Gasoline sales at convenience stores took off in the 1970s with the widespread acceptance of self-service. In 1971, only about 1,300 convenience stores in the U.S. sold gasoline, with the average store selling about 9,000 gallons of gasoline per month. There are now nearly 90,000 convenience stores in the U.S. that sell gas, and the volume sold per store is over 10 times higher than in the 1970s, with the average store now selling 110,000 gallons per month.
Retailers also expect continued strong demand for energy drinks, as well as juices.
And, of course, retailers said that soda and beer sales always increase in the summer months. The latest trend for fountain beverages is tapered cups for upsized servings to fit car cupholders. The same trend holds with coffee, as cup sizes are increasing to as much as 24 ounces. There has even been a concerted effort by retailers to deliver food items in cups that fit travelers' car cupholders. Not every traveler will take the highways this summer.