Global Convenience Stores Market - 2024-2031

Global Convenience Stores Market - 2024-2031

Global Convenience Stores Market reached US$ 659.23 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 1,086.32 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 6.44% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Convenience stores typically function in compact spaces and maintain extended operating hours, with some locations open 24/7. The establishments frequently operate late at night, early in the morning and on holidays. Numerous clients depend on them for urgent acquisitions of items including over-the-counter medications, ice, milk and eggs when conventional stores are closed.

Convenience stores offer various advantages due to their strategic placement in high-traffic areas, such as near railway stations or fuel stations, allowing customers to swiftly acquire necessary commodities, a significant element contributing to market growth. Furthermore, local corner stores are facilitating home delivery through partnerships with companies such as Uber Eats, which is driving consumer demand for their desired products and contributing to industry growth.

The rise in the purchasing power of the middle-class demographic in China and Vietnam is ascribed to the heightened need for convenience stores. Moreover, Vietnam experienced the most rapid expansion of convenience stores, particularly in metropolitan regions, attributed to lifestyle transformations and the fast-paced nature of consumer life.

Dynamics

Leveraging Retail Media Networks

The increasing significance of Retail Media Networks (RMNs) is a crucial catalyst for the growth of the global convenience store business. Due to substantial daily foot traffic, convenience stores have emerged as optimal venues for in-store advertising. By utilizing RMNs, convenience stores can access an additional revenue stream by offering advertising space to third-party companies, a strategy increasingly adopted by prominent chains such as Wawa, Casey’s General Stores and 7-Eleven. This transition to in-store RMNs underscores the opportunity for convenience businesses to leverage their customer base and improve overall profitability.

Moreover, the anticipated revenue from RMNs is significant, with predicted advertising sales reaching US$ 89 billion by 2026. This expansion is driven by the rising prevalence of digital advertising in convenience stores, as research indicates a direct relationship between in-store advertising and customer purchases. Approximately 35% of customers indicated that they purchased an advertised product, demonstrating the substantial influence of media on consumer behavior. As convenience stores increasingly adopt RMNs, this new revenue model is poised to significantly influence market growth, rendering it a vital element in the sector's future advancement.

Demographics and the Rise of EV Charging

The demographic landscape profoundly impacts the worldwide convenience store business, as younger consumers increasingly favor establishments that include contemporary conveniences like electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Recent data indicates that 34% of individuals aged 18-44 favor retail sites with EV charging stations, in contrast to merely 14% of those aged 45 and above. This transition underscores the growing necessity for convenience stores to address the changing preferences of younger, technology-oriented consumers who emphasize sustainability and convenience.

The integration of EV charging stations at convenience stores serves as a significant market catalyst, reflecting the overarching trend of environmental awareness and the uptake of electric vehicles. As consumers increasingly choose convenience stores that align with their lifestyles, particularly concerning sustainable mobility, retailers are responding by incorporating these services. This demographic trend highlights the increasing necessity of providing value-added features to engage younger consumers, hence propelling growth in the convenience store industry.

Inaccurate or Incomplete Sales Tracking

Many small-scale convenience stores still rely on manual sales tracking methods, which are not only inefficient but also prone to errors. Inaccurate data can severely impact decision-making processes, preventing store owners from fully understanding customer preferences, managing inventory effectively and making informed business decisions. This limitation hampers the ability to optimize operations, leading to potential revenue loss and a decline in customer satisfaction.

Additionally, the reliance on manual tracking systems limits the ability of convenience stores to gain detailed insights into their performance. Without automated sales tracking solutions, it becomes difficult to analyze trends, identify best-selling products and understand customer behavior comprehensively. Store owners may miss out on crucial information such as peak sales hours or inventory needs, which are essential for long-term growth and profitability. This lack of data-driven decision-making can result in poor inventory management, missed opportunities and a failure to adapt to shifting consumer demands.

Segment Analysis

The global convenience stores market is segmented based on product, store type, end-user and region.

Rising Global Nicotine Consumption

Tobacco products persist in leading the convenience store sector, propelled by the global increase in nicotine consumption and the extensive accessibility of tobacco goods in local establishments. Tobacco products, especially cigarettes, have superior sales volume relative to other convenience store merchandise, greatly enhancing revenue within the industry. This tendency is driven by the persistent demand for cigarettes and other tobacco products, which are easily obtainable in convenience stores, rendering them a principal source of revenue for several businesses worldwide.

The prevalence of tobacco goods in convenience stores encounters regulatory obstacles, especially from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Proposed legislation, including a prospective ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, together with strict controls on flavored e-cigarettes, may influence market dynamics. The FDA's continuous regulatory initiatives on health warnings, roll-your-own tobacco and synthetic nicotine may influence product availability and store operations. Notwithstanding these problems, the prevalence of tobacco products persists due to sustained customer demand and the pivotal role of convenience stores in their distribution.

Geographical Penetration

Innovation and Expansion in North America

North America is the preeminent area in the worldwide convenience store market, propelled by substantial expansion and vigorous sector growth. In 2023, the US convenience store sector established 2,222 new locations, outpacing all other retail types, while Canada and Mexico also exhibited significant development through sales increases. This expansion is driven by the development of innovative store formats that prioritize superior prepared foods, beverages and a broader assortment of products, so attracting increased consumer traffic. Tobacco and gasoline goods continue to be vital revenue sources, however the sector's expansion into innovative offers is enhancing its market supremacy.

Technological innovations and changes in consumer behavior are transforming the North American convenience store sector. Retailers are incorporating self-checkout technologies, customized shopping experiences and retail media to improve operations and customer engagement. Furthermore, the sector is adjusting to essential transformations, like the increasing prevalence of electric automobiles diminishing dependence on gasoline sales and the progressive evolution in nicotine use trends.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include 7-Eleven, Easy-Joy, Family Mart, Meiyijia, uSmile, OXXO, Indomaret, Alfamart, Pyaterochka and Magnit.

Sustainability Analysis

Sustainability has become a pivotal focus in the convenience store market, with retailers adopting environmentally conscious practices to align with their business objectives and meet consumer expectations. By enhancing operational efficiencies, convenience stores can achieve cost savings while minimizing environmental impact. Key initiatives include reducing energy and water consumption, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifying traditional convenience stores as energy-intensive small businesses.

Investments in renewable energy, such as solar power and sustainable equipment choices further address long-term cost efficiency and environmental preservation. These measures not only mitigate the ecological footprint but also resonate with consumers' increasing demand for sustainable business practices. The importance of sustainability extends beyond operational benefits to addressing broader environmental challenges, such as food waste and its repercussions.

Convenience stores, which generate significant municipal solid waste (MSW), can play a crucial role in minimizing food wastage, reducing greenhouse gas emissions like methane and preserving valuable agricultural resources. As research shows, food waste contributes significantly to climate change and global food price volatility, underscoring the need for sustainable practices. By adopting these strategies, convenience store owners can help mitigate climate impacts, ensure resource efficiency and foster stronger customer loyalty, ultimately driving long-term success.

Consumer Behaviour Analysis

Consumer behavior in the convenience store sector is influenced by the demand for rapid, uncomplicated shopping experiences, appealing to a wide range of demographics. The client demographic, once predominantly comprised of boys aged 15-24, now encompasses a substantial segment of women, driven by multitasking and urgent requirements. Rapid decisions characterize consumer behavior—84% of fuel patrons evaluate store cleanliness prior to entry, with 45% acquiring beverages and 36% procuring food.

The typical consumer allocates less than four minutes in-store, interacting with 606 product displays at an average of 0.3 seconds per display. Despite a lower frequency of discounts compared to grocery stores, 46% of customers purchase only a single item every visit, emphasizing convenience. Distinct consumer profiles encompass habitual ""Jones"" customers, community-oriented ""Neighbors,"" goal-oriented ""Last-Minute Shoppers,"" and adventurous ""Thrill Seekers,"" who are receptive to marketing efforts.

Millennials, accounting for one-fifth of household expenditures, constitute a vital demographic, prioritizing distinctive cuisine choices and digital convenience such as mobile ordering. Moreover, beer constitutes 13% of overall sales, highlighting the necessity of providing cool, quality and craft selections. As demand for healthier, premium options and technology-driven shopping rises, convenience stores must modify their products and services to meet changing consumer expectations, thereby improving their competitiveness in a rapidly developing retail landscape.

By Product
• Food & Beverages
• Tobacco Products
• Health & Personal Care Products
• Household Goods
• Others

By Store Type
• Kiosks
• Mini Convenience Stores
• Limited Selection Convenience Stores
• Traditional Convenience Stores
• Expanded Convenience Stores
• Hyper Convenience Stores

By End-User
• Individual Consumers
• Businesses/Corporates

By Region
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
• South America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments
• In January 2024, 7-Eleven, Inc. announced its deal to acquire 204 locations from Sunoco LP, which includes Stripes convenience stores and Laredo Taco Company restaurants.
• In November 2023, Casey's General Stores announced its plan to acquire 22 Lone Star Food Stores in North Texas from W. Douglass Distributing Ltd.
• In December 2023, Casey's finalized the acquisition of 11 EZ Go-branded convenience outlets from Love's Travel Stops & Country outlets in Oklahoma and Nebraska. These stores are scheduled for rebranding to conform with the Casey's retail brand.

Why Purchase the Report?
• To visualize the global convenience stores market segmentation based on product, store type, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the convenience stores market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global convenience stores market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 56 figures and 203 pages.

Target Audience 2024
• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies