More than half of c-store retailers are expecting pre-pandemic trip levels
According to a NACS Retailer Member Pulse Survey, 52 percent of retailers anticipate a rise in customer this summer. 28 percent expect travel to remain lower than usual until 2022. Convenience Store News describes specific anticipated trends based on the survey results, including growth in cold beverages and coffee, prepared foods, and fuel sales. Some pandemic related trends are expected to continue into the future, including delivery and curbside, contactless payments, and enhanced safety protocols.
Prior to the pandemic, 83 percent of items sold at c-stores were considered immediate consumption, such as beverages or candy, and consumed within an hour of purchase. As consumers have relied on c-stores for take-home during the last year, retailers also expect those sales to increase. Thirty-six percent say they are focusing on multi-serve meals and prepared foods for future consumption, and 13 percent expect more stock-up grocery and pantry item sales.
Read more in the full article at csnews.com.
