Category Trends: Page 4


  • A rendering of the interior of a convenience store, showing the center of the store. signs hanging from the ceiling say Chilled, Fresh to Go, chilled to Go and Yatco.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Yatco
    Image attribution tooltip

    How well did we predict the c-store industry’s biggest trends in 2024? Here are our honest grades.

    Our forecast included growth in small-scale M&A, food and beverage innovation and loyalty efforts, as well as EV momentum slowing down. We were right about some, and wrong about others.

    By , Dec. 19, 2024
  • mergers M&A acquisitions law legal
    Image attribution tooltip
    Bevan Goldswain via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    W. Capra adds M&A services

    The new offering will be led by Lisa Briggs, partner with the company and former president and CEO of Impact 21.

    By Dec. 18, 2024
  • 7-Eleven
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from 7-Eleven.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Column

    3 Big Numbers: Food and the future

    7-Eleven, Arko and Applegreen all shared plans this year to build more dining-focused convenience stores.

    By Dec. 6, 2024
  • Several herbs, seasonings and spices in bowls and piles, grouped together on an old wooden table.
    Image attribution tooltip
    fcafotodigital via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    5 foodservice trends c-stores should watch in 2025

    Customers are still guarding their wallets, but may be tempted by spicy offerings, Southeast Asian fare and a shift from chicken to eggs, experts say.

    By Christine Blank • Dec. 4, 2024
  • A photo of a hand holding a lit cigarette.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Value is vital for tobacco sales

    Consumers have not only been cutting back on tobacco purchases, but have also been turning to lower-priced options, recent data shows.

    By Dec. 2, 2024
  • A photo of the exterior of a Rusty Lantern Market.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Paragon Solutions
    Image attribution tooltip

    How c-store designs have evolved in 2024

    From building larger stores and trying new looks to adding unusual amenities, retailers got creative with their formats this year.

    By Nov. 27, 2024
  • A photo of camping gear on display at Wally's.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Wally's
    Image attribution tooltip

    5 ways c-stores can spice up their general merchandise section

    The keys are to make the products unmissable and ensure stores have the right mix of seasonal or impulse items and everyday needs, experts say.

    By Amanda Baltazar • Nov. 21, 2024
  • A cityscape of skyscrapers and commercial buildings around State Street Bridge in Chicago.
    Image attribution tooltip
    tunart via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Shoplifting on the rise this year, report shows

    Two widely different sets of FBI data underscore the need for better information on theft, however, according to Council on Criminal Justice researchers. That includes better reporting from retailers.

    By Daphne Howland • Nov. 21, 2024
  • weigel's
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Weigel's.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Weigel’s rolls out $6 menu

    Customers can choose from one of seven meal combos as the Tennessee retailer joins the move toward lower-priced food options.

    By Nov. 13, 2024
  • A photo of a prefabricated Wawa drive-thru being assembled on site.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by MODLOGIQ
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why modular construction could be poised for a boom in c-stores

    While prefabricated stores may cost more up front, they can be built and opened quickly while dodging weather problems and tight labor markets, experts say.

    By Nov. 13, 2024
  • Packages of Sour Strips.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Hershey's
    Image attribution tooltip

    Hershey buys candy brand Sour Strips for undisclosed amount

    The Reese’s manufacturer said the purchase expands its sweets portfolio and increases its ability to reach new consumers across more snacking occasions.

    By Christopher Doering • Nov. 12, 2024
  • Casey's
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Casey's
    Image attribution tooltip
    Column

    3 Big Numbers: How Casey’s and other c-stores are expanding

    The Iowa retailer recently closed one big acquisition and Nouria just announced another. Meanwhile, Murphy USA grows organically.

    By Nov. 8, 2024
  • A photo of the exterior of a Mapco store
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Grabango
    Image attribution tooltip

    MAPCO adds senior discount to loyalty program

    While much of the c-store industry remains focused on Gen Z and younger consumers, MAPCO is reaching out to older shoppers.

    By Nov. 7, 2024
  • Close-up of multiethnic group of corporate executives raising their glasses to toast their success at year-end.
    Image attribution tooltip
    xavierarnau via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    C-store holiday alcohol sales outlook merry

    Alcohol sales have been under pressure lately, but getting the right flavors — and the right boozy gifts — in front of customers can pay off, experts say.

    By Christine Blank • Nov. 7, 2024
  • Ampm store
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from BP press release.
    Image attribution tooltip

    BP thinks its new private label line is pretty Epic

    The company tested the line in March, then grew the number of items in the assortment by 50% last quarter, said Lisa Blalock, vice president of U.S. convenience and mobility for BP.

    By Nov. 4, 2024
  • A photo of the exterior of a Rusty Lantern Market.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Paragon Solutions
    Image attribution tooltip

    How to develop a new prototype

    Here are the questions to consider and steps to take when the same old store design doesn’t work anymore.

    By Danielle McLean • Nov. 4, 2024
  • A photo of the exterior of a Maverik location.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Relay Payments
    Image attribution tooltip
    Column

    3 Big Numbers: Maverik’s rebranding and recent growth

    With news coming out this week that Kum & Go is going away in Oklahoma, we’re taking a look at Maverik’s growing footprint.

    By Nov. 1, 2024
  • 7-Eleven
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from 7-Eleven.
    Image attribution tooltip

    7-Eleven taps Chobani veteran to lead private label development

    Varun Khanna’s hiring comes as the retailer looks to its proprietary brands and foodservice programs to boost its performance in North America.

    By Oct. 29, 2024
  • Cans of Ghost Energy drinks.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Ghost.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Keurig Dr Pepper to buy energy drink brand Ghost for more than $1B

    The acquisition expands the beverage giant’s presence in the fast-growing category and deepens a portfolio that includes water, soda, coffee and juice.

    By Christopher Doering • Oct. 28, 2024
  • Couche-Tard
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Couche-Tard.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Couche-Tard names new global head of private label

    Amy Jenkins, who joins from home improvement retailer Lowe’s, takes over from Rodney Blanton, who left Circle K in June for Amazon Go.

    By Oct. 25, 2024
  • Wawa
    Image attribution tooltip
    Jessica Loder/C-Store Dive
    Image attribution tooltip
    Column

    3 Big Numbers: Delving into Wawa’s growth

    As the East Coast retailer prepares for its first store in Georgia, we take a look at what the future holds and why customers should take notice.

    By Oct. 25, 2024
  • EG Group
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Cumberland Farms website.
    Image attribution tooltip

    EG America gets ‘dirty’ with soda innovation

    Creative dispensed beverage concoctions are at the heart of a new marketing campaign that taps into a viral social media trend.

    By Oct. 22, 2024
  • A photo of the interior of a sports arena during a basketball game.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Reese Strickland/Iowa Events Center
    Image attribution tooltip

    Casey’s Center coming in 2025

    The c-store company reached an agreement with the Iowa Events Center to rename the home of three professional sports teams next summer.

    By Oct. 22, 2024
  • Exterior of a grocery store.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Whole Foods Market
    Image attribution tooltip

    Amazon pilots small-format grocery concept

    The test store in Chicago is meant for quick fill-in grocery runs and aims to reduce the number of stops shoppers need to complete a shopping trip.

    By Peyton Bigora • Oct. 18, 2024
  • A photo of Elf on a Shelf-themed holiday novelty candy.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of CandyRific
    Image attribution tooltip

    4 tips to help c-stores grow holiday candy sales

    Convenience retailers typically cede ground in the key category as the end of the year nears. But they’re missing out on clear opportunities, experts say.

    By Christine Blank • Oct. 16, 2024