- Convenience stores saw a 0.1% increase in same-store tobacco sales last year after a strong Q4.
- The mark ended a multi-year streak of declining tobacco sales.
- The tobacco category makes up the highest percentage of in-store spending at convenience stores.
- Lower gas prices are believed by some analysts to have boosted consumer demand, while the exit of CVS Health from the category may have also played a small factor.
- Kwik Check Food Stores CEO Kevin Smartt says "flat is the new up" for tobacco growth, but warns on margin pressure.
- Convenience store chain owners: KR, CASY, PTRY, OTCPK:ANCUF, CST, MUSA