Sales growth in the convenience store industry has cooled off considerably since 2006 as the economic downturn and fluctuations in gasoline prices have impacted gasoline consumption and miles driven by consumers. Unable to count on gasoline sales for continued sales and traffic growth, innovative convenience stores are increasingly turning to foodservice not only as a means of increasing sales and profits, but also as a platform for differentiation and increased customer loyalty. The move to ever more sophisticated foodservice offerings is the latest example of the channel’s unique ability to respond and adapt to changing consumer dynamics.
This report provides an overview of the latest developments in the convenience store industry and guidance for marketers looking to thrive in a challenging, evolving marketplace, including:
- Ideas and direction on how to make foodservice a strategic differentiator - An in-depth look at some of the most successful and innovative competitors - The behaviors and attitudes of various convenience store shopper segments, including insight into perception barriers that c-stores must overcome - A look at the convenience stores channel’s position in the broader retail landscape - An analysis of c-store sales trends by product category - An analysis of convenience store advertising
