More Consumers Turn to C-Stores Over QSRs

Intouch Insight, a software company, released its 2025 Convenience Store Trends Report this week, looking at “how American shoppers define great convenience,” the company said.

According to the company, the top findings include:

• Made-to-order goes mainstream: 85% of U.S. shoppers have tried made-to-order food at a convenience store, and hot-meal purchases climbed from 29% in 2024 to 35% in 2025.
• Value parity with QSRs: 72% now view c-stores as a viable alternative to quick-service restaurants, up from 56% a year ago.
• Loyalty: 72% of shoppers are in a c-store loyalty program and 85% would join if rewards were personalized.
• Retail media: 47% of shoppers noticed digital ads on-site—almost double last year's 27%—and more than one-third bought something because of them.
• EV charging drives incremental visits: 20% of consumers choose a store specifically for its EV chargers; millennials age 25-34 over-index at 45%.
• Clean stores and trust: 70% say overall cleanliness influences whether they believe food is fresh.

“Taken together, these six trends reveal a convenience landscape where foodservice now rivals fuel, tech-enabled touchpoints extend dwell time and loyalty programs bridge the gap between on-site and digital engagement. Success in 2025 and beyond hinges on synchronizing frontline execution with data-driven personalization—turning every visit into an opportunity to deepen share-of-wallet and strengthen brand affinity,” Intouch Insight said.