GasBuddy customers point to the convenience stores offering the best experience in a number of categories for Q3.

GasBuddy has released its third quarter report card that ranks fuel and convenience store brands.

Based on more than 1.6 million ratings submitted by GasBuddy users in the app between July 1 – Sept. 30, 2018, the rankings examine fuel and c-store retailers by number of store locations across the categories of cleanliness, coffee, customer service, outdoor lighting, restrooms and overall experience.

Brands topping the list in the “overall experience” category in their respective segments include Iowa-based Casey’s General Store (1000+ locations), Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip (250 – 999 locations), Iowa-based Hy-Vee (50 – 249 locations) and New York-based NOCO Express (30 – 49 locations).

“Fuel and convenience store brands saw a high volume of ratings submitted as the summer driving season came to an end,” said Frank Beard, convenience store and retail trends analyst at GasBuddy. “And while ratings categories include the customer experience both in and out of the store, the first aspect consumers notice is the forecourt. Outdoor lighting received the most ratings of any category in Q3, followed by customer service and cleanliness.”

Highlights
   Cenex makes a strong showing in the 1,000+ locations segment, securing the top spot in coffee and restrooms. This success follows its Zip Trip c-store acquisition by Par Pacific earlier this year.

Hy-Vee, Stewart’s Shops and Weigel’s made a positive impression on consumers in Q3, capturing the top three positions in most categories amongst brands with 50-249 locations.

Kwik Trip consistently delivered a quality experience to consumers from Q2 to Q3, maintaining their number one spot in all categories amongst brands with 250 – 999 locations in both quarters.

NOCO Express captured the top spot in cleanliness, outdoor lighting and overall categories amongst brands with 30 – 49 locations shortly after revamping its loyalty program.

View the full report.