On-the-Go Shoppers Fuel Convenience Store Growth

Not long ago, industry execs fretted that consumer frugality would put a damper on convenience-store growth, but a new report from IRI shows the channel is thriving. Compared to grocery and drug stores, it says convenience stores were the only channel to grow in both dollar and unit sales in 2012.
Led by such giants as 7-Eleven, Shell, and BP, IRI says there are now some 149,000 convenience stores, with roughly two-thirds owned by independents. Increasingly, these stores are stepping away from their cookie-cutter roots, adding kiosks, healthier food options, fresh foods and payment innovations.  MediaPost, Marketing Daily – Read more…​