Circana Inspire: November 2024

For the second consecutive quarter, dollar sales for CPG products in the convenience channel declined year over year. The Q3 2024 dollar sales decline was driven by year-over-year decreases in unit sales and trips per buyer. Total foodservice traffic for the convenience channel also decreased year over year as c-stores were outperformed by quick-service restaurants (QSR). Multioutlet+ (MULO+) outperformed convenience in many of the top convenience categories.

Highlights:

• Convenience channel dollar sales declined 2.4% while MULO increased 2.4% year over year.

• Convenience trips per buyer decreased year over year, but dollars per trip increased due to growing price per unit for the channel. 

• C-store shoppers continued to trade down to lower-priced items in many top sales categories, including cigarettes, where single packs outperformed cartons. 

• The convenience channel has the potential to capture a greater share of sales for the growing U.S. Hispanic demographic. 

• Convenience retailers can enhance assortments in treats and specialty beverage categories to contend with the competitive QSR space.