#177 - The Convenience Channel: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
From Circana Unpacked by Circana
June 6, 2025 · 22 min · Episode 178
About this episode
Anthony Dostal discusses the trends, challenges, and opportunities within the convenience channel, focusing on consumer behavior and strategies for growth.
There are more than 150,000 convenience stores across the U.S., and while multiple chains make up the majority, these typically small-format stores can vary widely from urban to suburban to rural. To some consumers, it might be the store where they purchase auto fuel. For others, it serves as their local grocer or a place to grab morning coffee. Circana’s Anthony Dostal, director of retail insights for the convenience channel, talks about the state of the convenience channel, including consumer behavior, competition, and strategies for growth. Highlights: While location and price remain the primary influencers of convenience store selection, the quality of products and services is becoming an increasingly significant factor. Inflation and economic headwinds are affecting discretionary purchases and driving consumers to look for better value. The competitive arena for c-stores is vast, and includes other convenience stores, grocery, dollar, club, and quick service restaurants. Foodservice is a top opportunity for regaining traffic and sales in c-stores, but other opportunities include expanding private label offerings and leveraging loyalty programs. Some retailers are leaning…
People in this episode
Guest: Anthony Dostal
Topics covered
- convenience stores
- consumer behavior
- competition
- growth strategies
- foodservice
- private label
- loyalty programs
- digital engagement
Keywords
- inflation
- economic headwinds
- value
- traffic
- sales
Mentioned in this episode
Places: U.S.
More episodes of Circana Unpacked
- #4 - Serving Up the Future of Foodservice · April 9, 2026 · 26 min
- #3 - Navigating the Seismic Shifts in TV Viewing · March 23, 2026 · 25 min
- #2 - How 7 Generations are Shaping Demand – and What that Means for Brands and Retailers · March 2, 2026 · 18 min
- #1 - Why Success in 2026 Will Go to Organizations Grounded in Truth · February 2, 2026 · 17 min
- #179 - Harnessing the Power of Social Media: Launching New CPG Products with Impact · July 7, 2025 · 34 min
- #178 - Sustainability: What the U.S. Can Learn From EMEA · June 11, 2025 · 19 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Circana Unpacked podcast page.