Use 'March Madness' to inspire 'snack madness'
Whether customers buy for a last-minute gathering or a planned watching party, convenience store operators can profit from sporting events. There is more to preparing your in-store strategy than ensuring callouts and brand sponsored snacks are visible.
Intouch Insight reports that by 2028, c-store sales are projected to generate $3.12 trillion dollars. The report stated that tactics such as limited-time offers, bundle deals and personalized deals used by QSRs are game-changing tools for operators. Pairing your offers with take-out deals and delivery apps can generate sales while creating customer loyalty.
While stores should not ignore sponsored tie-ins from beverages and snacks, having made-to-order and pre-made foods available for take-out drives foot traffic. Hot meal purchases rose from 29% to 35% in the last year, and salads made a small but significant jump from 20% to 25%. With more customers using GLP-1 medication for weight loss, offering a range of healthier snacks and meal choices can also boost sales.
Bundling your offers creates value
In In Q3 2026, Couche-Tard sold 13.3 million meal-deal bundles. Pairings like Circle K’s “$5 Meal Deal” featuring a hot dog with a bag of Frito-Lay chips and a Polar Pop, as well as the "$6 Meal Deal” of Pizza and Pepsi were major sales drivers. Due to demand, the company plans to continue to expand the reach and the variety of meal deals in the future.
Intouch Insight’s study also found customers “want variety, flexibility and control.” 74% of its survey responded that more meal choices would make value offers more appealing. Consider game-themed options that include a range of flavours, fibre, and protein additions.
Loyalty programs work when you create dynamic experiences
Loyalty is a fickle thing. Tillster’s customer sentiment survey revealed that one in three diners switched favourites within a year. Better food and better value are the deciding factors in keeping customers, but programs can lose steam when it takes too long to earn points, or do not offer an appealing offer to redeem.
Do your customers know you offer any loyalty programs? Make sure the rewards match their shopping habits. Sales opportunities could be lost when clerks do not ask if clients are loyalty members, but sign-ups can slow down a checkout line during a rush. Gamification offers a way to get customers to join without sales pressure tactics from your staff. Circle K Offers "Snack Challenge" and other app-based challenges that, when completed, unlock special rewards and treats for members.
Perceived value is a gamechanger
According to Intouch Insight, 72% of consumers say that price matters, but people also choose a convenience store over a QSR based on portion size, taste, and whether they feel they are getting a good deal.
Jeremy Poty, the regional foodservice growth manager for Core-Mark Canada spoke about the impact freshness has on sales for ready-to-go hot meals. While speaking at the U CARWACS 2026 show, Poty stated that there is nothing worse than seeing shrivelled, dry looking hot dogs on their rollers, and added that customers respond to abundance. “You’re still making a profit by filling up the entire grill with hot dogs, even if only two are sold that day.”
Fibre and protein: Potential sales opportunities
From snacks to take out meals, customers want variety, and new generations of consumers are more health conscious. Food service research firm, Technomic revealed that there is an overall shift in consumer behaviour due to health concerns.
Customers now search for meals and snacks that offer better-for-you options such as high fibre, or offer high protein are being picked up by those looking for an easy meal or a quick snack.
Eye-catching labelling that clearly show diet compatibility are helpful. Creating a dedicated section in your prepared meals section with large signs and clear callouts will also make it easier for customers to find what they need and spend their time more effectively.
Beverages that appeal to all generations
Studies have shown that younger generations are not drinking as much, if any alcohol. Providing low alchol or zero-alcohol drink choices can appeal to those who are health conscious or have religious restrictions, while providing last minute options. Wine and beer selections remain popular, and offering lower alcohol options provide sales for those seeking better-for-you drinks.