QuikTrip, Wawa Are Consumers’ Favorite Convenience Stores

New study shows customer service and fresh food are differentiators for new and repeat customers.

September 18, 2014

LOUISVILLE, Colo. – QuikTrip is North America’s favorite convenience store chain, according to a study by Market Force Information. More than 5,000 consumers were polled for the study, designed to uncover which convenience stores consumers prefer and why.

For the rankings, Market Force asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their most recent convenience store experience and their likelihood to refer that store brand to others, resulting in a loyalty score.

QuikTrip ranked highest with 79%, while Wawa was a close second with 74%. Other regional players such as Sheetz, RaceTrac and Speedway also earned high enough scores to land in the top five, while national brands such as Chevron, BP and 7-Eleven ranked lower on the list.

Tulsa-based QuikTrip has seen accelerated growth in the past two years, recently opening its 700th location. Its popularity is due, in part, to its focus on offering fresh food, including made-to-order food and drinks. QuikTrip and second-place Wawa have also both developed a reputation for consistent customer service and store cleanliness.

“We’re seeing a phenomenon where convenience store brands are expanding their fresh food options as a way to lure new visitors through the door and cultivate loyalty,” said Cheryl Flink, chief strategy officer for Market Force, in a press release.

This recent survey also disproved the theory that cost is the primary driver for c-store customers, finding that price was selected by only 26% of consumers as an attribute that they like most about their favorite convenience store. Service and cleanliness factors ranked much higher on the list, with low prices coming in at number 7.

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