CSNews surveyed single-store and small-chain convenience stores to find out what they were experiencing and thought about their operations and the outlook for the year. Here a few findings:
43 % of small operators say their sales and profits are trending better in 2021 than they were last year
22% said 2021 would be about the same as 2020
A smaller percentage, 14%, said 2021 might turn out to be one of their best years
7% said they would either decrease their number of stores this year or sell them and exit the business
What worried c-store operators?
Finding good employees is cited as the biggest challenge by 82 percent of small operators. Other worries included:
Insufficient attention from suppliers that favor larger chains or grocery stores
Industry consolidation and competition
Keeping up with emerging technologies
Tobacco regulation from bans on menthol and other flavors
Motor fuel margins
Find out more about trends in foodservice sales, fuel and more. View the summary or contact us for the full report.
