The5For

Posted on: Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025

Grab your coffee and let’s dive in! What were the 5 big stories hitting the convenience store world yesterday, Monday, April 21st? It’s Tuesday, April 22nd, and we’re taking a look at some key headlines that caught our eye on Monday the 21st. From the candy aisle to the gas pumps, significant changes are impacting the convenience store landscape. The ongoing battle for foodservice dominance adds to these changes. Let’s get into it!

1. What’s Sweet in 2025? C-Store Candy Trends

First up, let’s talk candy. C-Store Dive highlighted the top candy trends predicted for 2025 (link). Think beyond just new flavors (though those are always key). We’re seeing a continued push towards more interactive and experiential candies. These include unique texture combinations. There is also a potential increase in ‘better-for-you’ options trying to gain traction, even in this indulgent category. From a c-store perspective, staying ahead of these trends is crucial for maximizing impulse buys and keeping that center-store category exciting. What unique candy trends are you seeing success with?

2. Oh SNAP! Potential Bans on Soda & Candy

Next, a topic that could significantly impact c-store sales mixes: potential SNAP restrictions. C-Store Dive also reported on growing discussions and proposals aimed at banning the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing items like soda and candy (link). This isn’t a new debate, but it seems to be gaining fresh momentum. This ongoing debate really boils down to a clash between public health efforts and consumer freedom of choice. Additionally, these sweet treats provide a significant revenue boost for many of us in the industry. This is definitely one to watch, as any changes could alter front-end sales dynamics.

3. E10 Asks: Midwestern States Push for Year-Round Sales

Shifting gears to the forecourt, Convenience.org reports that seven Midwestern states are formally asking the EPA to take action allowing year-round sales of E10 gasoline (link). Currently, regulations require lower volatility gasoline blends during summer months to combat smog, which often restricts E10 sales. The states argue allowing year-round E10 could provide cost savings for consumers. Fuel regulations add complexity. This move highlights the ongoing push-pull between environmental rules and fuel standards. It also reflects the impact on pump prices. For those of you in the Midwest, what are your thoughts on this potential change?

4. Old News is New News: Restaurants Finally See C-Stores

Okay, this one might elicit an eye-roll from industry veterans, but it’s significant. Restaurant Dive is reporting on how restaurants are increasingly viewing convenience stores as serious foodservice competitors (link). They highlight recent foodservice launches and upgrades from players like RaceTrac, Dandy, Rutters, Royal Farms, Wawa, and Refuel. For those of us in the c-store world, this isn’t exactly breaking news – we’ve been building sophisticated food programs for years! But recognition from the traditional restaurant sector underscores how far c-store foodservice has evolved. It shows the real threat it poses to QSRs for breakfast, lunch, and snack occasions.

5. QSRs Strike Back… With Drinks?

Speaking of QSRs, they aren’t standing still. C-stores innovate with food. Meanwhile, quick-service restaurants are increasingly focusing on beverages to drive traffic. They aim to differentiate themselves, according to Convenience.org (link). Think new specialty coffee drinks, loaded teas, customized sodas, and unique frozen beverages. This beverage innovation mirrors what many leading c-stores are doing. It serves as a reminder that competition comes from all angles. We need to keep our fountain, coffee bar, and cooler selections fresh. We must not only stay fresh but also stay ahead of the curve to maintain our edge.

*Bonus Round: The Tariff Tightrope

And for our sixth point, zooming out to the broader economy: Tariffs. CFO Dive shares insights from Moody’s Chief Economist. He warns that a potential trade war could involve significant new tariffs. Such a war could push the U.S. economy toward a recession (link). While not strictly c-store news, major economic shifts, such as rising inflation or unemployment, are driven by trade policy. They inevitably impact consumer spending habits, fuel demand, and operational costs for retailers. It’s a macro-level factor we always need to keep in the back of our minds.

The Bottom Line

That’s the scoop for today! From micro-trends in the candy aisle to macro-economic concerns and the ever-evolving foodservice landscape, yesterday brought plenty to think about. The convenience industry never sits still, does it?

Have a great Tuesday!