A recent study reported that store visits are steady year over year.
Convenience stores are increasingly viewed not only as places to fuel up, but as affordable destinations for quick meals, snacks, other necessities and in some cases tourism, according to a recent study from Placer.ai that analyzed monthly visits.
Monthly convenience store visits have been consistently elevated year over year since February 2024. The research also found that c-store visitor behavior varies by region, with some states like Wyoming and Montana experiencing significantly longer visits than others.
Regional convenience retailers concentrated in certain areas of the country “like Wawa, Buc-ee’s and Sheetz are expanding beyond their traditional markets, driving foot traffic with unique offerings and growing their presence in new states,” Placer.ai said.
Wawa “has been a major player in the c-store space in recent years, with a revamped menu driving ever-stronger foot traffic to its Mid-Atlantic region stores. Between January and August 2024, year-over-year visits to the chain were mostly elevated.” Wawa is now venturing into states like Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
Meanwhile, Buc-ee’s has “outpaced its already-strong 2023 performance this year, is opening locations in Arkansas and North Carolina, further building on its reputation as a destination for travelers.” Pennsylvania-based Sheetz is also expanding, with plans to open locations in Southern states like North Carolina and Tennessee.
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