Convenience stores in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts
Many Americans choose to do their regular grocery shopping at convenience stores. Often linked to a gas station, they allow consumers to refuel while purchasing groceries and merchandise. As fuel prices of regular gasoline, diesel, and food rose precipitously in the first half of 2022, dollar sales of these types of stores suffered a setback. New threats to American consumers in the form of tariff policies, fears of stagflation, and a potential recession have contributed to the decline as of the most recent period.
Within the beer category, U.S. consumers preferred imported brands over domestic ones. Other popular products sold in c-stores included snacks and candy. As of 2024, potato chips were the most popular type of salty snack sold in U.S. convenience stores, while in the candy subcategory, chocolate topped the list.
Convenience stores can serve as a quick and hassle-free stop for those getting groceries while refueling their vehicles, while also serving as an interesting testing ground for new products from brands.
Market size
Their small size, easy access, and high presence across the country have allowed convenience stores to become one of the staples of the U.S. In 2025, there were more than 152,000 convenience stores in the country, while in 2024 the industry had 755 billion U.S. dollars in sales, more than half of which came from fuel sales. The country’s leading convenience store chain in terms of number of stores was 7-Eleven. Other leading convenience stores were Alimentation Couche-Tard, Casey’s, and EG Group.Convenience stores in-store sales
In-store sales account for 39 percent of all convenience store sales, with fuel sales making up the rest. Generally, in-store sales are split into two segments: merchandise and food. Cigarettes were the top selling product, with sales of 59 billion U.S. dollars, while packaged beverages followed. In this category, energy drinks were the best-selling product, with sales of 14.5 billion U.S. dollars.Within the beer category, U.S. consumers preferred imported brands over domestic ones. Other popular products sold in c-stores included snacks and candy. As of 2024, potato chips were the most popular type of salty snack sold in U.S. convenience stores, while in the candy subcategory, chocolate topped the list.
Shopping behavior
The majority of American consumers visited convenience stores at least once a week in 2025, more than in the previous years. A similar majority share of consumers in the U.S. were loyal customers as they shopped at the same store brand each time. The main aspect that influenced consumers in visiting a convenience store was the store’s loyalty program, and the price of products was the main factor for more than half of consumers when describing a positive experience in c-stores.Convenience stores can serve as a quick and hassle-free stop for those getting groceries while refueling their vehicles, while also serving as an interesting testing ground for new products from brands.
