During the COVID-19 pandemic, convenience stores became essential for local communities, leading to a 1.5% increase in in-store sales, totaling $255.6 billion in 2020. Shoppers turned to c-stores for essential items that were often unavailable in supermarkets, resulting in an 18.4% increase in average basket size, which grew from $6.20 in 2019 to $7.34 in 2020.

Technology, such as digital signage and content management systems (CMS), is crucial for enhancing the customer experience in convenience stores. It helps drive spending throughout the customer journey by providing engaging displays, facilitating mobile ordering, and enabling contactless payment options, which have become increasingly popular.

Since the pandemic, customers have shown a preference for low-contact and contactless transactions, leading to increased debit and credit card usage. Additionally, there is a growing demand for modern in-store technology, with 87% of consumers preferring stores that offer contactless payment or self-checkout options. This shift has encouraged c-stores to rethink their service models and integrate more digital solutions.