The Impact of Beverages on Convenience Store Traffic
According to the latest report from Westrock Coffee, beverages are the primary driver of customer foot traffic in convenience stores (c-stores). This finding underscores the importance of beverages not just as standalone products, but as integral components of the convenience retail experience.
Understanding Customer Motivations
A recent survey revealed that 80% of respondents identified beverage purchases as the main reason for visiting c-stores. In contrast, 73% cited snack purchases and 68% mentioned fuel as their primary motivators. This data highlights how crucial beverage offerings are for the retail strategy of convenience stores, with a significant majority prioritizing drinks over snacks or fuel.
Key Beverage Preferences
Among the beverages purchased, hot coffee holds a prominent place, capturing 75% of the beverage market segment. It is only surpassed by soft drinks, which account for 87% of beverage purchases. This trend presents a clear opportunity for convenience stores to focus on improving their coffee options.
Expert Insights: The Future of Convenience Beverages
Melissa Mackay, the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Insight at Westrock Coffee, emphasizes the need for convenience stores to adapt to changing consumer preferences. "Coffee, tea, and other beverages play a crucial role in driving traffic to convenience stores and prompting the purchase of food and other goods. It’s important to stay ahead of trends in this category," she notes.
Mackay’s insights signal that retailers should not only focus on attracting new customers but also on retaining them. "It’s not just about bringing shoppers in; it’s about giving them a reason to come back," she adds.
Opportunities for Improvement: Iced Coffee and Customization
The report highlights significant opportunities for c-stores to enhance their offerings, particularly in the realm of iced coffee beverages. The rising popularity of iced espresso drinks and cold brew provides a chance for c-stores to diversify their beverage menus.
"Iced espresso drinks and cold brew are gaining popularity, providing c-stores a chance to modernize their dispensed beverage offerings," the report states. By integrating customizable, high-quality beverage options, convenience stores can stand out from competitors, attract more discerning customers, and ultimately drive incremental revenue through premium coffee experiences.
The Role of Food Pairings
Another trend that complements beverage sales is the rising demand for made-to-order food. By pairing high-quality beverages with fresh food options, c-stores can create a compelling value proposition for customers. This strategic combination will not only enhance customer experience but also encourage repeat visits.
Conclusion: The Future of Convenience Store Beverages
The insights from Westrock Coffee’s Blend Report indicate that convenience stores have a golden opportunity to leverage their beverage offerings to drive foot traffic and increase sales. The combination of evolving consumer preferences, the popularity of customizable options, and food pairings positions c-stores to enhance their market share significantly.
As retailers face intensifying competition, adapting to these trends while maintaining a focus on quality will be crucial. By offering an expanded range of beverages, particularly in the coffee and cold drink categories, c-stores can create a more engaging shopping experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
For more in-depth insights and data, check out the full Q2 2025 Blend Report from Westrock Coffee.
By understanding and implementing the key takeaways from this report, convenience stores can not only boost foot traffic but also foster customer loyalty, ensuring a successful future in the competitive retail landscape.
