Download the 2024 “Sustainability, EV, and Convenience Retail Survey Report” We checked in with American consumers to find out how they really feel about sustainability. Now you can access the “Sustainability, EV, and Convenience Retail Survey Report” to better understand consumer sentiment around sustainable products and businesses.  Based on survey results from over 1,200 US consumers, this report will help you monitor changing behaviors and attitudes that directly impact the convenience retail industry. Download the report to learn:  Specific areas where consumer expectations are ..read more

Even as high inflation rates impact the buying behaviors of many American consumers, it’s clear that shoppers continue to make indulgent purchases. The latest convenience store industry sales data analyzed by PDI reveals strong sales within the wine, liquor, and beer categories. In fact, alcohol sales continue to be a key growth driver for convenience stores, with sales up significantly year over year from 2022 to 2023: Beer sales were up 6% YoY Liquor sales were up 10% YoY Wine sales were up 21% YoY While the average price per unit was relatively flat for beer and slightly down for wine, l ..read more

With an increasing number of consumers prioritizing financial value as a key purchasing decision, efficiency and cost savings have become primary objectives for fuel and convenience retailers. As a result, retailers are doubling down on digital transformation—investing in innovative technologies that help them adapt faster to changing consumer behaviors. As a core part of the fuel and convenience ecosystem, PDI remains at the forefront of the industry’s technology evolution by delivering new solutions and collaborations designed to enhance agility and productivity. Attendees at NACS Show 2023 ..read more

Are you interested in a good origin story? Get ready to learn how the modern convenience ecosystem grew from a bunch of small general stores scattered across the United States into a massive industry with over 150,000 sites and the familiar brands we know and love today. In the inaugural episode of the “How Convenient” podcast, host Bethany Allee speaks with her special guest, PDI CEO Jimmy Frangis. To get the inside scoop on the evolution of the fuel and convenience industry, listen to the podcast here. Read the transcript PDI “How Convenient” Podcast Episode 1 Transcript: Bethany Alle ..read more

Were you able to join us for the live webinar “Convenience Trends to Watch for in 2024?” If not, be sure to check out the summary below or view the on-demand webinar here. The NACS-sponsored webinar featured PDI COO Linnea Geiss along with industry experts Jeff Hassman, PDI VP Product Strategy and Partnerships, and Justin Baxley, PDI VP, Retail Product Management. The trio discussed the top trends that will impact the fuel and convenience retail industry in 2024, sharing their predictions on what businesses should expect. They also provided guidance and insights from industry research, includ ..read more

Gen Z, born between 1995 and 2015, is one of the fastest growing consumer groups across the globe. Despite its youth, this generation and its growing influence on brands and business has quickly transformed into a powerful economic force. Today, Gen Z accounts for more than 40% of consumers around the world and boasts a whopping $360 billion USD in disposable income, according to a study from Bloomberg. That alone makes Gen Z a powerful market for CPG brands, fuel providers, and national convenience retailers to tap into. However, the generation also demands that businesses meet a higher stan ..read more

Get the New “Tracking Convenience Report: from the Pump to the C-Store” Have you spotted any interesting changes in the c-store ecosystem? We have, and we’re ready to share some trends and insights to help you maintain your competitive edge. The latest version of “Tracking Convenience Report: From the Pump to the C-Store” reveals the latest consumer data and trends that will impact your business in 2024. Highlighting in-depth data and analysis from PDI and GasBuddy, this report covers: Interesting convenience trends that emerged in 2023 New areas of opportunity for retailers and CPG brands Va ..read more

We’re only a few weeks removed from hosting PDI Users Conference 2023, and I wanted to share my thoughts while they’re still fresh in my mind (and my feet are finally recovering from my too-tight silver glitter boots…more on that later). I feel like everyone always says this, but I can sincerely say that this year’s event went above and beyond the expectations set by our previous conferences. We experienced record attendance this year, and you could feel the high energy and enthusiasm everywhere. Which is why I want to officially give a huge shout-out and thank-you to everyone who continually ..read more

Customer Service Week is an opportunity to recognize and show appreciation to our PDI colleagues serving in this critical function. Celebrated from October 2-6 at PDI and in many other organizations in the convenience ecosystem and beyond, this year’s global theme is “Team Service.” No matter where our representatives sit within PDI, we’re all on the same team Connecting Convenience together.   Our industry operates 24/7/365, and so do our support teams. This week (and every week) we thank all the teams who work tirelessly to provide exceptional customer service to keep our industry ..read more

There’s overwhelming evidence that US consumers, across socioeconomic and demographic lines, want to buy from environmentally conscious companies and will pay more to do so. The defining factors in what types of sustainable products and services consumers will pay more for depend on credibility, category, and loyalty. By identifying the needs, wants, and behaviors of the modern eco-conscious consumer, convenience retailers can establish long-term, data-driven sustainability strategies that position their business for sustained success. Credibility As more brands begin to make claims of sustai ..read more