Forty-four percent of consumers are visiting convenience (C-stores) stores more often — and half say they are visiting significantly more often than they did just two years ago, according to Chicago-based Datassential, which surveyed 1,000 consumers and 150 operators for its June “C-Store Keynote Report.” While visiting C-stores, these consumers also are buying more prepared food and beverages, the report notes.
In the first half of 2016, convenience store sales surged as lower gas prices fueled more driving, and Americans embraced the continued addition of fresh and healthy food options, according to the Alexandria, Va.-based National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).