NEW YORK – Convenience store visits now rival trips to the grocery store, according to a new Imprint Plus survey. When asked how often consumers shop in a convenience store, 59% of the respondents reported more than once a week, with that number increasing to more than 70% among respondents between the ages of 18 and 44. Surprisingly, 25% of the consumers surveyed reported that they shop in a convenience store more or as frequently as they shop at the supermarket or grocery store. 

“Virtually every consumer today shops at a convenience store, with only 6% of the respondents stating that they never shop there,” said Marla Kott, Imprint Plus CEO, in a press release. “Most of the convenience store shoppers are married (48%), employed (63%) with the majority (80%) living in metro regions of the country.”

Among the top purchases at convenience stores are drinks such as soda, bottled water or juice (29%); or snacks and candy (21%). Other purchases included gas (12%); milk or dairy products (11%); and cigarettes (10%).

One-third of all respondents (33%) stated that it was important for a convenience store to carry ethnic branded products, such as Indian, Chinese or Spanish foods. That number rose to 41% among respondents between the ages of 18 and 34. 

In addition, 42% of consumers think it is important for employees to be fluent in a language other than English, reflecting on the global shopping experience. This number jumps to 51% among respondents between the ages of 18 and 34. 

When shopping in a convenience store, 35% reported that it is important to know a person by name when doing business. The percentage increases to 39% among those consumers between the ages of 35 and 44.