Acosta Group Released Convenience Store Shopping Study
A new research study revealed key insights into shifting U.S. consumer habits at convenience stores.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Spending
Live Poll
Would you buy more prepared meals at convenience stores if they offered better value and quality?
The Acosta Group has released findings from a new study tracking the shopping behaviors of 775 U.S. convenience-store customers. The research highlights how convenience stores compete against fast-food restaurants and grocery chains for food and beverage spending.
Why it matters
The study provides brands with actionable insights into how changing consumer preferences impact the competitive landscape between convenience retailers and other food service channels.
A survey of 775 shoppers shows 84% bought prepared food recently, while 81% also patronize fast-food restaurants. Shoppers identified better value (53%) and higher quality (47%) as primary drivers for increasing future convenience store spending.
The players
Acosta Group
Acosta Group is a sales and marketing agency that provides insights into shopper behavior and retail strategy.
The details
The research highlights that 37% of customers utilize convenience stores for travel, while 32% visit for quick snacks or out of proximity. Many shoppers demonstrate cross-channel habits, with 78% also shopping at mass merchandisers and 77% visiting traditional grocery stores.
Timeline
The research was conducted between August 26 and August 31, 2026.
The Acosta Group released the study results in September 2026.
Market Dynamics
This study highlights the ongoing convergence where convenience stores increasingly compete with traditional grocery and fast-food channels for share of stomach. By analyzing these cross-shopping behaviors, companies can better position themselves within the broader landscape of retail consolidation.
Retail investors monitoring sector performance should note that price and quality are the primary levers for future growth in the convenience channel. Shoppers can anticipate that retailers will likely adjust their inventory and food offerings to better align with these value and quality demands.
The takeaway
Consumers are increasingly treating convenience stores as legitimate meal destinations rather than just quick-stop locations for snacks. To capture this demand, retailers must focus on offering higher quality, freshly prepared food items that provide clear value.
Further reading
For more information on consumer purchasing patterns, visit Spending.
Live Poll
Would you buy more prepared meals at convenience stores if they offered better value and quality?
