Energy drinks is among the fastest-growing beverage segments, as evidenced by its strength throughout the pandemic. As many of the major brands refined their strategies in response to consumer adjustments, energy drinks are experiencing a wider reach than ever before. Thus, energy drink consumers looking for functional energy will continue to find it in c-stores…

Renewable energy plans and the continued turn toward LED lights marks an ongoing shift for retailers toward a higher focus on lighting and energy efficiency goals. Jackson, Ky.-based Go Time, which operates seven stores in Kentucky, has built six new stores since 2016, all of which incorporate LED lights. Go Time is currently building its…

Non-chocolate candy continues to trend upward for the convenience industry, driven by innovation in the subcategory. Non-chocolate candy dollar sales hit $2.64 billion, up 20.6%, according to market research firm IRI Total U.S. Convenience data for the 52-week period ending Dec. 26, 2021.  Mints, gum and breath fresheners saw sales gains, too. According to IRI…

The U.S. Hispanic population grew by 23% to 62.1 million over the last decade, but Latinx consumers are not the only ones to enjoy burritos, tacos and nachos. Sales of Mexican-style foods continue to increase in convenience stores, a trend that is largely driven by millennial and Gen X customers, according to Eric Dzwonczyk, co-leader…

“The story for milk in c-stores is the same for dairy across the industry — alternatives, alternatives, alternatives,” said Mike Kostyo, trendologist for Datassential. “All of the fastest-growing milks across the industry are alternative and plant-based milk options.” C-stores are noticing and testing the trend. High’s, with more than 54 c-stores in Maryland and Pennsylvania,…

While keeping an eye to electric vehicle charging (EVC) and other alternative energy solutions, convenience retailers are finding new ways to keep fuel customers happy in 2022, as gas prices remain high. Temple, Ariz.-based Circle K has rebranded close to 3,000 sites to its Circle K fuel brand in the past three years — about…

Americans catered to their sweet tooths during the pandemic, and that — along with their learned preference for packaged items rather than fresh — will stand sweet snacks and granola bars in good stead in 2022. Cakes, pastries and sweet pies account for a sizeable portion of sales in the convenience store channel, expected to…

On Sunday, March 26, the National Advisory Group (NAG) kicked off at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines hotel in La Jolla, Calif. Running through March 30, the conference began with a golf outing at widely recognized Torrey Pines Golf Course. At the end of the day, attendees were welcomed with a dinner and reception.…

The natural pairing of cigarettes and cigars with items like lighters, matches and ashtrays would seem to have dwindling appeal with consumers as the smoking population continues to shrink. But recent data suggests something else is taking place in convenience stores where smoking accessories, including pipes, jumped nearly 10% in dollar sales and 5.5% in…

Last year marked another year with less-than-normal daily commuting to and from offices, and that resulted in mixed reviews for convenience stores’ health and beauty aids (HBA) category. “With a lot of customers working from home the last couple of years, they’ve had access to their own medicine cabinets, which has hurt purposeful trips to…