In 2016, it was estimated that almost $7 billion would be spent on food for the Fourth of July. Otherwise known as America's Independence day, this holiday has become an annual time of relaxation and celebration with family and loved ones. With most spending the holiday eating, it is important that you are carrying the holiday essentials. Here are our top six item categories that customers will be looking for to celebrate the Fourth of July this year.

C-store sales often get a summertime boost due to thirsty out-of-school kids. Take advantage of the 4.5% increase in sales by choosing items specifically for warmer months. Picking the right products and learning how to market towards children can make a huge splash in your Summer profits.

It’s 2017 and W-2s have been printed and mailed. While you’re planning for you own tax obligations, be aware that many consumers are filing their own taxes and likely receiving a refund. According to IRS data, “8 out of 10 US taxpayers will get a refund averaging just under $3,000”1. Often, these lump sums become the driving force behind a lot of irregular consumer spending habits. There are a lot of ways you can put your c-store in the position to make the most of this tax season.

To prepare for the Super Bowl, U.S. consumers spend $14.3 billion every year, with 79% of people purchasing only food items[i]. No matter where your c-store is, you will undoubtedly be catering to customers who are coming to stock up on all the most popular game day essentials. This means that you need to make sure you are providing the items that shoppers want the most.

Sixty-four percent of c-store owners have labeled new store concepts as a strategic priority for 2017[i]. With innovation around every corner owners are striving to balance an improved shopping experience with expanded offerings. Some of these offerings could include innovative ideas like remote-controlled POS systems, digital fuel sign software, or interactive fuel pumps. With current technology trends like these, consider upgrading to enhance your customer’s experience in 2017.

Seasonality is not only an opportunity to capitalize on different variations of products, but a chance to remind your customers that you’re paying attention to what they need and want. A changing season is a great time to shift your store strategy and keep traffic and sales booming throughout the year. As the temperature begins to fall and the leaves begin to turn, your customers are beginning to change as well. Now’s the time to make sure that you’re taking full advantage of not only the...

As the year passes by, seasons and holidays continue to pass and the habits of consumers continue to evolve. Convenience stores have a unique advantage when it comes to optimizing for the various times of year and altering their store and strategy as needed. As the place where many consumers stop in a hurry or on their way to do something else at any time of year, the standard convenience store, small grocery, or gas station is a business that stands to benefit a great deal from certain...