Category Trends
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Juul granted FDA marketing approval
After initially being denied in 2022, the vaping products have been waiting in limbo while the government reconsidered the case.
By Jessica Loder • July 21, 2025 -
Trump’s megabill boosts M&A outlook after slump
The new law could provide greater tax certainty for dealmaking in an otherwise risky economic and policy environment, analysts say.
By Alexei Alexis • July 15, 2025 -
5 big c-store industry questions for the rest of 2025
From big acquisitions and proposals to longer-term trends that touch all parts of the industry, here are the storylines to watch.
By Brett Dworski , Jessica Loder • July 14, 2025 -
7-Eleven facing shrinking foot traffic
Store visits have been declining for several quarters, but Seven & i is banking on more QSRs on-site to help turn things around.
By Jessica Loder • July 14, 2025 -
Retrieved from Newco Construction.
Circle K debuts sweeping alcohol discount program
The initiative, which the company says is the largest in U.S. convenience retail, offers shoppers digital cashback rebates on beer, wine and spirits almost immediately after purchase.
By Brett Dworski • July 14, 2025 -
How c-stores can profit from proprietary sweet treat offerings
Owning their own baked goods or ice cream program gives retailers a world of innovation to play with, but comes with significant challenges, experts say.
By Christine Blank • July 9, 2025 -
Why c-store customer experience is more important than ever
From friendly workers to helpful technology to a loyalty program that’s worth their time, shoppers increasingly value the personal touch, according to new data from Intouch Insight
By Jessica Loder • July 1, 2025 -
Column
The Road Ahead: The future of convenience still runs on gas
Reports of liquid fuel’s death have been greatly exaggerated. While c-stores still need to innovate, they shouldn’t be afraid of their roots, write Frank Beard and Brandon Lawrence.
By Frank Beard and Brandon Lawrence • June 30, 2025 -
Retrieved from Couche-Tard.
Couche-Tard CEO says Seven & i talks could finalize in the near future
Alex Miller said on Thursday that the companies have outlined “what we believe is a clear path to U.S. regulatory approval,” and a final timeline may be approaching.
By Brett Dworski • June 26, 2025 -
Jacob Blanck. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.Column
3 Big Numbers: Costco’s fueling ambitions
As the big box retailer prepares its first standalone gas station, we’re taking a look at how the company’s fueling business has fared recently.
By Jessica Loder • June 20, 2025 -
Global Partners launches unified loyalty program
The retailer also relaunched its mobile app alongside Bee’s Knees Benefits, which will be accepted at all of the company’s banners.
By Jessica Loder • June 16, 2025 -
Retrieved from Sunoco.Column
3 Big Numbers: The many faces of c-store growth
Casey’s, Sunoco and Minuteman are all looking to expand their horizons — and store counts — in the next year.
By Jessica Loder • June 13, 2025 -
Private label beer is having a moment. Should c-stores order a round?
Retailers like Costco, Stewart’s Shops and Walmart are investing in exclusive beer brands as capacity has opened up at brewers across the U.S.
By Jeff Wells • June 9, 2025 -
Grubhub adds alcohol delivery from 7-Eleven
The platform has also launched multi-store ordering, which allows customers to order from two eligible merchants in a single order, including select c-stores.
By Julie Littman • June 9, 2025 -
Retrieved from Casey's.Column
3 Big Numbers: Casey’s keeps trucking in Texas
They say everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State. That includes this Iowa-based convenience retailer’s ambitions.
By Jessica Loder • June 6, 2025 -
Retrieved from pwrmarket.com.
Power Market expands Oregon footprint
H&S Energy's first location in the Portland area also introduces its Papa Sal’s Deli foodservice program to the state.
By Jessica Loder • June 4, 2025 -
EG America levels up its grab-and-go snacking game
The retailer’s new Sensible Snacks program aims to take advantage of the variety of national brands offered at its convenience stores.
By Brett Dworski • June 3, 2025 -
C-stores losing snacking dollars to grocers
While dollar and drug stores also ceded ground to grocery stores, convenience retailers gave up the most ground in treat sales, according to NielsenIQ.
By Jessica Loder • May 28, 2025 -
BP Pulse is bringing EV chargers to Waffle House
Chosen sites in the Southeast and the Sunbelt will get six electric vehicle charging bays, with the first locations coming online next year.
By Jessica Loder • May 22, 2025 -
3 packaged beverage trends for the back half of 2025
Energy drinks seek the right balance of flavors while consumer sentiment may not prevent beer price increases, according to a Goldman Sachs survey.
By Jessica Loder • May 22, 2025 -
Coca-Cola launches Sprite + Tea appealing to TikTok-steeped Gen Z
The lemon-lime soda’s R&D team developed its latest limited-time flavor by mimicking a social media creation.
By Chris Casey • May 20, 2025 -
Retrieved from millwoodmarket.com.
Small New York c-store chain plans Virginia debut
Millwood Market is opening its third overall location in Manassas, nearly 300 miles from its first two sites.
By Jessica Loder • May 15, 2025 -
Anheuser-Busch invests $300M in US manufacturing amid beer optimism
The company is funding technology and workforce development at its plants as it sees some recovery in alcohol consumption among older Gen Zers and younger millennials.
By Chris Casey • May 14, 2025 -
Smokeless tobacco is key to reinvigorating backbars
While cigarettes continue their long, slow decline, nicotine pouches are a bright spot for c-stores and heated tobacco is on the horizon, experts say.
By Christine Blank • May 14, 2025 -
Opinion
The snacks we grew up with are at risk of disappearing from shelves – if they haven’t already
Beloved products trusted for generations are now facing a crisis as rising costs, shifting purchasing patterns and regulatory scrutiny pressure legacy brands, writes Keren Novak of Curion.
By Keren Novack • May 7, 2025