Tag Archives: Jeff Lenard

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NACS: Low gas prices continue to push consumer optimism to high levels

ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Dec-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Low gas prices continue to push consumer optimism to high levels and this optimism will likely translate into more holiday travel and shopping, according to the December 2017 NACS Consumer Fuels Survey.

Low gas prices—which dropped 3 cents per gallon to $2.47—are a big reason for the optimism: 72% of drivers say that gas prices affect their feelings about the economy.

For the third consecutive month, 61% of gas purchasers say they feel optimistic about the economy, tied for the highest level recorded over the past five years of the monthly surveys.  Optimism is largely uniform across regions but there is a significant difference by gender: Men are far likelier than women to say that they are optimistic about the economy (69% vs. 53%).

NACS, which represents the convenience store industry that sells an estimated 80% of the fuel sold in the United States, has conducted monthly surveys related to economic issues since January 2013.

Consumer optimism has been consistent throughout 2017: Optimism stayed between 57% and 61% for 11 of the 12 months of 2017. The only exception was September (54%) following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

Optimism in December 2017 is 10 points higher than December 2015, and 22 points higher than December 2013. This year, the average monthly gas price ranged from $2.22 to $2.59. By contrast, the average price in December 2013 was $3.29.

Consumer optimism may translate to a busy holiday shopping season. More than one in four consumers (27%) say they will drive more this month, led by 43% of those ages 18 to 34. Last month, only 16% of American said they would be driving more.

Consumers also say they may be spending more this month. One in three (33%) say they will be spending more this month, the same percentage as last year but 6 points higher than in December 2015.

“Strong economic optimism is undoubtedly the story of 2017. Low gas prices and high consumer optimism are the best predictors of convenience store sales. Combine these positive indicators with the continued growth of prepared foods and healthy options in convenience stores and it shows why 2017 is shaping up as another record-setting year for in-store sales,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

The survey was conducted online by PSB (Penn Schoen Berland); 1,104 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed December 5-8, 2017. Summary results are available at convenience.org/fuelssurvey.

NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily—half of the U.S. population—and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and foodservice sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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NACS Consumer Fuels Survey: record number of Americans say they will be driving the same or more this month

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Nov-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, a record 93% of Americans say they will be driving the same or more this month, and they anticipate spending more over the same time period, according to the latest NACS Consumer Fuels Survey.

Thanksgiving traffic could be heavy, as a record 93% of American drivers say they will be driving the same or more over the next 30 days. And they also will be shopping this month. Nearly three in four consumers (72%) say they will spend the same or more this upcoming month in stores, led by 79% of Americans age 50+ as well as 77% of those in the Midwest.

NACS, which represents the convenience store industry that sells an estimated 80% of the fuel sold in the United States, has conducted monthly surveys related to economic issues since January 2013.

Consumer confidence regarding the economy is also very high; a record 61% of consumers say they are optimistic about the economy, the same percentage as the month prior and up 11 percentage points compared to November 2015. Consumer optimism is highest in the Northeast (65%) and South (62%), though a solid majority of consumers in the Midwest (59%) and West (57%) report feeling optimistic.

Prices at the pump continue to drive consumer optimism, with three in four (75%) saying that gas prices affect their views of the economy.

“Steady gas prices and high levels of economic optimism are great signs for convenience stores heading into the holidays. Convenience stores expect strong sales for fuel, food and drinks from now through the end of the year,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

The survey was conducted online by PSB (Penn Schoen Berland); 1,100 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed November 8-10, 2017. Summary results are available at convenience.org/fuelssurvey.

NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily—half of the U.S. population—and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and foodservice sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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2017 NACS Show attendance increased 7.0% to a record 24,940 attendees from 63 countries

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Nov-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Attendance at the 2017 NACS Show surged 7.0% to a record 24,940 attendees from 63 countries, according to figures released today (11/2/2017) by NACS.

In addition, “buyers” attending the NACS Show (classified as retailers and convenience distributors, including Petroleum Equipment Institute [PEI] registration) grew 3.3% to 8,502.

The NACS Show is the premier event of the year for the convenience and fuel retailing industry. It featured four days of general sessions, 60 education sessions and 1,263 exhibiting companies in a record-setting 425,800 net-square-foot expo.

The NACS Show general session speakers featured industry, business and leadership experts, and the popular NACS Ideas 2 Go program, a fast-paced video program of emerging concepts that redefine convenience, made its 2017 debut. The Ideas 2 Go program is available for purchase at convenience.org/ideas2go2017.

Attendees also could choose from education sessions covering relevant industry topics such as foodservice and food safety, leadership development, marketing, technology and fuels. Reflecting the growing international opportunities offered at the NACS Show, select education sessions were translated into Portuguese and Spanish, and the general sessions were translated into Portuguese, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.

In addition, the NACS Convenience Matters podcast recorded a dozen new episodes that included NACS Show general session speakers William Shatner and Chip Conley, as well as a special live session with prominent convenience retail industry CEOs Billy Milam (RaceTrac Petroleum Inc.) and Kevin Smartt (Kwik Chek Food Stores). These episodes are available at www.conveniencematters.com.

Extending the value of the expo, the popular Cool New Products Preview Room showcased 312 new products and services from 186 companies. Visitors to the Preview Room used handheld scanners to capture product and booth information of the exhibitors they were interested in, producing nearly 20,000 total product scans. The New Exhibitor area was also a popular destination for attendees, featuring 200 exhibitors new to the convenience and fuel retailing industry and NACS Show.

TechEdge at the NACS Show, in its fourth year, attracted 470 industry technology professionals participating in the program’s specialized education sessions on topics ranging from data security to how to improve overall operational efficiency. This year, the TechEdge Center at the expo displayed three future technologies—in action—that address mobile payments, connected commerce and IoT monitoring.

TechEdge was cosponsored by Conexxus, one of four cosponsors of the NACS Show in addition to NACS. The others were the Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA), Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) and, new in 2017, the National Grocers Association (NGA).

Attendees also experienced the new brand identity of NACS, which focused on the ‘C’ in convenience.

“I love the versatility of the ‘C’ with our rebrand. It certainly stands for convenience—but it can stand for so many other aspects of our industry,” said NACS President and CEO Henry Armour, highlighting some of the other unique industry facets that the C represents. For example, the C stands for customers: The U.S. convenience store industry serves more than 160 million customers per day—half of the country’s total population.

C also stands for community, and that message was highlighted in donations to local food banks both before and after the NACS Show. Prior to the NACS Show, Tyson Foods Inc. and NACS partnered to donate a truckload of protein totaling 36,060 pounds to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to help fight hunger in the Chicagoland area. The Food Depository will distribute the donated food, which is equivalent to 144,240 meals, through its network of partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens and shelter services across Chicago and Cook County.

At the conclusion of the NACS Show, more than 52,000 pounds of refrigerated and frozen food product were collected by Greater Chicago Food Depository volunteers; the Ronald McDonald House collected 70,000 pounds of shelf-stable goods for use in their local facilities and other charities.

“We truly believe that c-store doesn’t just stand for convenience store—it also stands for community store, and we are proud to join Tyson Foods in supporting the Chicagoland community that we call home this week during the NACS Show,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

The NACS Show is also a business meeting and NACS elected new members to its Retailer and Supplier Boards. Joe Sheetz, president and CEO of Altoona, Pennsylvania-based Sheetz Inc., was named the 2017-18 NACS Chairman, and Jay Ard, vice president of national sales, convenience retail, at The Coca-Cola Company, was named 2017–18 chairman of the NACS Supplier Board.

Sheetz talked about the industry’s focus on communities during his Oct. 20 NACS Show speech. “Our industry’s commitment to the communities we serve is truly amazing. We collectively contribute $1 billion a year to charities,” said Sheetz. “But it’s not about just stroking checks. It’s about volunteering time, donating product and supporting first-responders. There is no industry more grounded in their communities than we are.”

The 2018 NACS Show will take place October 7–10 in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Highlights from the 2017 NACS Show and information on next year’s event can be found at nacsshow.com. NACS has a complete listing of 2018 events posted at convenience.org/calendar.

This year marked the 25th annual NACS Show, which has attracted more than 500,000 attendees over the past quarter century. However, NACS has held an annual meeting since its founding in 1961. It wasn’t until 1976 that the meeting even included a true exhibition. While NACS continued to hold annual meetings, the expo was part of the event only every two or three years. From 1986 on, the annual meeting included an expo, although those early years featured a greatly scaled-down expo every other year until what is known today as the NACS Show debuted in 1993. Today, the NACS Show rotates between three cities: Chicago, Las Vegas and Atlanta.

NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily—half of the U.S. population—and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and foodservice sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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William Shatner joins NACS in a special episode of Convenience Matters podcast

ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Oct-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The attributes that define William Shatner’s career also describe the convenience store industry: intellectual curiosity, innovation and a strong work ethic.

So in a special episode of Convenience Matters podcast, “William Shatner’s Take on Convenience Stores,” NACS brought them both together. Shatner and NACS President and CEO Henry Armour joined host Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president strategic industry initiatives, to talk about topics related to convenience retailing.

“Star Trek has an overarching guiding principle known as the ‘prime directive.’ Simply put, you can’t interfere with the internal development of alien civilizations. It was terrific to hear an icon like William Shatner violate that principle in offering both solicited—and unsolicited—advice about our industry,” said Armour.

Shatner also addressed some convenience related questions, such as what a convenience store would look like on the Enterprise and whether cup holders would have been helpful. (Sneak peek: the answer is no, but listen to find out why not!)

Also, Convenience Matters now has a new, user-friendly website, conveniencematters.com. The site features information about the podcasts and the program hosts as well as recent podcast episodes with industry leaders, partner organizations, celebrities, industry experts and convenience store fanatics, plus.

In addition to weekly programs, Convenience Matters also features special episodes on timely topics, such as those focused on the fueling issues related to hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which were shared with reporters across the country.

“We are delighted with the success of the Convenience Matters podcasts and how our members download episodes to hear unique approaches to current challenges facing the industry and inspiring personal stories, as well as best practices, tips and trends,” said NACS Convenience Matters co-host Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. “The average podcast listener in America consumes five different podcasts a week, and we are honored to be on so many members’ playlists—as well as playlists from listeners in 80-plus other countries.”

The NACS Convenience Matters podcast debuted in 2016 to appeal anyone working in retail, supply products or services, fascinated by the auto industry and the future of fueling and mobility or who simply love convenience.

A new Convenience Matters podcast is released every week focusing on topics related to convenience stores. Episodes of Convenience Matters can be downloaded on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and at conveniencematters.com. Since its launch in February 2016, it has been downloaded in more than 80 countries and listenership has more than doubled over the past 10 months.

NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily—half of the U.S. population—and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and foodservice sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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Keep America Beautiful and NACS partner for a new guide on trash management

ALEXANDRIA, Va., and STAMFORD, Conn., 2017-Oct-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Keep America Beautiful and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) have partnered to produce the new resource, “Being a Good Neighbor: A Guide to Reducing Litter, Managing Trash and Encouraging Recycling.”

The guide provides quick and easy tips for convenience stores to improve their customers’ experience, help the environment and, ultimately, enhance their reputation and bottom line. It includes information from Keep America Beautiful’s landmark “Litter in America” research from 2009—comprised of the “National Visible Litter Survey” and “Litter Cost Study”—as well as from jointly developed consumer and retailer surveys and audits conducted this year by NACS and Keep America Beautiful.

The guide includes a checklist to examine litter management practices at convenience stores as well as practical tips to help retailers reduce and ultimately eliminate litter in and around their stores. It also provides recommendations for recycling bin and trash receptacle placements to help make proper disposal of packaging items easy and accessible. And retailers also share techniques to engage employees, customers and the greater community.

“With convenience stores comprising 34% of all retailer business, convenience store operators can play an instrumental role in providing customers with convenient trash and recycling containers to lessen litter and improve recycling at their locations,” said Brenda Pulley, Keep America Beautiful’s senior vice president, recycling. “Keep America Beautiful is pleased to team up with the NACS to provide best practices for managing trash and recycling with the new ‘Being a Good Neighbor’ guide.”

According to Keep America Beautiful research, the most people properly dispose of trash in receptacles. But nearly one in five disposals (17%) ends up as litter. Packaging, including fast food, snack, beverage and tobacco packaging, comprises nearly half (47%) of items in the “visible” litter stream, according to Keep America Beautiful research.

Meanwhile, NACS research shows that consumers overwhelmingly say that convenience store appearance is important: 84% of consumers fueling up say cleanliness of the store is an important factor when considering whether they will shop at a particular store. The new resource guide shares best practices that help retailers manage waste to keep their properties clean, including placement and design of trash receptacles.

“Litter impacts how people perceive your brand, even if they litter a cup with your logo on it somewhere else,” said Lisa Dell’Alba, one of the many retailers surveyed for the guide. Dell’Alba is president & CEO of Square One Markets (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) and a member of the NACS Board of Directors.

Convenience stores spend more than $600 per store per month for recycling and trash collection programs—or about $1.3 billion industry-wide on an annual basis. But the payoff is worth the expense: U.S. convenience stores continue to grow their foodservice sales, which climbed 12.9% to $49 billion in 2016, per NACS data.

“Keep America Beautiful has been the nation’s steward for litter prevention for nearly 65 years. We recognize that foodservice and product packaging is a significant part of the litter stream, and we’re pleased to partner on this guide to help convenience stores and their customers reduce litter. It’s good for the environment and good for the community, and ultimately good for business because consumers support businesses that support the communities they serve,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard.

To download a copy of “Being a Good Neighbor: A Guide to Reducing Litter, Managing Trash and Encouraging Recycling,” go to www.convenience.org/kab.

NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily—half of the U.S. population—and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and foodservice sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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Tyson Foods and NACS team up to donate 36,060 pounds of protein to help fight hunger in the Chicagoland area

Chicago, Ill., 2017-Oct-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tyson Foods, Inc. and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) partnered today (Oct. 16, 2017) to donate a truckload of protein totaling 36,060 pounds to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to help fight hunger in the Chicagoland area.

The Food Depository will distribute the donated food, which is equivalent to 144,240 meals,  through its network of partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters services across Chicago and Cook County.

“The Greater Chicago Food Depository is grateful to Tyson Foods for its longstanding partnership in the fight against hunger,” said Jill Zimmerman, vice president of development at the Food Depository. “Donations of protein are important to our work of providing nutritious food options for our neighbors in need. We thank Tyson for this generous contribution and its ongoing support of our mission.”

NACS is holding its annual NACS Show at McCormick Place in Chicago this week. More than 20,000 attendees from 50-plus countries are expected to attend the event, which is one of the largest tradeshows in the country. The show features four days of general sessions, more than 50 educational sessions and more than 1,200 exhibiting companies.

“We truly believe that c-store doesn’t just stand for convenience store – it also stands for community store, and we are proud to join Tyson Foods in supporting the Chicagoland community that we call home this week during the NACS Show in Chicago,” said Jeff Lenard, vice president of NACS’ strategic industry initiatives.

Tyson Foods’ “KNOW Hunger” campaign is focused on helping more people understand and join the effort to eliminate hunger in America. The company partners with Feeding America, Share Our Strength and Lift Up America to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation. Since 2000, Tyson Foods has donated more than 100 million pounds of protein in the United States.

In 2015, Tyson Foods announced its renewed commitment to hunger relief by pledging $50 million in cash and in-kind donations by 2020 in the fight against hunger, with a special focus on innovative initiatives at the local level.

“Partnering with organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository and NACS is important to us in raising awareness about food insecurity in communities all around the U.S.,” said Mark Purvis, vice president, convenience sales for Tyson Foods. “In this community alone, the Food Depository serves an average 200,000 pounds of food every single day. We’re honored to support those extraordinary efforts.”

To learn more about the Greater Chicago Food Depository and its hunger relief efforts, visit https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/

NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily—half of the U.S. population—and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and foodservice sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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NACS Consumer Fuels Survey: consumers optimistic about the economy as gas prices fall

ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Oct-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — Consumers have seen gas prices fall after the temporary supply disruptions caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and they say they are more optimistic about the economy, according to the latest national NACS Consumer Fuels Survey.

Americans say that they have seen gas prices fall 9 cents to $2.50 per gallon over the past month, and one in four (24%) expect prices to continue to fall this month, far higher than the number who normally say gas prices will decrease this time of the year. In October 2016, only 11% of Americans said they thought gas prices would decline that month.

This sentiment is particularly strong in the South, the region most impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. A third (34%) of Southern gas purchasers say they believe prices will drop in the next 30 days.

Lower gas prices have boosted consumer optimism over the economy. Consumer optimism shot up seven points to 61% from September’s reading of 54%, the highest level recorded since March 2017. Men are significantly more optimistic than women (68% vs. 56%) but there are no significant differences by age group. Consumer optimism is strongest in the South (64%) and Northeast (64%), and slightly weaker in the Midwest (59%) and West (58%).

Overall, three in four (76%) consumers say that gas prices impact their feelings about the economy and that is particularly true among younger consumers. Nearly nine in 10 Americans (87%) ages 18 to 34 say that gas prices affect their economic confidence. Similarly, the drop in prices also affects their spending: 37% of this age group say they will drive more this month and 24% say they will spend more this month than last month.

“Sales at convenience stores are directly tied to the economy, fuel prices and the weather. The return of consumer confidence is great news as we start the fourth quarter of 2017,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

In preparation for—and in response to—to the hurricane season (defined as June 1 to November 30), NACS continues to work with its partners at the American Red Cross to help collect donations for areas impacted by the hurricanes. NACS also has developed resources to assist retailers and others with disaster recovery and relief.

The survey was conducted online by PSB (Penn Schoen Berland); 1,103 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed October 3-6, 2017. Summary results are available at nacsonline.com/fuelssurvey.

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NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily—half of the U.S. population—and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and foodservice sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

SOURCE: NACS

For media interviews/comments contact Jeff Lenard.

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NACS: Economic optimism among American consumers held steady this month despite rise in gas prices

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Aug-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Economic optimism among American gasoline consumers held steady this month, despite a seven-cent climb in the price of gasoline, according to the latest NACS Consumer Fuels survey.

NACS, which represents the convenience store industry that sells an estimated 80% of the fuel sold in the country, has conducted monthly surveys related to economic issues since January 2013.

Gas consumers report a median gasoline price of $2.29 per gallon, up from $2.22 last month. This price increase has been felt most strongly in the South, with about two in five (42%) saying they noticed gas prices “much higher” or “somewhat higher” than last month. In the West, just a third (32%) of gasoline consumers noticed higher prices.

Despite the uptick in gasoline prices, Americans drivers remain optimistic about the current state of the economy. Three in five (60%) drivers say they are optimistic about the economy, the same proportion that said so last month in July 2017 and 16 points higher than last August when optimism stood at 44%. There are strong demographic variations in optimism; 64% of those age 50 or higher say they are optimistic, compared to 54% of those ages 18-34.

American gasoline consumers also expect gasoline prices to continue to rise. 42% of gasoline consumers say that they expect gasoline prices in 30 days to be higher than they are today. Another 49% say they think gasoline prices will remain about the same as today, and just one in ten (8%) say they believe gas prices will drop in the next 30 days.

Nearly one in four consumers (24%) say that they will drive more this month, the highest percentage recorded over the past five Augusts, and nearly one in five (17%) say they will spend more.

“The convenience store industry is glad to see that consumer optimism remains strong despite the slight rise in gas prices this past month,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. “Resilient economic optimism is good news as consumers enter the latter half of the summer driving season.”

The survey was conducted online by PSB (Penn Schoen Berland); 1,108 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed August 1-4, 2017. Summary results are available at nacsonline.com/fuelssurvey.

NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily—half of the U.S. population—and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and foodservice sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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NACS and DHS Blue Campaign partner to raise public awareness about human trafficking

​ALEXANDRIA, Va, 2017-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — NACS has announced a new partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign to help combat human trafficking.

Through this alliance with the DHS Blue Campaign, NACS will provide the DHS Blue Campaign’s training and awareness materials—including posters, handouts and other materials—to members free of charge. Click here for more information on the NACS initiative to combat human trafficking.

The DHS Blue Campaign raises public awareness about human trafficking, leveraging partnerships to educate the public to recognize human trafficking and report suspected instances. The Blue Campaign also offers training to law enforcement and others to increase detection and investigation of human trafficking, and to protect victims and bring suspected traffickers to justice.

“Convenience stores serve 160 million customers a day in every community across the country 24 hours a day. Our industry is well equipped to share important messages with our customers so they can collectively create the equivalent of a neighborhood watch program in their communities. We are proud to work with the Department of Homeland Security on this important issue,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard. Lenard also serves as a board member for the National Safe Place Network, which works with companies, including convenience stores, to provide access to immediate help and supportive resources for youth in need.

The new partnership with the DHS Blue campaign is the latest of several new programs developed by NACS this year to help retailers develop new tools to serve their communities. In June, NACS announced a partnership with the American Red Cross to advance community giving and disaster relief programs for NACS member companies. In May, NACS announced that it signed a commitment with the Partnership for a Healthier America to help convenience stores provide more visibility to healthier choices inside their stores. NACS was the first retail-focused association to partner with either of these nationally respected organizations.

“Convenience stores are as closely tied to their local communities as any retail channel. Representing one-third of all retail stores in the United States, convenience stores don’t just sell products and services that people enjoy; they make a difference in their communities and help address important national initiative groups at a local level,” Lenard said.

The Blue Campaign is the unified voice for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to combat human trafficking. Working in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations, the Blue Campaign strives to protect the basic right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice. For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/bluecampaign.

Source: NACS

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NACS Consumer Fuels Survey: As gas prices decline, Americans more optimistic about the economy

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Jul-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — Another decline in gas prices helped fuel Americans’ optimism about the economy to near record levels, according to the latest NACS Consumer Fuels Survey.

The U.S. convenience store industry sells an estimated 80% of the fuel sold in the country, and NACS has conducted monthly surveys related to economic issues since January 2013.

Drivers report a median gas price of $2.22, down 13 cents from $2.35 in June. This month’s prices are the lowest gas prices reported by consumers this year.

As gas prices decline, consumers are feeling more optimistic about the state of the economy. Three in five (60%) American drivers report feeling optimistic about the economy, a two-point increase from last month and a point off the record high recorded in March. Last July, 47% of American drivers expressed optimism related to the economy.

Historically, most consumers say that prices will increase over the next 30 days; however, that perception is changing as gas prices remain low for a sustained period. Only 41% of drivers now say that they expect prices to climb this month, the lowest percentage in 12 months.

The decline in gas price has been felt most strongly in the South, where over half (55%) of consumers say they noticed lower gas prices this month. In contrast, just under a third (29%) of consumers in the West say they noticed this month’s dip in prices. Overall, 43% say they believe gas prices are lower than 30 days ago.

Nearly one in four consumers (24%) say that they will drive more this month and nearly one in five (18%) say they will spend more.

“The cumulative effect of low gas prices over the past three summers is certainly pushing consumer optimism higher,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. “Low gas prices, warm summer weather and high consumer optimism are the three factors most cited by convenience stores retailers looking to grow their sales and retailers are very optimistic about summer sales.”

In fact, more than four in five convenience store retailers (83%) say they are optimistic about their business prospects for the third quarter of 2017, the highest level recorded in the past eight quarters, according to a NACS retailer optimism survey published in late June.

The NACS Consumer Fuels Survey was conducted online by PSB (Penn Schoen Berland); 1,118 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed July 5-7, 2017. Summary results are available at convenience.org/fuelssurvey.

NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily—half of the U.S. population—and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and foodservice sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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NACS Consumer Fuels survey: Americans much more likely than in past years to hit the roads this summer

ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Jun-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — American drivers are much more likely than in years past to be hitting the roads as summer drive season begins, according to the latest NACS Consumer Fuels survey.

Nearly three in ten (29%) consumers say they will drive more in the coming month, an 11-point jump increase from a year ago (18% in June 2016), and a record high for the month of June. NACS, which represents the convenience store industry that sells an estimated 80% of the fuel sold in the country, has conducted monthly surveys related to economic issues since January 2013.

Nearly three in five (58%) of gasoline consumers report feeling optimistic about the U.S. economy this month, down 2 points from last month. Consumer optimism has tracked between 57% and 61% for the past seven months. Consumers in the South are most optimistic (62%), though optimism remains high across all regions.

Relatively low gas prices are fueling both consumer optimism and the anticipated increase in driving. Fully four in five (80%) Americans say that gas prices impact their feelings about the economy.

“Continued strong optimism over the economy and an expected increase in summer driving is great news for convenience stores and other retailers who cater to summer travelers,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

However, there are some looming concerns. While the median gas price reported by consumers remained $2.35 for the second month, nearly half of all consumers say that gas prices rose over the past month. Price increases were seen most in the West, where 53% say gas prices are higher than they were last month. By comparison, just 43% of gas consumers in the South report that higher gas prices are this month.

Given concerns over rising prices, consumers are slightly more open to considering behavior. Consumers say that if gas prices increased to $3.40 per gallon, they would try reduce the amount that they drive. This $1.05 difference between current prices and a price that would change behavior is the lowest recorded in more than a year.

The survey was conducted online by PSB (Penn Schoen Berland); 1,100 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed June 6-9, 2017. Summary results are available at nacsonline.com/fuelssurvey.

NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily—half of the U.S. population—and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and foodservice sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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NACS survey: Low gas prices likely to increase summer vacation spending but won’t lead to longer trips

ALEXANDRIA, Va, 2017-May-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — Low gas prices will likely lead to increased summer vacation spending but won’t lead to longer trips, according to a survey of gas customers conducted by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), which represents the industry that sells an estimated 80% of the gas purchased in the country.

A strong majority of those planning vacations (81%) say they will send at least as much time on vacation as they did last summer, a strong 10-point increase from 2014 when gas prices averaged more than $3.60 per gallon.

While low gas prices may influence the length of vacations, they likely won’t influence the distance driven. Only one in nine drivers (11%) say they will drive more this summer because of low gas prices.

Summer vacationers expect to spend time and money inside the convenience store where they fill up. Overall, 62% of travelers say they expect to buy a drink and 58% say they will buy a snack when they fill up on their summer vacations. And more than one in four (28%) say that they will buy a meal or sandwich while filling up.

With gas prices low, consumers also say they consider price less important when shopping for fuel. Overall, 46% of drivers say that they will stop at the closest location when they are ready to stop, compared to 41% who say that the gas price dictates where they stop. This is the first time price wasn’t cited as the top reason to selected a fueling location. Quality food options (34%) and clean bathrooms (33%) were also cited as top reasons to stop.

Other highlights from the survey include:

  • 75% of travelers say they will use the store’s bathroom when fueling up on trips this summer, a 5-point jump from 2016.
  • Women are much more likely to purchase bottled water than men (66% vs. 49%), and are also more likely to buy candy (73% vs. 52%) and coffee (55% vs. 44%).
  • Travelers are seeking out healthier choices: 29% of consumers say they are buying more healthier choices than a year ago — and 43% of those ages 18-34 are buying more healthier items.

“Vacationers are saying that they will reward retailers who can best meet their one-stop shopping needs – whether fueling up, taking a bathroom break, grabbing quick snacks and drinks or enjoying upscale meals and healthy options,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Jeff Lenard.

Store sales from June through August are 11.3% higher than the rest of the year, especially beverage sales, according to sales data from NACS. Convenience stores account for 42% of all packaged beverage sales and 59% of beer sales in the country, factoring in all sales from convenience stores, grocery, drug and mass merchandisers, according to Nielsen.

Throughout the year, Americans are more likely to visit a convenience store to quench a thirst than for any other reason. Nearly half of all convenience store customers (49%) said that they primarily stopped to purchase a beverage on their most recent visit, according to a 2016 NACS consumer survey.

Not surprisingly, ice sales also are extremely strong over the summer months. Approximately two-thirds of all sales of bagged ice occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to the International Packaged Ice Association. And, of course, convenience stores are the top destination to purchase bagged ice. Convenience stores sell an estimated 45% of all packaged ice purchased, or $1.9 billion overall.

The NACS consumer survey was conducted by PSB (Penn Schoen Berland); 1,104 adult Americans were surveyed from May 3-5, 2017.

NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily—half of the U.S. population—and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and foodservice sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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NACS survey: Americans say that low gas prices are good for the economy

​New National Survey Also Finds That Prices Would Have to Increase to $3.37 per Gallon Before Consumers Begin to Curtail Driving

ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Apr-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Americans overwhelmingly say that low gas prices are good for the economy and that gas prices would have to increase by more than $1 per gallon before they cut back on driving, according to results of the NACS Consumer Fuels Survey released today (4/6/2017).

Overall, 84% of consumers say that low gas prices are good for the economy, a 1-point drop from 2016, according to survey results announced by NACS, the association that represents convenience stores. Convenience stores sell an estimated 80% of the fuel purchased in the United States.

Americans also say that gas prices would have to increase to $3.37 per gallon before they reduce the amount they drive and reach $4.43 per gallon before they seek out alternatives to driving or drive drastically less.

“These findings are in line with what we traditionally find in our monthly surveys: Consumers say that prices have to increase by about a dollar per gallon from its current price before they consider cutting back. Gradual price increases also gradually push up the price at which they would drive less and it would take a sudden, unexpected price increase before most drivers would consider driving less,” said NACs Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard.

Gas prices tend to increase during the first few months of the year as the petroleum industry undergoes the spring transition to summer-blend fuel. This transition requires the production of unique fuel blends across the United States at a time of increased demand. Since 2000, this transition has led to an average price increase of 53 cents between early February and the seasonal peak, which most often occurs in late May.

By a more than two-to-one margin drivers understand the dynamics of the spring transition: 48% say that they agree that prices increase over the spring months because different fuel blends must be made and distributed for summer months. Only 21% disagree with that statement.

Other findings from the NACS survey include:

  • Consumers say that prices are more likely to increase because of world events as opposed to a local store trying to increase profits: 29% say OPEC is to blame when oil prices increase, compared to only 4% who blame gas stations.
  • A majority of Americans (57%) agree that most gas stations are small businesses evedn if they sell the fuel from a national brand. One in four Americans (26%) disagree with that statement. Overall, 58% of gas station in the United States are one-store operations.
  • Consumers say that convenience stores share their values: 66% agree that convenience stores share their values and do business the right way compared to 34% who disagree with that statement.
  • Consumers say that gas station profits are slim: 43% agree that gas stations make about 5 cents per gallon in profit, compared to 21% who disagree. Gross margins on fuel average about 20 cents per gallon and after expenses most retailers average about 5 cents per gallon in profit.

The survey results were released today as part of the 2016 NACS Retail Fuels Report (www.nacsonline.com/gasprices), which examines conditions and trends that could impact gasoline prices. The online resource is annually published to help demystify the retail fueling industry by exploring, among other topics, how fuel is sold, how prices affect consumer sentiment, why prices historically increase in the spring and which new fuels are likely to gain traction in the marketplace.

The survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,114 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed January 4-6, 2017. NACS has surveyed consumers about their perceptions related to gas prices since 2007 and has conducted monthly consumer sentiment surveys since 2013.

NACS (nacsonline.com) advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 160 million customers daily — half of the U.S. population — and has sales that are 10.8% of total U.S. retail and food service sales. NACS has 2,100 retailer and 1,750 supplier members from more than 50 countries.

Contact:

(703) 684-3600 (phone)
(703) 836-4564 (fax)

Source: NACS

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NACS: Americans seeking out fueling locations based on quality of food and beverages

New National Survey Shows Growing Trend of Consumers Seeking Out High-Quality Food and Beverages as Part of Fueling Experience

ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Americans are increasingly seeking out fueling locations based on the quality of the food associated with the gas station, according to new national survey results released today (3/29/2017) by NACS. The association represents the convenience store industry, which sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the United States.

While survey results show that gas price is still the primary determinant in selecting a station, an increasing percentage of consumers say that the quality of items inside the store dictates where they buy fuel.  In fact, one in seven drivers (16%) say that the in-store offer is driving their fueling decision, a 5-point increase since 2015.

A majority (51%) of American drivers still say that the gas price is the reason that they prefer a specific store or chain, but that is a 6-point drop over the past two years.

Because of the expanded food and beverage offers at stores, fueling customers also are going inside the store more: 42% of those fueling up also went inside the store, a 7-point jump from two years ago. For those going inside, the most popular reasons were to pay for gas at the register (50%), buy a beverage (45%) or buy a snack (36%). More than one in five (22%) say they used the rest room. Overall, 8% say they bought a sandwich or meal, and that percentage jumps to 13% for younger consumers ages 18 to 34.

“The numbers clearly show the growing trend of consumers seeking out food and beverages as part of their fueling experience. While retailers know they need to aggressively compete on gas prices — 67% of Americans say they will drive 5 minutes out of their way to save 5 cents per gallon — it also shows that there are other ways to compete for customers with a quality in-store offer,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard.

Gasoline demand in 2016 reached a record 9.32 million barrels per day in 2016 but only 33% of American drivers report that they drove more in 2016. For those who say they drove more, 41% cited their job as the main reason, as opposed to only 8% who cited gas prices.

Others findings from the survey results include:

  • 73% of fuel customers pay by debit (37%) or credit (36%) card. Debit cards are most popular with younger consumers ages 18-34 (45%).
  • Evening rush is the most popular time to purchase fuel (36%), significantly more than morning rush (22%).
  • Nearly half (46%) of consumers say they have gotten a discount for their fuel by using a loyalty card or app and 23% have gotten a discount for paying by cash.
  • For those purchasing a sandwich or meal, 56% say they eat in in their car, compared to 34% who eat it once they arrive at their destination and 10% who eat at tables in the store.
  • Drivers expect that gas prices will increase throughout 2017. They predict that prices will be $2.84 at year’s end, a 52-cent increase from prices on January 1.

The survey results were released today as part of the 2016 NACS Retail Fuels Report (www.nacsonline.com/gasprices), which examines conditions and trends that could impact gasoline prices. The online resource is annually published to help demystify the retail fueling industry by exploring, among other topics, how fuel is sold, how prices affect consumer sentiment, why prices historically increase in the spring and which new fuels are likely to gain traction in the marketplace.

The survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,114 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed January 4-6, 2017.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Contact:

(703) 684-3600 (phone)
(703) 836-4564 (fax)

Source: NACS

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NACS: Consumer optimism is at an all-time high Despite rising gasoline prices

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Mar-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Despite rising gasoline prices, three in five (61%) gasoline consumers report feeling optimistic about the state of the economy, according to the latest National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Consumer Fuels survey. Consumer optimism is at an all-time high across the four-plus years the national survey has been conducted, surpassing the 58% economic optimism recorded in December 2016 following the presidential election.

A majority of Americans are optimistic across all demographics examined. Older Americans age 50 and older are the most optimistic age group (65% optimistic), compared to 55% of those ages 18-34 who are optimistic. There also are regional differences, with Southerners reporting the highest levels of economic optimism (64%) and Midwesterners reporting the lowest (56%).

Americans also report a 4-cent rise in gas prices in their area. The reported median gas price of $2.29 brings gas prices back up to where they were at the beginning of the year, when gasoline consumers reported a median price of $2.30 (January 2017). Price increases are being felt the most strongly in the West, where a majority (52%) report seeing gas prices higher than they were last month. By comparison, just 41% of gas consumers in the Northeast and the South report seeing higher gas prices this month.

A majority of gasoline consumers expect prices to continue increasing in the next month, a time when gas prices generally face upward pressure as the fuels industry undergoes the annual transition to producing summer-blend fuel. Half (51%) of all Americans say that they expect prices in 30 days to be “much higher” or “somewhat higher” than they are today. Just one in ten (9%) expect prices to drop in the coming month.

Traditionally, rising prices have an inverse effect on consumer optimism. In March 2013, when 85% of Americans said that gas prices had increased, optimism stood at only 41%. However, gas prices also were much higher in March 2013 ($3.58).

The strong optimism may also translate into increased sales for convenience retailers: One in five consumers (22%) say they will drive more this coming month and 19% say they will shop more. More than three in four consumers (76%) say that gas prices have an impact on their optimism.

“The strong consumer optimism is also great news for convenience store retailers, who generally see sales grow when consumers are feel good about the economy, gas prices are low and the weather is nice. It appears that consumers are ready to unleash that optimism with more spending,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

And there is one more factor that can help grow sales for convenience stores: This past weekend’s change to Daylight Saving Time, which adds an extra hour of daylight to evening hours.

“With the extra hour people stay out later, and outdoor activities pick up — as do our sales. The time change equates to an immediate 10% lift in sales,” said E-Z Mart Stores CEO Sonja Hubbard (Texarkana, TX).

The survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,102 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed March 7-9, 2017. Summary results are available at nacsonline.com/fuelssurvey.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

SOURCE: NACS

For media interviews/comments contact Jeff Lenard.

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NACS survey: Americans are optimistic about the economy as gas prices fall

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Feb-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — A majority of Americans (57%) are optimistic about the economy as gas prices fell by 5 cents per gallon over the past month, according to the latest National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Consumer Fuels Survey of U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle at least once per month.

Overall, 57% of consumers are optimistic about the economy, which is 13 percentage points higher than last February, when 44% were optimistic. More than three-quarters (76%) of all consumers say that gas prices, which fell from $2.30 to $2.25 over the past 30 days, play a role in their feelings about the economy.

Consumers in the South were most optimistic (60%), while those in the Northeast were least optimistic (54%). Only one in three Americans overall (38%) say that gas prices rose over the past 30 days, though a majority of consumers in the Northeast (53%) say that gas prices rose in the past 30 days. By contrast, only 28% of consumers in the Midwest say gas prices rose in the past 30 days.

Looking to the future, more than two in five fuel consumers (46%) say that they expect gas prices to increase over the next 30 days. This is a noticeable increase from the 35% who predicted higher pump prices at the same time one year ago.

One in five Americans (18%) say that they will spend more money shopping over the coming 30 days. Younger consumers, those ages 18-34, are most likely (28%) to increase their spending.

“The strong consumer optimism over the past few months will be challenged by the fuels industry’s spring transition to summer-blend fuels, which puts pressure on the distribution system and gas prices. As the cold winter weather slowly warms and spring draws closer, convenience retailers are hopeful that consumer optimism remains high and drivers continue to hit the roads — and visit their stores to refuel on drinks, snacks and meals,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

The survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,110 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed February 7-10, 2017. Summary results are available at nacsonline.com/fuelssurvey.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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NACS survey: Consumer optimism strong at the start of 2017 despite continued rise in gasoline prices

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2017-Jan-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Consumer optimism remains very strong at the start of 2017 despite a continued rise in gasoline prices. For the third month in a row, a majority of consumers (57%) say they are optimistic about the economy—despite gas prices rising all three months, according to the latest National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Consumer Fuels survey of 1,114 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck, or van at least once per month.

Fuel consumers report a median gas price of $2.30 per gallon, an 11-cent increase from the December 2016 reported median of $2.19 per gallon. This month’s reported price represents a cumulative increase of 15 cents since November 2016 ($2.15), and a year-over-year increase of 32 cents from January 2016’s reported price of $1.98.

Over the past three months, there has been a nationwide trend of consumers noticing rising gas prices. In December 2016, one in three (38%) reported noticing higher prices, and in November 2016, one in four (27%) reported noticing higher prices.

In January 2017, three in five (61%) drivers report noticing that gas prices are “much” or “somewhat” higher than they were last month. There is also a noticeable difference by region: 71% of consumers in the Northeast reported higher pump prices, while only 46% in the West reported higher prices.

U.S. gasoline consumers expect this trend of higher fuel prices to continue in the new year. A 56% majority predict that gas prices in 30 days will be “much” or “somewhat” higher than they are this month. By comparison, only 32% of consumers at the same time last year said that they expected gas prices to be higher in 30 days.

Despite expectations of rising gas prices, consumer economic optimism held strong and steady this month, with 57% of gasoline consumers saying they feel “very” or “somewhat” optimistic about the economy. This represents only a minor decline from the historic, all-time high noted in the December 2016 study (60% optimistic).

Consumers were least optimistic in the Northeast (50%)—the region more likely have reported higher prices—and consumers were most optimistic in the West (60%)—the region least likely to have reported higher pump prices.

Also, in a noteworthy shift from monthly findings in the past, consumers over age 50 are more optimistic about the economy than those ages 18 to 34 (59% vs. 54%).

Gasoline consumers enter 2017 significantly more optimistically than they did entering into 2016; at that time, less than half of consumers (47%) reported feeling optimistic about the economy they faced entered.

“Strong economic sentiment may help continue to push sales at convenience stores and other retail outlets,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. “Nearly one in five consumers (18%) say they will shop more this month—despite January traditionally being one of the slower shopping months of the year. And virtually all drivers (89%) expect to be driving either the same amount (67%) or more (22%) than they did last month.”

The survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,114 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed January 4-6, 2017. Summary results are available at nacsonline.com/fuelssurvey.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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NACS survey: Americans more likely to go out and shop this holiday season compared to previous years

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — The continued economic optimism that is driving the stock market to new highs may have the same effect on holiday shopping and travel, according to the results of a new national consumer survey released by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

A record 60% of U.S. fuel consumers report feeling optimistic about the economy, a 1-point increase over the prior month. Younger consumers ages 18-34 (64%) and consumers in the South (also 64%) report the highest levels of optimism, which is largely consistent across all demographics.

NACS, which represents the convenience store industry that sells 80% of the gas in the United States, conducts monthly consumer surveys to gauge how gas prices affect broader economic trends.

Americans also say that they are more likely to go out and shop than in previous holiday seasons. One in three (33%) say that they will be spending more money this month on non-fuels purchases, significantly higher than December 2015 (27%) December 2014 (24%). More than two in five younger consumers ages 18-34 (42%) say that they will spend more this month.

Americans also intend to drive more this December: 27% intend to drive more this December, compared to only 22% who said they would drive more last December.

Low gas prices are a major factor driving consumer optimism. Three in four drivers (78%) say that gas prices impact their feelings about the economy, including 84% of consumers age 18-34. Nationally, gas prices peaked for the year in June at $2.38 per gallon.

Though consumer optimism remains strong, there is some concern about gas prices rising in the future. More than one in three (38%) consumers say that gas prices increased over the past month and a majority of fuel consumers (52%) believe that gas prices in 30 days will be higher than they are today. Nationwide, gas prices rose from $2.15 to $2.19 per gallon over the past three weeks. While gas prices are 19 cents per gallon higher than a year ago (December 2015: $2.00), they are significantly lower than they were in December 2014 ($2.70) and December 2013 ($3.29).

“Economic optimism is continuing into the holiday shopping and travel season,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. “This continued optimism as we head into 2017 is good news for retailers across the country—and especially for convenience store retailers who will offer food and fuel for holiday shoppers and travelers.”

Average miles per dollar—a calculation that examines gas prices related to vehicle fuel efficiency—remained steady at 11.1 miles per dollar.

The survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,124 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed December 6-9, 2016. The time period between the November and December monthly survey was compressed compared to typical months; the November survey was conducted one week later than usual (November 15-18) in order to avoid fielding during election. Summary results are available at nacsonline.com/fuelssurvey.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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NACS: U.S. convenience store industry invested more than $6 billion in upgrading stores in 2015

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2016-Oct-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — The U.S. convenience store industry cumulatively invested more than $6 billion in upgrading stores in communities across the country in 2015, according to industry metrics announced today (10/18/2016) by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

The average cost of a store remodel in 2015 was $409,582, up 40% from an average cost of a remodel in 2011. With 12% of all convenience stores undergoing remodels in 2015, that means that the industry cumulatively committed more than $6.3 billion to improving stores in neighborhoods across the country.

The industry also invested billions of dollars more in new store builds. The cost to build a new convenience store in a rural neighborhood was $4.36 million in 2015. The cost to open a convenience store in an urban market was roughly $500,000 more per store than rural locations, averaging $4.87 million, mostly because of higher real estate costs, even though the lots and stores typically are smaller. Rural lots average 80,052 square feet compared to 71,525 for urban stores. And rural stores average 4,938 square feet, compared to 4,594 square feet.

The cost of the building itself was 37% of the cost of a new store build. Equipment costs (for foodservice, motor fuel and technology, in particular) were also 37% of overall costs. The remainder of the costs were for land (22%) and inventory (4%).

The average interval between store remodels is 10 years. The average age of registered vehicles in the United States is 11.5 years, so more than likely that the typical car pulling into a convenience store—for food of fuel—is older than the store itself.

Store operators also are twice as likely to own the stores than lease them; 68% of new stores built in 2015 were owned, and the remainder were leased.

Because of this constant reinvestment by the convenience store industry, there are very few old or historical convenience stores, although there are exceptions. Reighard’s (Altoona, PA) proclaims to be the oldest existing gas station—dating to 1909—and a former Big Top (Denver, CO) that first opened in 1965 may be the oldest convenience store that has continually sold gas.

“Instead, today’s convenience stores are often very contemporary, and owners regularly upgrade stores to add modern conveniences, especially as stores continue to invest in new services and foodservice programs,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard. “Convenience stores don’t just serve communities—they invest in them. With this large investment, they have a stake in the community’s success and seek to enhance it.”

The new metrics were announced during the NACS Show, the premier event of the year for the convenience and fuel retailing industry. More than 20,000 attendees from 60-plus countries are at the 2016 NACS Show in Atlanta, which features four days of general sessions, more than 60 education sessions and more than 1,200 exhibiting companies in a nearly 410,000 net-square-foot expo. For the most up-to-date news and information on the event, go to nacsshow.com.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Contact:

(703) 684-3600 (phone)
(703) 836-4564 (fax)

Source: NACS

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NACS survey: 77% of Americans favorable toward a new convenience store being opened in their area

ALEXANDRIA, VA , 2016-Oct-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Nearly three in four (71%) Americans say that convenience stores are a good fit with their community’s values and an even higher percentage (77%) say they would be “very” or “somewhat” favorable toward a new convenience store being opened in their area, according to a national consumer survey released today (10/18/2016) by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

Younger consumers (ages 18-34) are overwhelmingly more favorable toward convenience stores than other age groups. More than 8 in 10 (82%) consumers ages 18-34 say that convenience stores are a good fit with their community’s values. And fully 90% say they are favorable to a new convenience store, and more than one in three (37%) say they would be “very favorable.” Consumers with children are also more favorable to new convenience stores than consumers without children—85% of consumers who have at least one child under the age of 18 living at home say they would be favorable to “to a new convenience store opening in their area and 36% say they would be “very favorable.”

Consumers favorable to new stores cited positive economic effects, such as more competition for local businesses and more jobs, while others say they could use another store closer to their homes for greater convenience. Those unfavorable to new stores say that stores “offering competition on local gas prices” (28%) and “becoming an outlet for fresh and healthy products” (19%) would help to make them more favorable to a new store opening in their area.

Nearly three in five (58%) Americans say there are “about the right amount” of convenience stores in their community, with the remainder evenly split between “too many stores” (21%) and “not enough stores” (21%). Consumers in suburban areas are least likely to say there are “not enough” stores in their area (16%) compared to urban consumers (21%). Rural consumers are most likely to say there are “not enough” stores (31%).

Overall, a majority of consumers say that they would be more likely to shop at a convenience store if that store participated in local community projects or donated to charitable causes (56%), up from the 51% who said the same in September 2015. Two in three (67%) consumers with children say they would be more likely to shop at a convenience store that contributed to local community or charitable causes.

Consumers Noticing the Trend Toward Healthy Options
Consumers are also more aware of the convenience store industry’s efforts to provide fresh, healthy food. Six in ten Americans (60%) agree that “convenience stores are responding to consumer demand, and are offering healthier, nutritious products and serving sizes.” Even higher percentages of consumers ages 18-34 (71%) and those with children (72%) agree that convenience stores are offering healthier choices.

More than one in three (35%) consumers say they have purchased more snacks considered “healthy choices” in the past year, but there is significant difference between genders in what they think about food at convenience stores. Women are more likely than men to say they have purchased more “healthy choices” in the past year (39% vs. 31%). However, more than two in three men (69%) agree that convenience stores “offer food I feel comfortable eating,” compared with three in five women (58%).

“Convenience stores are more closely tied to their local communities than any other retail channel and that’s something that consumers increasingly recognize—and reward,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

The survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,149 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed in August 2016.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Contact:

(703) 684-3600 (phone)
(703) 836-4564 (fax)

Source: NACS

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NACS survey: Educational value were job benefits cited by Americans who worked in a convenience store

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2016-Oct-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — One in six American adults has worked in a convenience store, gas station or corner store, and they say that their job gave them valuable experience in how to work with people and how to run a business, according to a national consumer survey released today by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

Overall, 17% of adult Americans say that they have worked at a convenience store, gas station or corner store. Of that total, 91% say that they learned a lot about how to work with people, 86% say that the experience that they gained was valuable, 82% say that they learned about how businesses are run, and 71% say they would recommend this type of work to others, particularly as a first job.

Those who said the convenience store job was their first job are equally as positive about the experience: 83% say that the work experience was valuable and 74% say that the wages that they earned were consistent with their level of experience.

Educational value and flexible hours were job benefits cited by those who held a convenience store job in college: 90% say that they learned a lot about how businesses are run and 81% say that the job offered a flexible work schedule that allowed them to schedule work around other things in life.

Adult Americans who had never worked in a convenience store were equally positive about the job opportunities available at convenience stores. Overall, 85% of Americans who have never worked in the industry say that convenience stores are great summer jobs for high school or college students, and 83% say that convenience stores offer good first jobs for those looking to enter the workforce. Also, they see convenience store jobs as a potential path toward managing or owning a small business: More than two in three non-convenience store employees (71%) agree that it is common for workers who work hard to become managers or eventually own their own businesses.

“Convenience stores conduct more than 160 million customer transactions a day and fuel 80% of the vehicles on the roads today. None of this would be possible without the 2.5 million employees who serve busy Americans every day—and around the clock. These jobs also provide opportunities—whether to gain valuable business experience as you earn an income, or to eventually grow your own small business,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard.

The survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,111 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed in September 2016.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Contact:

(703) 684-3600 (phone)
(703) 836-4564 (fax)

Source: NACS

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NACS and Tyson Foods help fight hunger with donation to Atlanta Community Food Bank

Atlanta, Ga., 2016-Oct-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tyson Foods, Inc. and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) partnered today ( Oct. 17, 2016 ) to donate a truckload of protein to Atlanta Community Food Bank to help eliminate hunger in the greater Atlanta area.

Atlanta Community Food Bank, which serves 29 counties, will distribute the donated food through its service network of 600 agency partners, including nonprofit and faith-based organizations providing daily meals and food pantry services across metro Atlanta and north Georgia.

“We are thankful for the generosity of Tyson Foods and the NACS for their donation of more than 33,000 pounds of food,” said Kyle Waide, CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “One in seven people in metro Atlanta and north Georgia need help putting food on the table. This partnership allows us to provide high quality protein for thousands of them.”

NACS is holding its annual NACS Show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta this week. More than 20,000 attendees from 60-plus countries are expected to attend the event, which is one of the largest tradeshows in the country.

“Convenience stores are closely tied to the communities they serve, especially around charitable giving,” said Jeff Lenard, vice president of NACS’ strategic industry initiatives. “Our industry donates hundreds of millions of dollars annually to local charities and we are delighted to work with these great partners to give back to Atlanta.”

Last month, NACS worked with Dr Pepper Snapple Group, KaBOOM! and community volunteers to build a playground in nearby East Point, Georgia. Lenard said that it is also working with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to donate product from the expo floor at the conclusion of the NACS Show on Oct. 21.

Tyson Foods’ “KNOW Hunger” campaign is focused on helping more people understand and join the effort to eliminate hunger in America. The company partners with Feeding America, Share Our Strength and Lift Up America to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation. Since 2000, Tyson Foods has donated more than 100 million pounds of protein in the United States.

Last year, Tyson Foods announced its renewed commitment to hunger relief by pledging $50 million in cash and in-kind donations over the next five years in the fight against hunger, with a special focus on innovative initiatives at the local level.

“Partnering with organizations like Atlanta Community Food Bank and NACS is important to us in raising awareness about food insecurity in communities all around the U.S.,” said Kevin Miller, senior marketing manager for Tyson Convenience. “In this community alone, Atlanta Community serves 80,600 people each week with programs supported through the food bank. We’re honored to support those extraordinary efforts.”

To learn more about Atlanta Community Food Bank and its hunger-relief efforts, visit http://acfb.org/

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Contact:

(703) 684-3600 (phone)
(703) 836-4564 (fax)

Source: NACS

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NACS survery: Convenience retailer optimism picked up sharply as sales remained strong for the first nine months of the year

ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2016-Oct-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — Convenience retailer optimism picked up sharply as sales of both in-store items and motor fuels remained strong for the first nine months of the year, according to a survey of retailers released today (10/4/2016) by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

More than two in three convenience retailers (69%) say that in-store sales in the first nine months of 2016 were higher than the same period last year. And three in five (60%) say that motor fuels sales were higher compared to the nine months of 2015. Only 9% of retailers say that in-store sales were lower and only 14% say fuel sales were lower over the first nine months of 2016 compared to a year ago.

Strong convenience store sales also pushed retailer optimism higher. Nearly three in four (73%) convenience retailers say they are optimistic about their own business prospects in the fourth quarter, up from 68% who said they were optimistic last quarter.

New foodservice offers and the continued growth of craft beer—and growler—sales at convenience stores were cited as factors driving retailer optimism. Linda Herrera at Grand View General Store (Tetonia, ID) said the store’s fresh food offering is expected to drive sales, and Labrine Voutsinas at Bayshore Breeze Market & Grill (Dunedin, FL) said beer sales are expected to grow. And retailers are embracing technology to enhance the experience. Mark Nelson at Dyno’s Convenience Store (Spencer, IA) said they are expecting to increase consumer traffic with a new rewards program.

Retailers said that the holidays in the fourth quarter should help grow sales, as will the good weather and continued low oil prices—if they both happen.

Retailers were nearly as optimistic about the overall convenience store industry’s prospects. More than two in three (71%) say they are optimistic about the convenience retailing industry over the fourth quarter, up 8 points from the previous quarter. And a majority of retailers (53%) say they are optimistic about the overall U.S. economy, a 6-point jump from last quarter.

To no one’s surprise, the factor most cited as affecting sales in the fourth quarter was the upcoming election.

“Traditionally, consumer sentiment—and spending—decreases in the weeks before an election before rebounding,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard. “But retailers also expressed concerns about how the election will shape legislation and regulations related to their businesses.”

A number of retailers are finding ways to engage customers during the election season. 7-Eleven is once again conducting its 7-Election, encouraging consumers to pick the coffee cup that reflects their vote. The promotion has accurately predicted the past four presidential elections and current results reflect a dead heat for the 2016 election.

“We’re also using the election as a promotional opportunity,” said Dennis McCartney with Landhope Farms Corp. (Kennett Square, PA). “In this business, you have to capitalize on everything that surrounds you and your customers!”

The quarterly NACS Retailer Sentiment Survey tracks retailer sentiment related to their businesses, the industry and the economy as a whole. A total of 115 member companies, representing a cumulative 1,728 stores, participated in the September 2016 survey.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Contact:

(703) 684-3600 (phone)
(703) 836-4564 (fax)

Source: NACS

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NACS: U.S. consumer optimism remained stable despite increase in gas prices over the past month

ALEXANDRIA, Va, 2016-Sep-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Despite a 10-cent increase in gas prices over the past month, U.S. consumer optimism about the overall state of the U.S. economy remained stable according to the latest national consumer survey released by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

U.S. fuel consumers quickly noticed this month’s price increase. About two in five (43%) U.S. fuel consumers say that gas prices rose in their area in the last 30 days. Just last month (August 2016), roughly the same number (42%) said they had noticed prices at the pump declining. Although consumers across the nation noticed a gas price rise this month, there are regional differences. For example, fuel consumers in the South (48%) were more likely to notice an increase in the price of gas as compared to fuel consumers in the Midwest (43%).

Even though many customers noticed the gas price increases, their economic mood remained largely unchanged, increasing one percentage point to 45% optimistic. There were strong regional variations in the latest survey results, with consumers in the West much more likely to be optimistic (49%) compared to consumers in the Northeast (40%). Consumers in the Northeast also were the most likely to say that gas prices will increase over the next 30 days (51% in the Northeast vs. 45% in the rest of the country).

There were other variations across demographics. For the first time since the monthly surveys were launched in January 2013, younger consumers—those ages 18-34—are the least optimistic age group, with 42% expressing optimism about the economy. Also, women have been generally less optimistic about the economy than men, but were slightly more optimistic in September (45% vs. 44%).

“From 2013 to 2015, gas price increases have almost always led to declines in optimism—and vice versa, but we have only seen that dynamic in three of the nine months this year. The extended period of low gas prices and the sustained negative political campaign probably both play a role in this change,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

Consumers say their vehicle’s average fuel efficiency dropped to 23.6 miles per gallon, which is about 2.5% lower that self-reported mileage a year ago. Average miles per dollar—a calculation that examines gas prices related to vehicle fuel efficiency—dipped to 10.7 miles per dollar as gas prices rose and fuel efficiency declined.

Despite the uptick in gas prices, they are still 19 cents lower than last September, when consumers reported a median gas price of $2.39 per gallon.

NACS, which represents the convenience store industry that sells 80% of the gas in the United States, conducts monthly consumer surveys to gauge how gas prices affect broader economic trends. The survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,100 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed September 6-9, 2016. Summary results are available at nacsonline.com/fuelssurvey.

Contact:

(703) 684-3600 (phone)
(703) 836-4564 (fax)

Source: NACS

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NACS releases new online toolkit on how convenience store operators increase sales of better-for-you items

​ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2016-May-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — NACS has published a new online toolkit for retailers that shares eight easy to implement, low-cost and proven examples of how convenience store operators can successfully grow their healthy offer and increase sales of better-for-you items.

Through the NACS reFresh initiative, the new online Ideas That Work to Grow Better-for-You Sales toolkit is one of a growing collection of resources, infographics, videos, podcasts and NACS Magazine articles that share examples of how convenience stores can successfully increase sales of better-for-you items and deliver healthier options to their customers. This toolkit, created by NACS and Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab, shares convenience store-specific examples of evidence-based practices.

“Continued growth in sales of healthier, nutritious foods underscores the need for new strategies that capitalize on changes in consumer demand. NACS is leading the effort to create and communicate new opportunities for convenience retailers to both expand their selection of better-for-you offers and grow their business,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard.

The NACS reFresh initiative provides valuable insights about the contributions convenience stores are delivering to the communities they serve. Through reFresh, convenience retailers are discovering new ideas that enhance their operations and communication efforts to showcase the industry’s positive business practices. NACS also is developing partnerships with groups that share similar values, such as Cornell University, to foster best practices and make a difference.

“There is one more critical element to emphasize: The convenience store industry shares more ideas than any other retail channel. For this project, retailers allowed NACS to test key insights and share the results with other retailers who can determine how these findings will improve their own operations,” said Lenard, adding that NACS and Cornell will continue to build the online toolkit and share new data as it becomes available.

The Food and Brand Lab was created by Professor Brian Wansink, a leader in Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Food and Brand Lab research has driven the creation of the USDA’s Smarter Lunchrooms Movement and the Grocery Retail Scorecard. the lab’s research has also been reported in dozens of magazines, newspapers, books and television news programs.

Lenard encouraged retailers interested in working with NACS to test new ideas and explore partnerships to contact him atjlenard@nacsonline.com.

More information on the refresh initiative is at nacsonline.com/refresh.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

SOURCE: NACS

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National Safe Place Network CEO Laurie Jackson featured in Convenience Matters episode “Convenience Stores as Safe Places”

​ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2016-Apr-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — National Safe Place Network President and CEO Laurie Jackson talks about how convenience stores and other community businesses are helping youth in distress — and how more can join them — in the latest Convenience Matters podcast.

Jackson is featured in the episode “Convenience Stores as Safe Places,” which can be downloaded on iTunes by searching for “Convenience Matters.” It also is available at www.nacsonline.com/podcasts.

“Convenience stores — such as QuikTrip that has been active with Safe Place since 1991 — are literally changing lives,” said podcast co-host Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. “These stores provide a safe place where runaways and at-risk youth can come in off the street, receive food and drink and wait for a volunteer from a Safe Place agency partner to connect them with professional help or a place to stay until their situation is resolved.”

Convenience stores are a great fit for programs such as Safe Place because they are intensely local businesses: 90% of Americans say a convenience store is within 10 minutes from their home. Cumulatively, the U.S. convenience store industry serves 160 million customers per day — meaning that, on average, more than half of the U.S. population is at a convenience store every day.

Both QuikTrip and NACS serve on the National Safe Place Network Board of Directors.

“Unfortunately, young people face troubling issues in today’s world and it’s up to all of us to offer solutions, places where youth can go to connect to immediate help. Convenience stores are an essential thread in the national safety net for youth as each store has the opportunity to serve as a community leader providing compassion, support and attention to young people in need,” said Jackson.

The NACS Convenience Matters podcasts debuted in February 2016. New episodes are released weekly, focusing on topics related to convenience retailing.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

For media interviews/comments contact Jeff Lenard.

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NACS survey: 50% of Americans are optimistic about the economy due to sustained period of lower gas prices

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2016-Mar-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Fully half of all Americans (50%) say they are optimistic about the economy, a strong six-point jump over the past month and the highest percentage since November 2015, according to the results of a new consumer survey released today by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

Two in three consumers (67%) ages 18-34 say that they are optimistic about the economy, a huge 15-point increase from a month ago. Fuel consumers in the Northeast (56% optimistic) and Midwest (54%) are more upbeat about the economy’s prospects than fuel consumers in the South (47%) and West (47%).

The sustained period of lower gas prices appears to finally be driving economic optimism higher. More than four in five consumers (83%) ages 18-34 say that gas prices affect their optimism. Higher optimism may also be contributing to an increase in driving: nearly one in four Americans (23%) say that they will drive more this month, compared to only 16% in March 2015 who said they would drive more over the next month.

While consumers say they are much more optimistic about the economy, they also report a small uptick in gas prices. U.S. fuel consumers reported seeing a median gas price of $1.80 per gallon, a one-cent increase from the February 2016 median of $1.79. This increase, however small, represents the first time consumers have reported a price increase of any size since June 2015.

One in three (34%) U.S. fuel consumers say gas prices have increased in their area in the past month, compared to 68% who noticed gas prices increasing in March 2015. There are significant regional differences; just 16% of fuel consumers in the Northeast report increased prices, while a majority (53%) of Midwesterners have seen higher prices at the pump this month.

When asked about gas prices 30 days in the future, a majority (53%) of U.S. fuel consumers say they expect gas prices to rise, while just one in eight (12%) are expecting prices to drop over the next month. This is the highest percentage of U.S. fuel consumers expecting higher prices since July 2015, when 54% expected increases in gas prices. However, it is still significantly fewer than in March 2015 when three in four drivers (73%) said they thought gas prices would increase.

Even with the slight increase in gas prices, miles per dollar — a calculation that examines gas prices related to vehicle fuel efficiency — hit a new high of 13.22 miles per dollar in March.

“There is a lot of good news for retailers in these results. People feel better about the economy and want to travel more. The key is whether they also will want to spend more and the results right now are mixed, with only 19% of Americans saying that they will spend more this month — the same level as in March 2015. Convenience retailers are optimistic that the increase in consumer sentiment and warmer weather will help grow sales at stores,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

NACS, which represents the convenience store industry that sells 80% of the gas sold in the country, conducts monthly consumer surveys to gauge how gas prices affect broader economic trends. The NACS survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,101 gas consumers nationally were surveyed March 8-11, 2016. Summary results are available at www.nacsonline.com/gasprices.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, posted $696 billion in total sales in 2014, of which $483 billion were motor fuels sales. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

For media interviews/comments contact Jeff Lenard.

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NACS: Optimism about economy plunged to its lowest level even though gas prices fell at their lowest level in seven years

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2016-Feb-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Optimism about the economy plunged to its lowest level in almost a year even though gas prices fell 19 cents last month and are at their lowest level in seven years. Overall, consumer optimism fell three points to 44%, the lowest percentage of Americans who feel positive about the economy since March 2015, according to the results of a new consumer survey released today by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

Millennials are the only group in which a majority feel positive about the economy; 52% of those ages 18-34 report being optimistic compared to just two in five (39%) of those age 50 or higher. Four in five millennials (79%) also say that gas prices affect their economic sentiment, compared to only three in five (62%) of those age 50 or older.

Lower gas prices don’t appear to be translating into increased driving or spending. Only one in six consumers (16%) say that they will be driving more over the next month, the lowest level in three years. And only one in five consumers (21%) say they will spend more this month. Millennials are the most likely to increase their driving (30%) and spending (36%).

Consumers clearly have noticed lower gas prices. Three in four (74%) Americans say that gas prices are lower this month, the highest percentage noticing lower prices since December 2014.  And two in three (65%) drivers think that gas prices in 30 days will be about the same or lower.

“Consumers are very aware of lower gas prices but it isn’t translating into positive feelings about the economy. We will be closely watching how the petroleum industry’s spring transition to summer-blend fuels could affect gas prices, consumer sentiment and spending over the next few months,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives.

NACS, which represents the convenience store industry that sells 80% of the gas sold in the country — and attracts 160 million customers a day, considerably more than the record 117 million who watched the Super Bowl — conducts monthly consumer surveys to gauge how gas prices affect broader economic trends. The NACS survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,100 gas consumers nationally were surveyed February 2-5, 2016.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, posted $696 billion in total sales in 2014, of which $483 billion were motor fuels sales. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

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NACS launches new online resource for everything fuels-related: the Fuels Resource Center

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2016-Jan-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — The convenience and fuel retailing industry sells 80% of the fuels purchased in the United States at approximately 128,000 convenience stores—that’s about 40 million fill-ups a day. As the voice of the industry in the fuels arena, NACS created the Fuels Resource Center to encompass research, news and data for the novice consumer to the knowledgeable retailer on all things fuels—from gasoline and diesel to alternative fuels.

“This online research communicates our industry’s expertise, historical insights, analyses and news within the U.S. convenience and fuels retailing landscape. The continually updated Fuels Resource Center is a go-to site for retailers, the media and consumers,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. “Since the first filling station opened to consumers in the early 1900s, to today’s growth in alternatives such as electric and hydrogen, our industry has been on the forefront of retail fueling innovations and information. The Fuels Resource Center houses all of this knowledge in a one-stop, easy-to-use online hub.”

The Fuels Resource Center is designed to help educate the NACS audience and general public on retail fueling by serving as the go-to resource for fuels-related information, which is categorized into four areas:

  • Basics: General and historical information on retail fueling
  • Petroleum: The scoop on the leading energy source for today’s vehicles
  • Alternative Fuels: What’s new and what’s on the horizon in renewable fuels
  • Operations: Trending topics and regulatory information for convenience store operators

The Center also incorporates research and analysis from the Fuels Institute, which was founded by NACS in 2013 as a venue for all transportation industry stakeholders to come together and share ideas without a pre-determined agenda or outcome.

“Together, NACS and the work of the Fuels Institute is enhancing the education, awareness and regulatory issues that impact retailing fueling operations,” said John Eichberger, executive director of the Fuels Institute. “By bringing all our of research and knowledge into one centralized online location, we will continue amplifying the important role convenience stores have in the current retail fueling space and innovations being developed throughout the entire transportation market.”

As the Fuels Resource Center continues to evolve, NACS will bring fuels information to its audience with easy to find, engaging and approachable content. Be on the lookout for the 2016 NACS Consumer Fuels Report, launching in early March.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,700 stores across the country, posted $696.1 billion in total sales in 2014, of which $482.6 billion were motor fuels sales. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,600 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

SOURCE: NACS

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NACS Consumer Fuels Survey: majority of American consumers optimistic about the economy

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2015-10-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lower gas prices have helped increased consumer optimism about the economy, and for the first time since June, a majority of American consumers (53%) are optimistic about the economy, according to the latest Consumer Fuels Survey results released by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

Consumer optimism surged five percentage points from 48% in September, the largest monthly increase in optimism since April. Consumers ages 18-34 were most optimistic (63%); regionally, consumers in the West were most optimistic (60%).

In part, the rise in optimism is fueled by consumer’s perceptions of falling gas prices. Over half of U.S. consumers (54%) say that gas prices are lower than they were the previous month. Consumers in the Northeast (67%), South (58%), and West (58%) were more likely to say gas prices have declined, compared with just over one in three consumers in the Midwest (35%).

Nearly three in ten (28%) U.S. consumers say they have seen gas stations in their area selling regular gasoline for less than $2.00 per gallon, including a majority of consumers from the South (51%).

However, consumers are not necessarily expecting prices to fall even lower over the next month; only 19% of consumers think that gas prices will be lower in 30 days than they are currently. That’s the lowest percentage of Americans who expect falling prices since July.

What about the possibility of sub-$2 gas? Only one in five drivers (19%) who have yet to see gas priced under $2.00 per gallon expect to see that price by Thanksgiving.

“With 77% of consumers saying that gas prices impact their feelings about the economy, it’s clear that recent price declines have increased overall consumer optimism,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard. “However, consumers are also expressing reservations about further price declines, so it remains to be seen how long this optimism will hold.”

NACS, which represents the convenience store industry that sells 80% of the gas sold in the country, conducts the monthly consumer sentiment survey to gauge how gas prices affect broader economic trends. The NACS survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,200 gas consumers nationally were surveyed October 6-9, 2015. Summary results are available at www.nacsonline.com/gasprices.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,700 stores across the country, posted $696.1 billion in total sales in 2014, of which $482.6 billion were motor fuels sales. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,600 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

SOURCE: NACS