Growth Beyond the Forecourt: Takeaways From the Latest SOI Data
Join NACS for a look at insights from the State of the Industry Report and explore trends shaping in-store performance.
Sep 03, 2026 | 2 min read
As convenience retailers navigate ongoing profitability pressures, growth is increasingly being driven inside the store. Changing consumer expectations, evolving shopping behaviors and shifting category performance are creating new opportunities—and new challenges—for retailers and suppliers alike.
Join the NACS Research team on September 10 at 2 p.m. EST for a free virtual session titled “Finding Growth Beyond the Forecourt- The State of Convenience Series Part 2” for an exclusive look at insights from the latest State of the Industry Report® and explore the trends shaping in-store performance today.
In Part 1 of the State of Convenience Series: Profit Under Pressure, Chris Rapanick, managing director of research, examined the industry trends shaping profitability, from rising operating costs and margin pressure to fuel performance, alternative revenue streams and strategies for long-term resilience.
Part 1 explored the pressures facing convenience retailers today. Part 2 shifts the focus to where growth is happening.
Jayme Gough, PMP, director of research and development, and Chris Wise, research analyst, will examine consumer behavior, merchandise and category trends, foodservice's growing role in the convenience business and the operational strategies helping retailers drive growth, and what the data means.
From identifying category opportunities to understanding changing shopper needs, this session will provide practical insights to help retailers and suppliers make more informed decisions about where to invest, compete and grow.
Takeaways include:
- The current state of consumer behavior and expectations.
- Which merchandise and foodservice categories are driving performance.
- Where retailers are finding the strongest in-store growth opportunities.
- What industry trends may shape convenience retail over the next several years.
Register for the session here.
The NACS State of the Industry (SOI) Report® is the industry’s leading tool for benchmarking your business, with the most comprehensive collection of data and trends in critical categories, including financials, store operations, merchandise, foodservice, fuels and more. Purchase the NACS State of the Industry (SOI) Report® of 2025 Data here.
