They're no longer the tiniest of retail outlets carrying limited selections. Quite the opposite. Convenience stores, often referred to as C-stores, are much bigger than in years past and filled with a variety of merchandise, from fresh sandwiches to hot coffee, cold ice cream, and odds and ends like newspapers, maps, souvenirs and lottery tickets. They're still primarily located near car services and gasoline pumps but according to Placer.ai, they also have become a destination in their own right. 

Because of all the purposes they serve, they've fared well in recent challenging economic times. In comparing visits in 2022 versus three years ago in 2019, they had 15.9% more foot traffic, far better than coffee and quick-service restaurant (QSR) segments, which posted 1.7% and 5% year-over-year visits, respectively. Placer.ai also says they fared better than gasoline stations as pump prices rose.

Why such a stellar performance? Placer.ai credits it partly to inflation. "When prices are high, people seek out inexpensive, affordable luxuries that don't break the bank," it reported. And with so many pressed for time, they also allow consumers a quick-in, look around, grab what they need and head out. And this is despite their close association with gasoline stations and the decreasing number of visits drivers made to stations. Both followed relatively similar growth patterns in 2019 and 2020 but by March 2021 and the end of the pandemic the two store types' paths diverged. Higher gas prices put the brakes on visits to those versus rising foot traffic to the C-stores. They didn't need the pumps to survive and thrive, yet most still remain true to their roots as a place also for car service, including getting a car washed or stopping while on a trip for a clean bathroom visit.