A Little Bit of Everything
The U.S. c-store industry is comprised of nearly 152,000 stores and conducts approximately 160 million transactions per day, meaning half the U.S. population makes a purchase at a convenience store on a daily basis.
For many Americans, a local convenience store is just around the corner: 43% live within a mile of a c-store, and in rural areas 86% live within 10 minutes of a c-store.
The industry’s importance to everyday routines is why 88% of Americans agree that convenience stores are essential businesses for jobs and everyday essentials such as food, fuel, snacks and beverages.
Convenience stores also strengthen the communities they serve. From sponsoring youth sports teams to hosting food drives, c-stores contribute more than $1 billion a year to charitable and community groups:
- Mostconvenience retail companies (95%) support charitable causes
- 66% supportfive or more charitable causes
- 91%support local charities (i.e.,church groups, shelters, food banks)
- 47% support national charities
- 76% contribute to youth sports groups
- 69% contribute to local schools via PTAs and other fundraising activities
Help Stop Human Trafficking
For many convenience retailers, putting a stop to human trafficking is a serious responsibility. With close ties to the community, stores are positioned to share important messages that employees and customers can use to raise awareness against trafficking and help victims.
Contact
If you have a question about community in the industry, please contact:
Jeff Lenard
Vice President Media & Strategic Communications
NACS
(703) 518-4272
Jeff Lenard oversees industry-wide external communications campaigns to advance the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. He also serves as lead spokesperson and has conducted more than 6,000 media interviews about trends and innovations at convenience stores. In addition, he is the creator and co-host of the association’s award-winning weekly podcast, Convenience Matters.
Prior to joining NACS in 1999, Lenard served in communications and marketing functions for several energy-focused associations. He earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an M.B.A. in marketing from Syracuse University.
