The convenience store industry is one of the largest retail channels in the United States, yet it has been struggling in recent years. Despite having over 150,000 locations across the country, the industry is still working to fully embrace technology and utilize it in its operations. With a significant market share, convenience stores sell a majority of transportation fuel and nicotine products, as well as fast food, beer, and packaged beverages. This translates to serving over 160 million consumers daily at roughly 152,000 locations across the U.S.
At the beginning of the 2024 Conexxus Annual Conference in Arlington on April 29, Executive Director Gray Taylor highlighted the fragmented nature of the convenience store industry. Although large compared to other small retail sectors, this industry is vulnerable to larger competitors due to its size and influence. Taylor emphasized the need for resilience and unity among convenience store owners and operators in order to assert their collective power and importance in the market. By working together towards a common goal, convenience stores can show that despite being small individually, they are a force to be reckoned with in the retail landscape.
