Convenience stores sell more food during outbreak

People are taking home more grocery staples from convenience stores during the pandemic, a shift from heavy reliance on coffee, chips, candy and other products we eat and drink on the go.

More than half of the retailers say grocery sales increased, according to a late March survey of U.S. convenience store owners by the NACS, an industry trade association. Typically, 83% of products that the stores sell are consumed within an hour.

Here are some changes the stores report in reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak:

• 31% are emphasizing ready-to-heat meals
• 28% are showcasing multipack and bulk items
• 52% are adding more cleaning and toiletry items

The stores have scaled back self-serve foodservice and restaurant offerings. Among retailers that made changes in those areas:

• 66% closed public seating and dining areas
• 45% removed customer access to self-serve foodservice, such as coffee, fountain drinks, bakery items and roller grill

About half of the stores reported that their current distribution system is working. About 20% say the system is sufficient, but they are supplementing it with other deliveries.

Some stores are trying to help with social distancing:

• 14% are offering curbside pickup
• 13% increased their focus on drive-thru
• 11% added or increased delivery options

Other survey results:

• 99% enhanced cleaning protocols for high-touch surfaces, with regular cleaning done as often as every 30 minutes
• One in three provide hand sanitizer at gas pumps, and 20% provide gloves
• 60% reduced store operating hours, due to less customer traffic or to deep clean and restock during overnight hours