Convenience Store Consolidation: The Future of Local Provisions in America
Washington, vrijdag, 6 juni 2025.
The American convenience store sector stands on the brink of a profound transformation. Recent market data reveals a shift where smaller, local stores are being merged into larger chains. In 2024, 74% of acquisitions targeted smaller stores, particularly in rural areas where these businesses are crucial for food provision. Economic experts point out that this consolidation could have far-reaching consequences for communities with limited supermarket access. Major players like 7-Eleven, with 13,000 stores, seem poised to further reform the market. The trend suggests not just an economic shift, but a potential redistribution of local provisions in sparsely populated regions.
Convenience Store Market Composition
The American convenience store sector currently counts 152,396 stores, with a modest year-on-year growth of 1.5% in 2024. Only 22 chains have more than 400 locations, while approximately 96,000 stores have 10 or fewer outlets. Notably, 63% of the sector is dominated by individual retailers with just a single location [1].
Acquisition Developments
In 2023 and 2024, significant acquisitions occurred in the sector. Maverik acquired 400 stores from Kum & Go, RaceTrac purchased Gulf Oil with 1,000 branded locations, and BP acquired TravelCenters of America for $1.3 billion. In 2024, large chains expanded their geographical reach, such as FEMSA’s purchase of 249 Delek US Holdings stores and Casey’s acquisition of 198 CEFCO convenience stores for $1.15 billion [1].
Consolidation Trends
The acquisition market is dominated by smaller players. In 2023, 80% of completed deals targeted chains with fewer than 50 stores. In 2024, this trend remained intact, with 74% of transactions focused on smaller convenience store entities [1].
Future Perspectives
7-Eleven, with 13,000 stores in the United States, is potentially on the verge of further market reformation. The chain plans to open 1,300 new locations in North America by 2030. Moreover, Alimentation Couche-Tard, owner of over 7,000 Circle K locations, is exploring potential acquisition options [1].
Economic Impact
Experts note that the redevelopment of acquired stores requires substantial investments. Rebranding acquired units can cost up to $1 million per store, primarily for upgrading kitchen facilities to support food service ambitions [1].