In Store Sales for CStore

The Money is There

Prepared food is now the #1 driver of in-store sales, overtaking cigarettes for the second consecutive year.

The latest data from NACS shows foodservice is the secret sauce with the largest in-store sales contribution.

Feeding Loyalty

C-stores have emerged as legitimate competitors to fast food chains. Nearly 30% of customers say they visited a c-store because they wanted something to eat.

Not only are these customers skipping the traditional fast food joint, they’re becoming more loyal. The average shopper who purchased prepared food visited a c-store 2.8 times per week.

Prepared food sales with c-store

A Good Menu Goes a Long Way

If retailers are serious about beating their fast-food neighbors, they need a good menu. Nearly 50% of consumers would shop more frequently at c-stores if they offer high quality, fresher foods. That’s why over 70% of retailers plan to enhance their food offerings in 2024.

 

The Bottom Line

The numbers don’t lie. The integration of foodservice into c-stores is a game-changer. It elevates the customer experience, drives sales, and meets the evolving needs of today’s consumers. As c-stores continue to innovate and expand their foodservice offerings, they are well-positioned to thrive not only in the competitive retail landscape, but also in the dining landscape.

All data comes from the 2023 NACS SOI Report