Optimism about the economy and gas prices suggests convenience stores will see good business from holiday shoppers who need snacks, fuel and quick purchases, according to NACS.
NACS, originally the National Association of Convenience Stores, is now known as the Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing. Its November survey of consumers found 50 percent of consumers were somewhat or very optimistic about the economy in November. Of those surveyed, 81 percent said gas prices had some or a great impact on their feelings about the economy.
Average gas prices when the poll was taken were $2.189, according to the OPIS Retail Fuel Report of Nov. 6.
“The surge in optimism among women, who also tend to conduct the bulk of holiday shopping, is great news for retailers who depend on a strong holiday shopping season,” Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives, said in a press release about the report. “We expect that convenience stores also will see benefits with increased sales of snacks, drinks, fuel and fill-in items for harried shoppers.”
