GSTV: 80% of Viewers are Considering a Road Trip This Fall
C-stores play a central role—73% of respondents stop for snacks or breaks along the way.
Sep 10, 2026 | 2 min read
GSTV recently released new survey data revealing how the convergence of fall travel and football season creates “impactful opportunities” for retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands to connect with consumers on the go, the company said in a press release sent to NACS.
“According to GSTV's most recent Consumer Pulse, more than 80% of GSTV viewers are planning or considering a road trip, and nearly nine in 10 (88%) expect to participate as a fan in football season in some capacity, from college games to NFL and beyond. This creates valuable opportunities for retailers and CPG brands to connect with consumers as they fuel up ahead of their shopping trips for the big game or heading out for a weekend road trip. After seeing a gas station ad, 96% of viewers reported recognizing the brand later, considering a purchase, researching it or making a purchase,” GSTV said.
For fall road trippers, research found that cost ranked as the top reason consumers choose driving over flying—nearly eight in 10 (79%) said it is an important factor in their decision.
“Gas stations and convenience stores play a central role in their road trip experience, with 73% of respondents saying they stop for snacks or breaks along the way, making these stops more common than any other trip activity, including dining at restaurants,” GSTV highlighted.
Among consumers planning to watch football this season, 75% pick up food or snacks before a game.
“Heading into the fall season, consumers are moving through a series of high-value moments, from road trips and fuel stops to game day shopping needs,” said Tiffany Southwell, senior vice president, measurement, customer experience and product at GSTV. “This creates opportunities for retailers and CPG brands to become part of the journey, especially as consumers are actively looking for snacks and drinks to take with them. The convenience channel, as well as other retailers on the consumer’s journey, are positioned to play an integral role for road trippers and football viewers, and c-stores are proving to be the ultimate destination for CPG brands to break through to audiences on the road.”
