Candy Doesn’t Disappoint
If there’s one in-store category that evokes fun and brings a smile to a customer’s face, this is it.
By Chrissy Blasinsky
Growing up in the D.C. area, going to the National Zoo as a kid, whether with my family or on school field trips, is a cherished childhood memory.
The animals were of course the main attraction. But so was the gift shop and these giant rainbow-colored twisted and circular lollipops the size of my head. I’d beg my mom to buy one. She caved once, and that was it. All I did was make a mess of my face and I didn’t come close to eating the entire thing.
Candy was also a treat on Sundays after church, along with a slushie. I chose Necco Wafers and my brother opted for Swedish Fish.
This was all over 40 years ago.
Whenever I see those lollipops today, I think of the zoo. And I remember the excitement of going to our local High’s store for those Sunday treats, even if my parents were probably bribing us to behave.
A few years ago, I introduced my niece and nephew (both under age six) to Pop Rocks. Definitely one of my top 10 moments with them … a mix of excitement, shock and awe, what’s happening and then ooooh, we like this! Thank you, candy.
These memory bubbles will always link to one of the top selling in-store categories in convenience stores. And I’m betting I’m not alone saying that most people have a few favorite memories that involve candy—ribbon candy stuck to butterscotch discs in grandma’s fancy candy dish, a sweet treat after school with friends, trick-or-treating, Valentine’s Day, or even a memorable sweet treat after a long day of work.
C-Store Candy Data
Walk into any c-store today and you’ll find something reminiscent of childhood along with something totally new. Sours, hot and spicy, flavor mashups, freeze-dried, and flavor profiles that surpass the expected. There’s a strong mix of traditional confections and new entrants, different pack sizes, and brands that keep up with—and ahead of—what seems possible in c-store candy land.
Candy is one of those products where customers want to see the tried and true alongside something new. Healthier options with low or no sugar can sit cordially (no pun intended) next to a confection that cures a snack attack.
PDI Cloud Insights data from the NACS State of the Industry Report® of 2023 Data notes that candy sales in U.S. convenience stores are most popular on weekday afternoons between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Friday is the most popular day for candy sales, while weekend peak sales spread from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This shopper data indicates that customers are seeking an afternoon pick-me-up or an indulgent treat. It also suggests that customers might be visiting their local c-store with their kids, possibly after school or sports practice.
The National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) State of Treating report notes that non-chocolate candy has outperformed chocolate in recent years and highlighted the popularity of gummy candies—and no, not “those” types of gummies.
Seasonal candy sales also are a huge opportunity for c-stores. The top four seasons for confections are Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and the winter holidays (per NCA, the winter holidays account for 64 % of annual sales for the $48 billion confectionery industry).
Kicking off with National Candy Month in June, there’s also a fifth season for candy sales and excitement—summertime, the period of graduations, road trips, vacations, camping, Father’s Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and back to school.
Whatever and whenever the occasion, convenience stores candy aisles and endcaps have customers covered.