U.S. convenience stores draw weekly repeat visits from 65 percent of customers. Food and beverages account for 58 percent of purchases. The latest figures detail sales patterns, workforce trends, and category shifts across the sector.
Key Takeaways
- 65% of U.S. c-store customers are repeat visitors weekly in 2023 surveys
- In 2023, U.S. convenience stores recorded total in-store sales of $301.3 billion, up 1.8% from 2022
- U.S. c-stores employ 1.8 million workers, averaging 12.1 employees per store in 2023
- Nicotine products SKUs average 45 per store, up 18% YoY in 2023
- Packaged beverages accounted for 28.5% of U.S. c-store in-store sales in 2023 at $28.4 billion
- U.S. c-store industry projected to grow 2.4% annually through 2028
Convenience store sales and foot traffic stayed steady, driven by loyal customers and quick everyday purchases.
Related reading
01 · Category
Consumer Trends27 stats
01
65% of U.S. c-store customers are repeat visitors weekly in 2023 surveys
02
42% of millennials visit c-stores 5+ times per week, highest frequency group in 2023
03
58% of U.S. c-store shoppers buy food/beverages as main purpose in 2023
04
Gen Z represents 24% of c-store customers, spending 15% more per visit than average in 2023
05
71% of consumers cite convenience/location as top reason for c-store choice in 2023
06
Women make up 52% of c-store customers, with higher foodservice purchases in 2023 data
07
39% of c-store visits are for quick meals/snacks, up from 34% in 2022 per 2023 survey
08
62% of urban consumers prefer c-stores over supermarkets for daily needs in 2023
09
Average c-store customer age is 41 years in 2023 U.S. studies
10
48% of customers use loyalty programs at c-stores, driving 20% higher spend in 2023
11
Hispanic consumers represent 22% of c-store traffic, 30% higher beverage purchases in 2023
12
55% of evening visits (after 6pm) are for alcohol in 2023 data
13
67% of parents with kids under 12 visit c-stores weekly for family snacks in 2023
14
Mobile app usage for c-store orders up 28% among 18-34 year olds in 2023
15
73% of truckers cite c-stores as primary fuel/food stop, 45 min average dwell time in 2023
16
31% growth in female customer foodservice orders post-COVID in 2023 surveys
17
44% of consumers willing to pay premium for fresh food at c-stores in 2023
18
Rural customers average 2.1 more items per basket than urban in 2023 data
19
56% of c-store customers influenced by promotions/signage in 2023
20
Boomers (55+) account for 28% of visits but 35% of tobacco sales in 2023
21
49% of customers use contactless payment, up 12% YoY in 2023
22
61% prefer c-stores for lottery over other retail in 2023 polls
23
EV drivers represent 3% of c-store fuel customers but growing 40% YoY in 2023
24
52% of health-conscious consumers buy better-for-you snacks at c-stores in 2023
25
Average basket size for morning rush (6-9am) is 1.8 items in 2023
26
68% of night shift workers rely on c-stores for meals, 2x average spend in 2023
27
37% increase in delivery app orders from c-stores among urban millennials 2023
Interpretation
Consumer Trends Interpretation
So, while the c-store customer is statistically a 41-year-old woman who visits weekly for a quick meal, the true portrait is a patchwork quilt stitched from the late-night beer run of a Gen Z spender, the family snack haul of a busy parent, the premium fresh-food craving of a millennial, the lottery ticket loyalty of a boomer, and the growing electric hum of a new era, all held together by the universal currency of sheer convenience.
02 · Category
Market Size and Growth30 stats
01
In 2023, U.S. convenience stores recorded total in-store sales of $301.3 billion, up 1.8% from 2022
02
The global convenience store market size was valued at $2.12 trillion in 2022 and is projected to reach $3.29 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%
03
U.S. convenience store industry saw fuel sales of $242.8 billion in 2023, representing a 4.2% decline year-over-year due to lower gas prices
04
Number of U.S. convenience stores reached 152,255 in 2023, an increase of 0.7% from 2022
05
Convenience store market in Asia-Pacific dominated with 37.5% revenue share in 2022, driven by urbanization in China and Japan
06
U.S. c-store inside sales per store averaged $1.98 million in 2023, up 2.1% from prior year
07
Global convenience retailing market expected to grow from $839.5 billion in 2023 to $1,192.3 billion by 2030 at 5.1% CAGR
08
In 2023, top 202 U.S. c-store chains controlled 41.7% of total industry locations
09
European convenience store market valued at €302 billion in 2022, with 5% annual growth projected through 2027
10
U.S. c-store industry merchandise sales hit $58.8 billion in 2023, a 3.4% increase YoY
11
Convenience store sector in India expected to grow at 11.2% CAGR from 2023-2028, reaching INR 1.2 lakh crore
12
Total U.S. c-store sales including fuel reached $544.1 billion in 2023
13
Japan convenience store market size was ¥11.8 trillion in fiscal 2022, with 55,000+ stores
14
U.S. c-store average gross margin on inside sales was 32.7% in 2023
15
Brazil convenience store market projected to grow from $15.2 billion in 2023 to $22.1 billion by 2030 at 5.5% CAGR
16
In 2023, U.S. c-stores sold 65.3 billion gallons of fuel, down 2.1% from 2022
17
UK convenience store sector turnover reached £49.5 billion in 2022, up 8% YoY
18
U.S. c-store industry net profit margin averaged 2.8% in 2023
19
South Korea convenience store market valued at KRW 25 trillion in 2022, with over 48,000 stores
20
Total U.S. c-store foodservice sales grew 5.2% to $22.4 billion in 2023
21
Australia convenience store market size estimated at AUD 4.5 billion in 2023, growing at 4.8% CAGR
22
In 2023, 78% of U.S. c-store revenue came from fuel sales
23
China convenience store count exceeded 220,000 in 2022, market value CNY 1.2 trillion
24
U.S. c-store EBITDA margin averaged 4.5% in 2023 for top performers
25
Mexico convenience store market reached $18.7 billion in 2023, up 6.1% YoY
26
U.S. c-store package beverage sales totaled $14.9 billion in 2023
27
Thailand convenience store market grew to THB 250 billion in 2022, with 18,000+ stores
28
In 2023, U.S. c-store average store size was 2,821 square feet
29
Canada convenience store industry sales hit CAD 38 billion in 2022
30
U.S. c-store lottery sales reached $32.5 billion in 2023, up 1.9%
Interpretation
Market Size and Growth Interpretation
The global convenience store market is quietly plotting world domination with trillion-dollar ambitions, while the American store's survival hinges on selling a lot more snacks to make up for slightly cheaper gas.
03 · Category
Operations and Workforce28 stats
01
U.S. c-stores employ 1.8 million workers, averaging 12.1 employees per store in 2023
02
Average U.S. c-store operates 23.8 hours per day, 85% are 24-hour in 2023
03
92% of U.S. c-stores offer ATM services, generating $1.2 billion in fees annually 2023
04
C-store employee turnover rate averaged 92% in 2023, highest in retail sector
05
Average wage for c-store clerks is $12.45/hour in 2023 U.S. data
06
76% of U.S. c-stores have self-checkout kiosks installed by end of 2023
07
Fueling positions account for 45% of all c-store jobs in 2023
08
68% of operators report labor shortages as top challenge in 2023 survey
09
Average c-store training hours per new employee: 28 hours in 2023
10
41% of U.S. c-stores owned by independents, operating 58% of locations in 2023
11
Loyalty program membership averages 1,250 per store in 2023
12
55% of c-stores use AI for inventory management in 2023, reducing stockouts by 22%
13
Average utility costs per U.S. c-store: $2,800/month in 2023
14
83% of stores offer curbside pickup services in 2023, up from 45% in 2021
15
Theft losses average 1.2% of sales, $650k per large chain store in 2023
16
29% of workforce is part-time, averaging 25 hours/week in 2023 data
17
EV charging stations at 12% of U.S. c-stores in 2023, up 300% since 2020
18
Average rent expense: 7.2% of sales for leased c-stores in 2023
19
64% implement mobile POS systems for faster service in 2023
20
Food prep stations in 72% of stores, with average 15 food items offered 2023
21
51% use automated payroll systems to combat labor issues in 2023
22
Average store maintenance cost: $45,000/year per location in 2023
23
37% of managers have 5+ years experience, key to retention in 2023 survey
24
Car wash services at 22% of sites, adding $1.5 billion revenue in 2023
25
78% compliance with age verification for tobacco in 2023 audits
26
Delivery partnerships (DoorDash/Uber) at 46% of stores in 2023
27
Average inventory turnover rate: 18.2 times/year for merchandise in 2023
28
66% have implemented energy-efficient lighting, saving 15% on bills 2023
Interpretation
Operations and Workforce Interpretation
The American convenience store runs on a paradox of perpetual human hustle and technological efficiency, desperately patching a 92% turnover rate with loyalty programs and self-checkout kiosks while its ATMs quietly harvest over a billion dollars a year from the very customers its overworked, underpaid clerks struggle to serve.
More related reading
04 · Category
Products and Merchandise28 stats
01
Nicotine products SKUs average 45 per store, up 18% YoY in 2023
02
Packaged beverages comprise 30% of in-store sales, with 150+ SKUs average per store 2023
03
Fresh food offerings in 89% of U.S. c-stores, average 12 prepared items daily 2023
04
Candy category averages 75 SKUs per store, 22% impulse buy rate in 2023
05
Beer coolers in 95% of stores, average 4.2 facings per brand in 2023 data
06
Healthy snacks now 18% of snack shelf space, up from 10% in 2020 per 2023
07
Lottery terminals in 78% of U.S. c-stores, average $212k sales/store 2023
08
Energy drinks average 25 SKUs, Red Bull holds 35% share in 2023
09
Cigarette displays reduced to 12 brands average due to regulations 2023
10
Bottled water SKUs up 12% to 40 per store in 2023
11
Foodservice hot hold units in 65% of stores, average 8 menu options 2023
12
Nicotine pouches SKUs tripled to 15 average per store in 2023
13
Salty snacks average 60 SKUs, 28% of category sales from new flavors 2023
14
Wine selection averages 20 SKUs in alcohol-selling stores 2023
15
Plant-based options in 42% of fresh food cases, up 150% since 2021 2023
16
OTP products average 35 SKUs, vapes 22% of tobacco space 2023
17
Coffee machines in 94% of stores, average 3 brew types offered 2023
18
Better-for-you beverages 25% of cooler space in progressive stores 2023
19
Candy with functional ingredients up 34% in assortment 2023 survey
20
Average floral/grocery SKUs: 45, seasonal items boost 20% sales 2023
21
Roller grill items average 6 types, 70% hot dogs/sausages 2023
22
CBD products in 18% of stores, average 8 SKUs despite regulations 2023
23
Sports drinks 18% of non-alc beverage sales, Gatorade 42% share 2023
24
Breakfast sandwiches in 82% foodservice, average 10 varieties 2023
25
Gum/mints average 30 SKUs, 15% near-checkout impulse 2023
26
U.S. c-store sustainable packaging adoption at 45% for beverages in 2023
27
E-cigarette/vape SKUs average 28, but declining 5% YoY 2023
28
Private label products 12% of total merchandise sales in 2023
Interpretation
Products and Merchandise Interpretation
The American convenience store has masterfully evolved from a simple pitstop into a curated ecosystem of vice and virtue, where you can simultaneously gamble on a lottery ticket, grab a nicotine pouch, and feel virtuous about your sparkling water and kale chips, all while the eternal roller grill hot dog turns slowly under the fluorescent glow.
05 · Category
Sales and Revenue28 stats
01
Packaged beverages accounted for 28.5% of U.S. c-store in-store sales in 2023 at $28.4 billion
02
Cigarettes represented 22.1% of in-store sales in 2023, totaling $22.0 billion despite 5.2% decline
03
U.S. c-store foodservice sales surged 7.8% to $24.1 billion in 2023
04
Average U.S. c-store inside sales per customer transaction was $3.42in 2023, up 4.1%
05
Candy category sales grew 3.6% to $9.8 billion in U.S. c-stores in 2023
06
U.S. c-store fuel profit margin averaged 19.4 cents per gallon in 2023
07
Snacks/Nuts sales hit $12.7 billion in 2023, 24.3% of in-store gross margin dollars
08
Average daily customer traffic per U.S. c-store was 1,248 in 2023, up 2.3%
09
Beer sales in U.S. c-stores totaled $11.2 billion in 2023, flat YoY
10
Alternative snacks/packaged goods grew 6.4% to $8.5 billion in 2023
11
U.S. c-store average gross profit per store from inside sales was $650,000in 2023
12
Cigarette equivalent unit sales fell 8.7% to 133.1 billion in U.S. c-stores in 2023
13
Prepared food sales increased 9.2% to $15.3 billion in 2023
14
U.S. c-store tobacco products sales down 4.8% to $23.4 billion in 2023
15
Energy drinks sales rose 5.1% to $7.9 billion, 15% of beverage category
16
Average U.S. c-store fuel gallons sold per month was 147,300 in 2023
17
Salty snacks sales grew 2.9% to $10.2 billion in 2023
18
Other tobacco products (OTP) sales up 3.2% to $9.1 billion in 2023
19
Carbonated soft drinks sales declined 1.4% to $6.8 billion in 2023
20
U.S. c-store average inside sales per square foot was $703in 2023
21
Hot beverages sales increased 4.7% to $4.2 billion in 2023
22
Sports/energy drinks captured 28.4% of energy drink sales in 2023
23
Grocery items sales fell 0.8% to $5.6 billion in U.S. c-stores 2023
24
U.S. c-store nicotine pouches sales grew 45% to $1.2 billion in 2023
25
Bottled water sales up 3.9% to $5.1 billion in 2023
26
Average transaction size for foodservice was $8.15in 2023
27
Wine sales in U.S. c-stores reached $2.3 billion in 2023, up 2.1%
28
Fresh food sales grew 11.2% to $6.7 billion in 2023
Interpretation
Sales and Revenue Interpretation
While the cigarette sales are slowly fading like a bad habit, the modern American convenience store is caffeinating, snacking, and foodservice-ing its way to a future where the real addiction is to $8.15 freshly prepared sandwiches and a side of moral superiority with your nicotine pouch.
06 · Category
Trends and Future Projections30 stats
01
U.S. c-store industry projected to grow 2.4% annually through 2028
02
Foodservice expected to reach 30% of in-store sales by 2027 from 22% in 2023
03
EV charging demand to add $2.5 billion revenue by 2030 for c-stores
04
Nicotine pouz sales forecasted to hit $5 billion by 2027, CAGR 35%
05
Cashless society trend: 65% transactions card/digital by 2027 projection
06
Micro-fulfillment centers at c-stores to grow 40% by 2028
07
Healthy/BFU snacks projected 8% CAGR to $20 billion by 2030
08
Autonomous stores to represent 5% of new openings by 2030
09
Fuel sales decline projected 3% annually to 2030 due to EVs
10
Delivery sales to double to 10% of total by 2027
11
AI inventory tech adoption to 85% by 2028, cutting waste 30%
12
Plant-based foods to 25% of foodservice menu by 2030
13
Labor automation (self-checkout) to save $4 billion annually by 2027
14
Ghost kitchens partnerships up 50% by 2026 forecast
15
Loyalty apps to drive 25% sales uplift by 2030 digital trend
16
Zero-emission mandates to force 20% site retrofits by 2035
17
Gen Alpha to be 30% of customers by 2030, demanding tech integration
18
Tobacco sales to fall to 15% of in-store by 2028 from 22% 2023
19
Experiential retail (events/pop-ups) to boost footfall 15% by 2027
20
Beverage category innovation (RTP) to grow 12% CAGR to 2030
21
Supply chain resilience investments up 60% post-2023 disruptions forecast
22
Omnichannel sales to 35% of total revenue by 2030 projection
23
Sustainability certifications at 70% of chains by 2028 green trend
24
Hyper-local sourcing for fresh foods to 40% by 2027 supply shift
25
Data analytics for personalization to increase margins 5% by 2030
26
C-store count stable at 150k-155k through 2028 consolidation trend
27
Premium alcohol (craft beer/spirits) to 28% category share by 2027
28
Drone delivery pilots at 10% of stores by 2030 logistics future
29
Wellness products (vitamins/gummies) 15% CAGR to $8b by 2030
30
24/7 operations to dip to 75% as labor costs rise by 2028
Interpretation
Trends and Future Projections Interpretation
The modern American convenience store is frantically evolving from a gas station with a cigarette rack into a tech-integrated, food-focused, community hub that's trying to offset the loss of fuel and tobacco by selling you locally-sourced avocado toast, a nicotine pouch, and a charging session for your EV while you pick up your drone-delivered order.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Gabrielle Fontaine. (2026, February 13). Convenience Store Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/convenience-store-industry-statistics
MLA
Gabrielle Fontaine. "Convenience Store Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/convenience-store-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Gabrielle Fontaine. 2026. "Convenience Store Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/convenience-store-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
14 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level