Top 6 Fourth of July C-Store Essentials

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.

1. Condiments

When people plan for Independence day they often plan family barbecues or cookouts by the beach or at the pool. To accompany the many hot dogs and hamburgers that will be served, make sure you are carrying plenty of flavorful condiments. As one of the most profitable products that c-stores can carry, $203 million is spent on condiments every year in preparation for the Fourth of July. You can benefit by stocking up on ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise, or even salad dressings like ranch and honey mustard. These products are an easy way to increase sales in the weeks before the holiday.

2. Chips and Dip

As people celebrate, chips are a common item customers reach for to snack on all day long. With so many different flavors and varieties, customers will spend $92 million on chips this year for the Fourth of July. Make sure you are carrying the top chip brands such as Lays, Tostitos, and Stacy's, so customers have plenty of options to choose from in your c-store. Along with chips shoppers across the country will also spend an additional $60 million on different types of dips like salsa, french onion, and bean and cheese.

3. Beer

Independence day is the number one selling beer holiday. In 2015, a total of $1 billion was spent on beer alone. More beer is bought and consumed on the Fourth of July than any other day in America making it one of the most important items you can carry. Consider offering a variety of bottled and canned options as well as different brands. Bud Light, Yuengling, Stella, and Coors Light are typically the top selling brands. In some areas, specialty brews like Lagunitas, Anchor, and Founders have also been proven popular.

4. Hot Dogs and Buns

Although many love hamburgers and chicken, around 150 million hot dogs are consumed every Fourth of July making them an important and inexpensive item to stock in the refrigerated section of your c-store. The top hot dog brands include Hebrew National, Nathan's, and Ball Park. Make sure you also have a variety of buns like wheat, white, and even sourdough to accompany your hot dogs.

5. Red, White & Blue Items

One of the major aspects of this holiday is patriotism. In order to represent that, items that are red and blue such as strawberries, watermelon, and blueberries will outsell other fruits like apples or pineapple. Also in 2016, over 5 million American flags were imported for the holiday. So when deciding on which products to carry pay attention to symbols and colors that will grab the customers attention.

6. Frozen Desserts 

As one of the hottest months of the year, many people choose to celebrate outside. This makes dessert items like popsicles extremely popular, earning around $107 million every Fourth of July. Different types of ice creams are also good to stock. Klondike Bars, Choco Taco's, Strawberry Shortcake treats, and the Original Ice Cream Sandwiches are easy for customers to grab and bring to their celebrations.

Bonus: Fireworks

In 2012, retailers sold a total of $368 million of fireworks. As one of the top ways to celebrate, many customers are likely to pick up these products as part of the festivities. If your c-store is located in one of the following twenty-eight states than it is legal for you to sell most types of consumer fireworks.

• Northern states; Alaska, Michigan, Maine, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Washington
• Southern states; Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio, South Carolina, Mississippi, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, West Virginia
• Mountain states; Utah, Montana, New Mexico, Wyoming
• Midwest states; Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, North Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska

As shoppers pour in the week before July Fourth, make sure you have everything stocked up and ready. Carrying the essentials is an easy way to raise your Summer profits and offer even more convenience to last minute customers who don't have time to go to the grocery store.