Placer.ai: Convenience-stores driving massive traffic

Convenience stores have evidently captured consumers’ hearts, as visits nationwide have increased more than 60% over the past four and a half years.

  That’s according to a new report from foot traffic analytics firm Placer.ai, which analyzed leading convenience store chains around the country, including 7-Eleven, Casey’s General Store, Kwik Trip, Buc-ee’s, Speedway, Maverik Adventure’s First Stop, Cumberland Farms, Wawa, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Sheetz, Circle K, QuikTrip.

One of the key takeaways from Placer.ai’s C-Store Trends & The Brands Leading the Way study is that no brand dominates the industry. While national behemoths are forces to be contended with, the c-store market is a highly regional one, says Placer.ai, with room for smaller operators to find their niche.

Regional Favorites

Similar to grocery chains, convenience stores are a highly localized affair, with every region having  its favorite go-to destination. Here are some of the nation’s regional faves, according to the study.

•On the West Coast, as well as in Hawaii, New York, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington, D.C., 7-Eleven reigns supreme.

•Speedway, which was acquired by 7-Eleven in 2020, prevails in Alaska and in parts of the Midwest. 

•Maverik, which  has positioned itself as a prime destination for people engaged in outdoor activities, has emerged as the local favorite in In Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah.

• New England is Cumberland Farms county.

•Wawa is the fave in Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey,

Several other chains, including Sheetz, Circle K, Love’s Travel Stops & Country  and others, top statewide visit rankings nationwide.

Interestingly, Placer.ai found that members of different socioeconomic classes prefer different convenience stores. For example, Maverik and Kum & Go generally cater to different economic groups. Maverik to wealthier customers, and Kum & Go to those in lower-income households. The two brands recently merged, allowing the company to broaden its economic reach.  

As to the rising popularity of c-stores, it appears to be driven, in part, by inflation, according to Placer.ai, and increased — and elevated— prepared food offerings.