Convenience store executives working to make tough decisions on what to include in their limited health and beauty aid (HBA) aisles to best drive sales are wise to consider that while American consumers like to look good, feeling good is their top priority. The numbers make it clear. Health products in the convenience store channel…
Refreshing Dispensed Beverages for Spring
As spring arrives, c-store retailers are updating their cold and frozen dispensed beverage flavors to meet evolving customer demands in preparation for the surge in beverage traffic that warmer weather traditionally brings. Today, more consumers are favoring healthier dispensed drinks, preferably in a variety of exciting flavors. Convenience store customers are showing marked preferences for…
What Are the Dos and Don’ts for Hot Dispensed?
With the coming of the warm weather months, more convenience store customers reach for cold dispensed beverages, making it easier for the retailer to sell these treats. But what about hot dispensed beverages? A few simple dos and don’ts can turn a moribund area of the store into a revenue generator no matter the temperature.…
Snack Sales Climb
Despite higher prices, customers are still snacking, and they’re seeking flavor innovation, protein, energy and taste from their snack options. The convenience store salty snack category saw dollar sales of $8.08 billion, a gain of 14%, for the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2023, according to Circana. Units sold topped 2.87 billion, a rise of…
Energy Shots Face Competition From Drinks
Energy shots will continue to serve as a c-store staple in 2024 and beyond because they offer so many positives for consumers: a quick, convenient and inexpensive impulse item offering an energy boost that won’t fill them up like a full drink will. “Energy shots are a big category led by 5-hour Energy, which dominates…
Customers Seek Novelty from Non-Chocolate Segment
Non-chocolate candy, gum and mints are expected to continue to see strong sales in 2024, powered by old favorites, novelty candy and seasonal items. Non-chocolate candy saw dollar sales of $3.34 billion, up 13.4%, for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 31, 2023, per Circana. Unit volume dipped 3.1% to 1.41 billion. Novelty candy stood out…
Are Healthy Trends Affecting Alcoholic Beverages?
The number of Americans who both look after their health and enjoy drinking alcohol is growing — and for savvy convenience store retailers in states that permit them to sell adult beverages, that spells opportunity. While healthy trends have seen innovation growth in every category to varying degrees, alcoholic beverages have undergone a health kick,…
Water & Sports Drinks Battle Inflation
Two of convenience store operators’ biggest beverage categories, bottled water and sports drinks, are expected to continue strong dollar sales performances in 2024. The convenience store channel saw bottled water sales of $5.86 billion, a gain of 6.6%, for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 31, 2023, according to Circana, while unit volume dipped 2.4% to…
Should I Invest in Self-Serve Technology?
Convenience store retailers asking themselves whether they should invest in self-serve technology are increasingly coming to the conclusion that — assuming they can afford it — the answer is yes. The reason is obvious: from frictionless checkout to pay at the pump, foodservice kiosks and more, a growing number of consumers in America and around…
What Are the Top Candy Trends for 2024?
Chocolate looks to trend for 2024, along with novelty candy and health-forward options. Price increases and decreases are largely swaying customer purchase decisions, as evidenced by Circana data, which shows chocolate unit sales dipping slightly due to a 12.1% price hike. However, this has allowed dollar sales to increase 7.9%. Among chocolate unit sales, snack-sized…