Convenience store sales see significant drop
The 2026 NACS Show kicked off with a series of education sessions, covering various aspects of convenience retail, including M&A strategies, unique store designs, and category trends. One of the key discussions focused on the risks associated with building, buying, and remodeling convenience stores.
Irfan Tejani, president and CEO of Pinnacle Oil & Gas Holdings, emphasized that each strategy has its own strengths and weaknesses, and retailers should prioritize risk-adjusted returns on their investments. Tejani noted that building is ideal when the market is healthy, and the site has exceptional economics, while buying makes sense when an existing site has a good customer base and infrastructure.
Travel Centers and C-Stores: Different Management Needs
Traditional c-store retailers expanding into travel centers should be aware of the unique management needs of these facilities. Jeremie Myhren, co-founder of OnRamp, warned that applying the same operating model to both travel centers and traditional c-stores can be a mistake. Myhren highlighted the differences in labor needs, wear and tear on the forecourt, and merchandise tailored to truck drivers.
Monica Androsko, vice president of brand, mobility and risk for LV Petroleum, agreed that travel centers require a distinct approach. She emphasized the importance of considering the needs of truck drivers, who often spend more time at travel centers after long hours on the road. Androsko noted that the industry’s growing focus on stores as third places may be even more critical at travel centers.
Chris Rapanick, managing director of NACS Research, presented the industry’s year-over-year performance, revealing a 4.5% drop in in-store transactions during the first half of 2026. This decline is concerning, as it indicates that consumers are increasingly skipping the store during their fuel trips. Rapanick advised small operators to exercise caution when investing in premium foodservice offerings, given the industry’s struggles with inside transactions.
Foodservice and Beverage Trends
Rapanick suggested that small operators should “hit the brakes” on launching made-to-order programs unless the opportunity is undeniable. Instead, they should focus on controlling costs and exploring alternative opportunities, such as commissary services. Suzy Badaracco, president of Culinary Tides, discussed the importance of considering how beverages fit into consumers’ daily lives, highlighting the potential for retailers to expand their beverage programs beyond traditional coffee offerings.
Badaracco noted that consumers spent almost $300 billion on functional beverages last year, presenting an opportunity for retailers to build small indulgences into habits. She emphasized the importance of tying functional drinks into consumers’ schedules and needs, from midday boosts to post-workout hydration and recovery. As the convenience retail industry continues to evolve, retailers must adapt to changing consumer preferences and behaviors.
Experts speaking at the electric vehicle charging panel highlighted the importance of tracking not only uptime but also first-attempt reliability. Jason Cortes, vice president of e-mobility for Field Advantage, noted that a retailer may have only one chance to impress a customer, and it doesn’t matter if the site has 99% uptime if it’s not working when the driver needs it. Gen Comtois, EV liaison for NACS, added that EV drivers tend to be loyal to charging locations that they like, making reliability key for building customer loyalty.
The comments made by the panelists emphasized the need for retailers to prioritize reliability and customer experience in their EV charging offerings. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, convenience retailers must be prepared to meet the evolving needs of their customers. The NACS Show provides a platform for retailers to learn about the latest trends and innovations in the industry, and this year’s event is no exception, with many more discussions and presentations scheduled to take place.
Conclusion of the 2026 NACS Show
The 2026 NACS Show provided a platform for retailers to discuss and address the challenges facing the convenience retail industry. From the decline in in-store transactions to the growing importance of electric vehicle charging, the show highlighted the need for retailers to adapt and evolve to meet changing consumer preferences and behaviors.
