2025 Convenience Store Trends Report: Made-to-Order Food, Retail Media Screens, and Loyalty Programs Drive Growth for C-Store Chains

Intouch Insight's 2025 Convenience Store Trends Report reveals key trends in the US c-store industry, including record adoption of made-to-order food, retail-media screens that sell, and loyalty programs that pay off. The report highlights that 85% of shoppers have tried made-to-order food, and hot-meal purchases climbed from 29% in 2024 to 35% in 2025. Additionally, 72% view c-stores as a viable alternative to quick-service restaurants, and 47% of shoppers noticed digital ads on-site, with 37% buying because of them. The report emphasizes the importance of synchronizing frontline execution with data-driven personalization to succeed in the industry.

Intouch Insight's 2025 Convenience Store Trends Report offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the U.S. convenience store (c-store) industry. The report, released on June 17, 2025, identifies several key trends that are reshaping consumer expectations and driving growth.

One of the most notable trends is the increasing adoption of made-to-order (MTO) food. According to the report, 85% of U.S. shoppers have tried MTO food at a c-store, and hot-meal purchases climbed from 29% in 2024 to 35% in 2025 [1]. This shift is raising customer expectations to quick-service restaurant (QSR) levels, prompting operators to adjust their execution benchmarks to capture market share.

Another significant trend is the growing perception of c-stores as a viable alternative to QSRs. The report finds that 72% of consumers view c-stores as a viable option, up from 56% a year ago [1]. This change in perception is driven by competitive meal bundles and pricing analytics, which are becoming table stakes for operators to protect their share of stomach.

The report also highlights the potential of loyalty programs as an engine for growth. While 72% of shoppers are in a c-store loyalty program, 85% would join if rewards were personalized. However, cashiers failed to mention loyalty programs 65% of the time during audits [1]. This suggests that in-store coaching and prompts could unlock digital engagement, increased loyalty, and incremental spend.

Retail media is another trend that is gaining traction. The report finds that 47% of shoppers noticed digital ads on-site, with 37% making purchases because of them [1]. This trend underscores the importance of coordinating content, placement, and measurement to convert eye share into high-margin ad revenue.

The report also notes that electric vehicle (EV) charging is driving incremental visits to c-stores. 20% of consumers choose a store specifically for its EV chargers, with millennials aged 25-34 over-indexing at 45% [1]. This trend presents an opportunity for operators to create longer dwell times and bigger baskets if they provide amenities like food, seating, and Wi-Fi, along with high service standards.

Cleanliness and food freshness are also critical factors influencing consumer behavior. The report finds that 70% of shoppers believe overall cleanliness influences their perception of food freshness [1]. This highlights the importance of consistent standards and audit routines in building confidence, repeat visits, and positive reviews.

In summary, Intouch Insight's 2025 Convenience Store Trends Report reveals a c-store landscape where foodservice rivals fuel, tech-enabled touchpoints extend dwell time, and loyalty programs bridge the gap between on-site and digital engagement. Success in 2025 and beyond hinges on synchronizing frontline execution with data-driven personalization to deepen share-of-wallet and strengthen brand affinity.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/intouch-insights-2025-convenience-store-trends-report-maps-the-next-gen-playbook-for-operations--cx-leaders-302482795.html