Research

NACS Research provides a robust portfolio of quantitative and qualitative research solutions designed to meet the unique needs of the convenience and fuel retailing industry.

Our vision is to advance the analytical capabilities, insights and business performance of retailers, brands and industry partners across our industry.

Latest News

May 19, 2022

Consumers Expected to Spend $20 Billion on Father’s Day This Year

The amount is close to last year’s spend of $20.1 billion, despite inflationary concerns.

May 18, 2022

Retail Sales Climbed in April

Gas station sales fell 2.7% last month but are up 36.9% from a year ago.

May 18, 2022

Here Are 5 Gen Z Dining Trends

Think functional foods, shared meals and knowing how their food got to them.

May 17, 2022

Consumers Say Inflation Is a Big Problem

70% of consumers are intentionally trying to save money, including opting for private labels and looking for promotions.

View All Research News

Contact

Lori Stillman
Vice President, Research
(703) 518-4242
lstillman@convenience.org

NACS Category Definitions & Number Guide NEW

Version 8.0 reflects new product transition, diversification and innovation.

See What's New

Industry Research & Data

NACS State of the Industry Report
The convenience and fuel retailing industry’s premier benchmarking tool and the most comprehensive collection of data and trends.

NACS State of the Industry Compensation Report
The latest data, trends and best practices on compensation, benefits, recruitment and turnover as reported by 127 retail companies, representing more than 41,000 stores of all sizes and over 313,000 employees.

Leveraging Car Wash Potential in Convenience Retail
Published in February 2022, this free report is best suited for retailers exploring the addition of a car wash to an existing site or looking into new build locations that would incorporate a car wash, as well as suppliers targeting a better understanding for car wash implementation at convenience retail locations.

U.S. Convenience Store Count
There are 148,026 U.S. convenience stores as of December 31, 2021, according to the latest NACS/Nielsen Convenience Industry Store Count.

NACS State of the Industry Survey
Submit your data to better understand your own business metrics and prepare yourself to benchmark against the industry when the final report is released.

Elevating Convenience Retail Delivery: Understanding Shopper Preferences
Published in November 2021, this free report will provide a better understanding for how retailers should structure their delivery efforts.

Convenience Retail Technology Implementation & Benchmarks
These two free reports outline convenience retailer technology adoption, the technology projects retailers are prioritizing, and how retailers should go about identifying the best technology providers for their business.

NACS Compensation Survey
By submitting your data you can benchmark against industry averages to see how you measure up.

Convenience Retail Energy Use Report
This report explores the data captured from the NACS Energy Use Survey and highlights potential cost savings from reducing energy use.

Fact Sheets
Facts and figures about the industry and its top-selling products and services.

Last Mile Fulfillment in Convenience Retail
This free report summarizes key points on last mile fulfillment adoption, provides recommendations for retailers on how to make the most from last mile fulfillment services, and details findings from our recent survey on last mile fulfillment.

What Is a Convenience Store?
This information describes the characteristics of the different types of convenience stores.

CSX, LLC
CSX is a dynamic, self-reported subscription database, providing financial and operational benchmarking services to both retailers and suppliers.

Consumer Insights

COVID-19 Impact on Consumer Behavior
A weekly look at trips and basket-level data in convenience retail.

Convenience Voices
Onsite mobile interviews and data designed to unlock actionable shopper insights at the “moment of truth.”

9 Habits of Gas-Buying Customers
A NACS report reveals 9 habits that gas-buying customers are likely displaying at the nearly 122,000 convenience stores in the United States that sell fuel.

Consumer Behavior at the Pump
NACS consumer surveys reveal how, when and where customers buy gas at U.S. convenience stores.

Time To Shop
Consumer insights on how convenience stores deliver quick shopping experiences.

Three Insights on Frequent C-Store Customers
Frequent customer trips and transactions are vital to the success and profitability of the U.S. convenience and fuel retailing industry.

What Consumers Think About Gas Prices
Insights from NACS Consumer Fuels Surveys on consumer perceptions related to gas prices and the economy overall.

Programs & Resources

NACS Category Definitions & Number Guide
These categories were created to establish performance benchmarks and a framework for retailers and manufacturers to have meaningful discussions regarding market performance comparisons. Version 8.0 reflects new product transition, diversification and innovation.

NACS/Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council
The NACS/Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council conducts studies on issues that help retailers respond to the changing marketplace.

Category Close Ups

Each month, NACS Magazine takes a deep dive into a different convenience store merchandise category, discussing the latest trends, data and predictions.