A MUCH-loved convenience store is at risk of closure as shoppers turn away from popular snacks that are key for business.
There has been a particular change in behaviour by customers stopping for gas.
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In the past, Americans loved to grab a snack – like Doritos, Twinkies or Health bars – as they popped inside to pay for their fuel.
Packs of cigarettes were also a common accompaniment.
But it seems customers have turned their back on the tradition – one of the reasons convenience store sales have dropped sharply.
Sales volume plunged by 4.3 percent in the year to February, according to market research firm Circana.
The snacks that suffered the biggest drop offs were rice cakes, followed by products such as dips, nuts and jerky – all snack staples.
Refrigerated products fell by 7 percent, and chocolate candy by 6 percent, according to the figures.
David Guerino, a Circle K sales rep in suburban Chicago, said that customers juggling kids now rush out the door before they can be enticed by snackable options.
He noticed down turns in sales of a wide range of items, including ice creams and cigarillos.
David said: “People can’t afford it anymore. If it’s not a necessity, they’re not as willing to splurge.”
Some have attributed reluctance at the tills to fears Trump’s trade war would drive up prices.
Lori Buss Stillman, a researcher at the National Association of Convenience Stores, said: “Right now the consumer is looking at a lot of these products and are saying: ‘Wow, I can’t remember when it was this expensive.'”
There is also a growing focus on healthier eating – which means fewer indulgent snacks.
And another factor is many drivers simply choosing not to go inside and paying for gas at the pump.
The National Association of Tobacco Outlets revealed that where customers might have bought a carton in the past, they are now buying single packs of cigarettes.
But PepsiCo has a plan to get snacks back in mouths and hands in pockets.
The company is developing a range of mini meals – such as Doritos loaded with warm nacho cheese sauce and other toppings.
Likewise, JM Smucker rolled out cherry-flavoured Twinkies at 7-Eleven stores.
And Reynolds American is pushing budget cigarettes to boost sales of smokes.
Smucker CEO Mark Smucker said: “Gas prices have been elevated and so people are just having a bit less extra discretionary change in their pocket.”
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