Total U.S. convenience store sales reached $755.2 billion in 2024, with in-store sales hitting a record $335.5 billion, up 2.4% from 2023 and marking the 22nd consecutive year of record in-store sales. The original claim that convenience store sales “reached the $200 billion mark for the first time” significantly understates the current market—total c-store sales including fuel and in-store items were $837.4 billion in 2024.
There are 152,255 convenience stores operating in the United States in 2025, with approximately 80% selling fuel—convenience stores sell approximately 80% of all fuel purchased in the United States. 60% of all c-stores are single-store operators, with the bulk of convenience stores coming from “A-sized” (1-10 stores) operators at 96,156 locations, representing 63% of all c-stores.
While much of the convenience store industry comprises larger chains such as 7-Eleven with 12,600 stores, Alimentation Couche-Tard (Circle K) with 7,107 stores, and Casey’s General Stores with 2,890 locations, independent operators remain the backbone of the channel. 7-Eleven, Alimentation Couche-Tard, and Circle K together operate 67.83% of the largest convenience store chains in the U.S.
The convenience distribution landscape has consolidated significantly. McLane Company, a wholly owned unit of Berkshire Hathaway, is a $44 billion supply chain services leader operating 80 distribution centers and serving nearly 90,000 locations across the U.S. Core-Mark, now part of Performance Food Group following a 2021 acquisition, services more than 50,000 customers through 39 distribution centers across the United States and Canada. H.T. Hackney services over 30,000 grocers, convenience stores, and foodservice locations and stocks over 25,000 products. Eby-Brown, the largest privately owned distributor in the U.S., generates $4.5 billion in annual sales and serves 13,500 retail locations through 7 distribution centers. GSC Enterprises, founded in 1947, continues to serve convenience retailers from its Texas headquarters.
Foodservice has emerged as the primary growth engine for convenience stores, accounting for 28.7% of in-store sales and 39.6% of in-store gross margin dollars in 2024. This represents remarkable transformation—in 2004, only 11.9% of in-store sales came from foodservice. The U.S. convenience store foodservice market has grown significantly, increasing by more than 11% in 2024 from the previous year, with projections to reach $72.5 billion in 2025.
NPI has the national coverage to get your products into convenience stores across the country. We understand the unique dynamics of this evolving channel, from the major national chains to independent operators. We collaborate with you to create and implement customer-targeted sales strategies aimed at penetrating the convenience store market, whether through major distributors or direct-to-store programs.
Contact the NPI team today to learn how we can assist you with the Convenience Store retail market.