Convenience Stores Horn in on Supermarkets

As more consumers clamor for fresh food, convenience retailers are changing what they offer to meet that need.

September 23, 2015

SAN ANTONIO – All around the country, convenience stores have been stepping up their game when it comes to fresh and healthy foods, the San Antonio Express News reports. For example, Corner Store has added grocery to 50 of its U.S. locations, with plans to bring that category to more stores, including its new locations. In 40% of the stores, Corner Store put in kitchens to make meat pies, breakfast tacos and empanadas onsite.

Other chains have expanded their fresh food as well. 7-Eleven has fresh salads and sandwich melts, while Pilot Flying J opened a PJ Fresh Marketplace inside locations to serve fresh fruit, breakfast sandwiches, chicken wings and burgers.

As consumers reward retailers who stock healthier food with repeat business, more convenience stores are jumping on the fresh food bandwagon. “Customers want different foods, and it fits in nicely in that convenience stores are looking for alternative profit channels,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS spokesman. “There are consumer trends at work, and there are retail trends at work, that are driving this change.”

The majority of fresh food and grocery buys from a convenience store are for immediate consumption, with around 84% of c-store products consumed within an hour of being purchased, according to Lenard.

Read more about how convenience stores can offer healthier options in the April NACS Magazine.

Go to NACS reFresh more insights and resources on offering more fresh foods in your stores.

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