WASHINGTON – Did you know that the U.S. Census has online tools specifically designed to help businesses such as convenience stores grow? Recently, NACS partnered with the U.S. Census on a free webinar, “How Can the U.S. Census Work for You?”

The webinar gives retailers insights into the types of data collected by the U.S. Census and how to use this data to change inventory or choose a location for a new convenience store. Andrew Hait and Charles Brady with the U.S. Census Bureau help retailers learn how to leverage consumer spending habits to inform inventory decisions as well as understand trends regarding customer demographics and socioeconomic information. The U.S. Census Bureau also provides ways for retailers to compare regional and local economic trends to help inform new site selection.

“When you’re thinking of locating a convenience store, understanding how the housing is changing in a particular area could be very valuable,” Hait said during the webinar. For example, knowing how many housing permits have been issued for a brand-new residential community can guide a retailer in making an informed decision about where to open a new store.

Hait and Brady also walk convenience store operators through the U.S. Census website to show all the free tools available to businesses through the agency’s Census Business Builder. You can watch the webinar recording here.