Category Trends

  • QuikTrip
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    Permission granted by https://www.quiktrip.com/hello-hoosier-state-quiktrip-opens-first-indiana-location/
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    Column

    3 Big Numbers: Examining major changes for QuikTrip, Walmart and 7-Eleven

    We take a closer look at one retailer’s nationwide expansion, another’s refreshed c-store growth plans and a bevy of board leadership changes.

    By • April 25, 2025
  • A photo of a cup of coffee on a table inside a store. The side of the cup says "Country Fair Fresh & Local. Join the club. Medium."
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    Retrieved from country Fair Facebook page on April 22, 2025
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    Country Fair tries new grocery-focused approach with upcoming store

    The 8,000-square-foot store will add produce, meats and ready-made meals to the Pennsylvania retailer’s traditional c-store offering.

    By • April 23, 2025
  • Tri Star
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    Retrieved from Tri Star Energy.
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    How c-stores can pull loyalty from QSRs

    Strong value, including meal deals and quality food, could help c-stores make inroads against fast food, says restaurant technology company Tillster.

    By • April 22, 2025
  • A photo of an array of candy, including Twix, Gushers and Reeses peanut butter cups, against an orange background.
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    Courtesy of 7-Eleven
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    4 candy trends for c-stores to watch

    While sales have declined thanks to price-sensitive shoppers, the category still has some bright spots, experts say. 

    By Christine Blank • April 21, 2025
  • A sign alerting customers about SNAP food stamps benefits is displayed in Spanish
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    Scott Heins via Getty Images
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    Food industry bristles as states move to ban soda, candy from SNAP

    Purchasing restrictions on food assistance benefits have gained steam under the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, but most experts agree they're unlikely to improve health outcomes.

    By Sarah Zimmerman • April 21, 2025
  • A photo of the interior of a Sheetz location.
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    Permission granted by Sheetz
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    Column

    The Road Ahead: What’s behind the rise of super regional c-stores?

    If Sheetz, Wawa or QuikTrip suddenly drop 30 locations into a new market, it fundamentally changes consumer behavior and competitive dynamics, columnist Frank Beard writes.

    By Frank Beard • April 16, 2025
  • A photo of a person with a cardboard takeout container in one hand and tongs in the other, selecting items from a roller grill. The takeout container says 7-Eleven and a sign over the roller grill says Flavor in Every Bite."
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    Courtesy of 7-Eleven
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    Column

    3 Big Numbers: Digging into 7-Eleven’s earnings

    In its latest financials, company leaders laid out how QSRs, modernized food and beverage platforms, and private label products can help right the ship after a difficult 2024.

    By • April 11, 2025
  • A photo of a person holding a phone in their hands with a mobile app open on the screen. Text on the app says "Welcome offer, tap to use - free any size coffee (hot or iced); Game room Onvo; and Featured offers and promotions --- Bucked up. But 3 save 10 cents per gallon . Onvo Rewards."
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    Courtesy of Onvo
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    Onvo launches updated app

    Users now get a faster mobile experience, age-restricted promotions and exclusive offers while tracking and redeeming loyalty points — called Hoots — more easily.

    By • April 10, 2025
  • Close up of ice cream containers in freezers.
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    Catherine Douglas Moran/C-Store Dive
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    Tariffs are the latest test of beleaguered US consumers

    Before the expansive levies were announced, spending power was already weakened by high prices and rising debt, among other forces, analysts say.

    By Daphne Howland • April 8, 2025
  • An oil pumpjack works at dawn in an oil field.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    Tariffs, fuel-efficient cars, could complicate Trump’s efforts to produce more oil

    The president’s desire to boost production could increase supply, but global unrest will have more of an impact on c-stores’ bottom lines, experts say.

    By Danielle McLean • April 8, 2025
  • A rendering of an electric vehicle charging station
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    Courtesy of OnPoint EV
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    Jacksons adding EV charging this summer

    The retailer has partnered with OnPoint EV Solutions to build level 3 chargers at nine stores in California, Idaho and Washington.

    By • April 3, 2025
  • TXB
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    Retrieved from TXB website.
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    TXB upgrades loyalty program

    The updates streamline the offering and make earning rewards quicker and easier for customers.

    By • April 2, 2025
  • A head and shoulders photo of a person against a blue background.
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    Courtesy of Philip Morris International
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    Philip Morris pursues smoke-free ambitions in the US

    The company has named a new chief commercial officer as it debuts Iqos heat-not-burn devices in Texas and continues seeing strong demand for Zyn nicotine pouches.

    By • April 1, 2025
  • 7-Eleven introduces the Peanut Butter and Jams Cappuccino.
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    Courtesy of 7-Eleven
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    Outlining 7-Eleven’s busy first quarter

    Between advancing takeover talks with Couche-Tard and continuing store development, plus an IPO on the horizon, it’s been a busy three months.

    By • March 31, 2025
  • athletic brewing
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    Courtesy of Athletic Brewing
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    Why nonalcoholic brews are driving beer innovation

    Big companies are going all-in on zero-proof drinks in order to expand the category, according to the World Brewing Alliance’s CEO.

    By Chris Casey • March 31, 2025
  • A drone photo of a factory set in a wooded countryside.
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    Permission granted by Reynolds American
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    Reynolds expands nicotine pouch production

    The company expects to add about 300 new jobs in 2025, focused largely around its smokeless products.

    By • March 25, 2025
  • A photo of a shopping basket of items, many of them with 7-Eleven branding.
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    Courtesy of 7-Eleven
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    C-stores’ private label push expected to grow

    Retailers like Love's, Wally's and 7-Eleven are going all in on new flavors and novel items, and even moving beyond food and beverage.

    By Christine Blank • March 24, 2025
  • Poppi, soda
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    Courtesy of Poppi
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    Column

    3 Big Numbers: Big news, big numbers

    While Seven & i and Couche-Tard dig into the nitty-gritty of their proposed merger, PepsiCo pays up for Poppi and Mountain Express’ leaders are under the microscope.

    By • March 21, 2025
  • poppi
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    Courtesy of Poppi
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    PepsiCo buys prebiotic soda brand Poppi for nearly $2B

    The deal boosts the food and beverage company's health-focused portfolio as consumers demand more better-for-you options.

    By Chris Casey • March 17, 2025
  • A photo of the inside of a convenience store, showing taps for dispensed beverages, a counter for ordering fresh food and shelves of products. A sign on the wall says fresh beverages.
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    Permission granted by Dash In
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    Coffee customization is more popular than ever. Here’s how c-stores can capitalize.

    The right array of creamers, sweeteners and other flavor options can elevate an already stellar coffee program — but only if it’s done right, experts say.

    By Michael Brady • March 17, 2025
  • Exterior shot of a Dollar General store.
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    Courtesy of Dollar General
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    Dollar General trims Popshelf fleet amid store footprint review

    The dollar store chain is cutting 20% of the higher-priced format, while only 96 of its namesake stores will get the axe.

    By Nate Delesline III • March 14, 2025
  • A rendering of the interior of a convenience store. There are tables and chairs, a fireplace, benches and TV screens on oen wall showing a variety of sports.
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    Permission granted by Rutter's
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    Rutter’s announces new stores with bar and lounge

    This design is the latest in a series of updates the Pennsylvania-based retailer has rolled out over the past few years.

    By • March 12, 2025
  • A photo of a partially built modular construction building. The frame is up and some but not all of the walls have been put in place.
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    Courtesy of Family Express
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    Family Express joins modular construction trend

    The retailer is building the first of several prefabricated c-stores across its home state of Indiana.

    By • March 6, 2025
  • A photo of the interior of a store, showing a hallway and a bathroom through an open door. The bathroom has blue and white tile. A sign on the wall says Yatco. Proudly serving Worcester. Massachusetts.
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    Permission granted by King Retail Solutions
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    How to perfect c-store restrooms

    From updating designs to helping workers keep the place clean, there are a variety of steps retailers can take to elevate the experience.

    By • March 3, 2025
  • Wawa
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Wawa.
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    Column

    3 Big Numbers: C-stores eye bold beverage innovation

    Fruit-forward drinks, discounted coffee and sparkling tea lead the latest round of introductions from top c-store companies.

    By • Feb. 21, 2025