Consistently across the U.S., car wash construction is currently at a historic pace, according to Eric Wulf, CEO of the International Carwash Association (ICA), and “the performance of the industry amidst the pandemic was nothing short of remarkable, with estimated sales upwards of $13 billion — a record high in 2021.” “We estimate that 600…

Spurred by pandemic lifestyle changes, more Americans are drinking increasing amounts of beer and wine. The flip side, however, is that customers have come to expect a high level of convenience in terms of online ordering and delivery options that c-store operators may consider integrating as competition grows. The convenience store channel saw sales of…

The COVID-19 pandemic brought an increase in crime alongside economic uncertainty, and retailers are still grappling with the effects today. According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2021 National Retail Survey, more than two-thirds of retailers said the pandemic increased risks for their organization, with workplace violence (61%) and organized retail crime (57%) topping the…

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appears intent on moving ahead with revoking market authorization for menthol cigarettes. Next month, the agency is expected to release a proposed rule on the tobacco product standard to eliminate menthol cigarettes from convenience stores and other tobacco retailers. “(The National Association of Convenience Stores) is on record opposing…

While other foodservice categories have taken hits during the pandemic, pizza is one that has thrived, said Mark Brandau, associate director of content for Datassential research firm. In its March 21, 2021 Keynote Report, Datassential found that more than one-third of consumers, including 49% of millennials, said they increased their pizza consumption compared to the…

After a multi-year volume decline, carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) rebounded in 2021 due to foodservice sales increasing post-2020, according to Gary Hemphill, managing director of research at Beverage Marketing Corp. Dollar sales for carbonated beverages increased by 7.3% for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 26, 2021, according to IRI convenience store data.  Soft drinks saw…

Smoker Friendly’s been around for 33 years. C-store veteran Tim Greene’s been there for most of them. In his 27-year career with Smoker Friendly, he’s worn a variety of hats, and for more than half of that time, he’s been guiding the tobacco category for the chain.  Boulder, Colo.-based The Cigarette Store, dba Smoker Friendly,…

Nuts and seeds both typify and reflect Americans’ growing obsession with health, which positions them for success throughout 2022 and beyond. While prices have risen due in part to the pandemic, and will likely continue to rise, consumers are expected to adjust to the increases, given their demand for the category.  Snack nut sales totaled…

Chicken is demonstrating its versatility in an increasing number of ways on menus, including at convenience stores, said Mike Kostyo, a trendologist at Datassential research firm. Among the preparations showing growth are chicken and waffles, chicken street tacos, chicken biscuit sandwiches and chicken bowls. Datassential’s 2021 C-Store Foodservice Keynote report showed that, going into the…

After two full years of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent omicron variant surge, uncertainty along with supply chain issues and labor shortages remain, yet convenience store retailers are cautiously optimistic about what 2022 has in store. A number of categories have recovered from pandemic lows, while some that enjoyed a robust pandemic boost —…