food trends envelope

    Rich Products recently outlined market trends it expects to see in 2025, and we’re looking at how c-stores are poised to meet those changes.

    By • Feb. 7, 2025
  • PepsiCo, Frito-Lay
    Image attribution tooltip
    Christopher Doering/C-Store Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    PepsiCo to focus on value, healthier offerings amid slump in snacks

    CEO Ramon Laguarta said the Doritos maker hasn’t seen a “direct impact” from GLP-1 medications despite higher consumer interest in health and wellness.

    By Christopher Doering • Feb. 6, 2025
  • A photo of a rack of snacks inside a store, including popcorn, chips and candy. A sign above the snacks says "Shelee's Travel Center grab and go."
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Shelee's Travel Centers
    Image attribution tooltip

    California travel center chain opens grab-and-go arena stores

    Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms, California, added five Shelee's Travel Center Grab & Go locations to its retail lineup.

    By • Feb. 4, 2025
  • A photo of a breakfast combo meal including a cup, three breakfast sandwiches and a container of hash browns on a wrapping paper that says "Rutter's" on a white background.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Rutter's
    Image attribution tooltip

    4 tips to boost c-store breakfast programs

    Portable, craveable items are still a hit, but experts say retailers should also turn up the volume on energy drinks, hot honey and other nontraditional items.

    By Christine Blank • Feb. 3, 2025
  • Jones Soda
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Jones Soda.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Craft soda brand coming to over 2K Circle K, FEMSA c-stores

    Jones Soda has signed an agreement that will result in its “first significant presence in the convenience channel in its nearly 30-year history,” its CEO said.

    By • Jan. 31, 2025
  • A photo of an electric vehicle charging at a charging station. the charger says "BP Pulse" on the front. A convenience store is in the background, with a sign over the door that says "TA Welcome Jacksonville South travel center."
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of TravelCenters of America
    Image attribution tooltip
    Column

    3 Big Numbers: Second time’s the charm

    Stewart’s Shops, TravelCenters of America and Buc-ee’s all recently took another swing at key facets of their businesses.

    By • Jan. 31, 2025
  • A person sits at a desk with an open laptop in front of them. Their head is hidden by smoke and the hand is holding a vaping device.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Dan Kitwood via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    US to halt imports, sale of Njoy Ace products

    The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that the Altria-owned company’s vaping devices violate four of Juul’s patents. The ruling takes effect March 31.

    By • Jan. 31, 2025
  • Boxes of Celsius Hydration
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Celsius Holdings
    Image attribution tooltip

    Celsius expands beyond energy as it positions itself as a ‘lifestyle’ brand

    The company’s first major portfolio expansion is a hydration offering, with plans to enter other categories that connect it with more consumers.

    By Christopher Doering • Jan. 30, 2025
  • A photo of beer labels on a production line. The labels say "Stewart's Shops Mountain Brew lager. Proudly brewed in the Adirondaks by Paradox Brewery."
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Paradox Brewery
    Image attribution tooltip

    Stewart’s Shops revives private label craft beer

    The retailer tapped a local brewery to bring back Mountain Brew, a custom craft creation it last offered five years ago.

    By • Jan. 29, 2025
  • 7-Eleven
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of 7-Eleven
    Image attribution tooltip

    What’s ahead for c-stores in 2025?

    With economic conditions still tight and the political landscape uncertain, retailers will be focused on improving amenities to get people into their stores.

    By • Jan. 29, 2025
  • A photo of the exterior of a Buc-ee's location.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Buc-ee's
    Image attribution tooltip

    Buc-ee’s eyes site near Milwaukee

    While Oak Creek is the second location the retailer has targeted in Wisconsin, it may end up being the first to open.

    By • Jan. 27, 2025
  • A photo of a pack of Marlboro menthol cigarettes, with several cigarettes loose on a black surface around it.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Mario Tama via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    FDA withdraws proposed menthol rule

    The ban would have outlawed menthol-flavored cigarettes nationwide.

    By • Jan. 27, 2025
  • A photo of self checkout kiosks inside a convenience store. Each machine says "self checkout."
    Image attribution tooltip
    Jessica Loder/C-Store Dive
    Image attribution tooltip
    Column

    3 Big Numbers: Building a better c-store customer experience

    Shoppers at convenience retailers told NCR Voyix they love their favorite banners, want more self checkout and are moving past the stigma of gas station food.

    By • Jan. 24, 2025