Convenience Stores

The 65,068 convenience store companies in the US sell a limited selection of merchandise in high-traffic locations. The majority of convenience stores in the US sell gasoline. Most convenience stores are independent operators – 60% of c-stores have a single location.

Rising Credit Card Fees 

The cost of credit/debit fees continues to grow and can exceed the pre-tax profits for a c-store.

Reliance on Fuel Sales

Managing fuel sales is a critical yet risky part of c-store operations.

Jul 18, 2026 - Buc-ee’s Aggressive Expansion

• Buc-ee's aggressive national expansion is raising the competitive stakes for US convenience stores by combining massive travel centers, low fuel prices, extensive food offerings, and a strong customer experience that draws motorists away from traditional operators, The Wall Street Journal reports. The family-owned Texas-based chain’s new locations, featuring a cap-wearing Beaver mascot, are generating exceptional sales, including more than $1 million on opening day at its first Ohio store, underscoring the chain's ability to attract heavy traffic, according to WSJ. Buc-ee's is also aggressively protecting its brand through trademark lawsuits against regional chains with animal mascots, including an alligator, a duck, and chickens, signaling its intent to dominate new markets. For established convenience stores, the growing presence of Buc-ee's increases competitive pressure on fuel pricing, prepared food, store amenities, and branding, making differentiation and customer loyalty more important as Buc-ee’s expands into more new states.
• After years of consolidation and footprint expansion, convenience stores are increasingly focusing on asset optimization, operational efficiency, and profitability rather than simply expanding store counts, Convenience Stores News reports. Many chains are investing in remodels, food service upgrades, new equipment and technology that can improve customer traffic, basket size, and returns on capital. Operators are also pruning underperforming stores and markets to redirect resources toward higher-growth opportunities. At the same time, growing competition from national chains is pushing regional and local operators to differentiate themselves through better customer experiences, fresh food offerings, community engagement, and stronger brand identities. Industry watchers note that while scale remains important, success is increasingly measured by the productivity and profitability of individual stores rather than the size of a chain's footprint. The shift reflects rising operating costs, tighter capital budgets, and the need for faster returns on investment.
• The EPA’s emergency waiver allowing nationwide E15 gasoline sales this summer creates both opportunities and operational challenges for convenience stores that sell fuel, Energy Marketers of America reports. By easing volatility restrictions and aligning E10 and E15 standards, the policy helps expand the fuel supply and potentially lower wholesale gasoline costs, supporting sales during peak driving season. However, retailers must navigate operational complexity and short-term price volatility. C-stores need to confirm fuel specifications with suppliers, monitor terminal inventory and pricing, and ensure compliance with storage and regulatory requirements when offering E15, which contains 15% ethanol, a renewable alcohol derived from corn. The earlier rollout also requires faster preparation and coordination across the supply chain. While the waiver may boost availability and sales volumes, c-stores face increased compliance burdens and pricing uncertainty, requiring careful inventory management and supplier coordination to protect margins.
• Higher prices for gasoline and diesel, fueled a 21.7% rise in producer prices for gasoline stations in June compared to a year ago, after rising 5.9% in the previous June-versus-June annual comparison, according to the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. In June, the average retail price for regular gasoline was $4.05 per gallon, down 9.6% from May but up 28.6% versus June 2025, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Employment by convenience stores grew 2.4% YoY in May, while the average industry wage rose 11.3% over the same period to a new high of $18.44 per hour, BLS data show. When fuel prices rise, gas stations earn larger margins, but pay more for fuel supplies.

Industry size & Structure

An average convenience store sells gas, operates out of 1-2 locations, employs 6 full-time workers, and generates almost $6.5 million annually.

• The convenience store industry consists of about 65,00 companies with over 137,000 stores, which generate about $860 billion annually and employ 165,700 workers, according to the Census Bureau.

• The average convenience store had 5,103 transactions (at the pump and in-store) per week in 2025, or 729 per day.

• Single-store operators account for roughly 60% of all c-stores, and 88% employ fewer than 10 workers.

• The average c-store chain has about 50 individual stores.

• Foodservice sales accounted for 28.5% of in-store sales and 38.9% of in-store gross margin dollars at convenience stores in 2025, per the National Association of Convenience Stores.

• Large companies include 7-Eleven, Couche-Tard, Casey's General Stores, and EG America (Cumberland Farms, Kwik Stop, Turkey Hill).