Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The 2025 holiday season is looking like a absolute monster for retail. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), holiday sales are expected to top $1 trillion for the first time ever which is a huge number that every gas station owner should be paying attention to right now. While the big box stores get all the headlines, a massive chunk of that spending happens on the road. NACS data shows that inside sales are hitting record highs because people are traveling more and they need more than just a tank of gas. If you aren’t prepared to capture those impulse buys, you are essentially leaving free money on the sidewalk.
Travel and the Power of the Impulse Buy
Nearly two-thirds of Americans are planning to hit the road this December and that means your parking lot is going to be full of people who are tired, hungry, and looking for a reason to spend money. When a traveler stops for fuel, they have a high probability of walking inside if they see the right signage. This is where your convenience store inventory management becomes your secret weapon. You need to have high-velocity items like bottled water, premium snacks, and even phone chargers right in their line of sight.
I remember reading somewhere that some people are actually starting to collect vintage soda cans as a hobby which is kind of a strange thing to spend time on if you ask me. Anyway, when those travelers come inside, they are looking for convenience. If your shelves are empty because you didnt order enough based on last years trends, they will just go to the next station down the road. Using convenience store inventory software allows for looking at what actually sold during the last week of December so you dont run out of the basics.
The Big Revenue Drivers You Know (And Some You Don’t)
Fuel is obviously the anchor that pulls them in but the real profit is in the basket. Hot coffee and seasonal beverages are huge margin winners during the cold months. NACS reports that beverages are a top merchandise category and during the holidays, people are much more likely to “treat themselves” to a seasonal latte or a premium energy drink for a long drive.
- Foodservice Bundles: Try pairing a breakfast sandwich with a large coffee for a single “Holiday Traveler” price.
- Car Care Essentials: Don’t forget the basics like windshield washer fluid and ice scrapers because nothing ruins a trip like a frozen windshield and a customer will pay a premium to fix that problem immediately.
- Gift Cards: This is a surprising one but NRF data shows gift card spending is projected to be in the tens of billions. Having a rack of popular cards or even your own store-branded cards near the register is a great way to grab a piece of that pie.
Managing the Holiday Lift
Most operators see a 10-30% lift in foodservice during peak travel days but managing that growth is tricky. If you have too much fresh food, it spoils; if you have too little, you lose sales. This is why having a tight grip on your data is so important. A run on sandwichs can happen in two hours and if your staff isnt checking the system they wont know to prep more until the shelf is totally bare.
A lot of owners try to “eyeball” it but that usually leads to waste or missed opportunities. You should be using your back-office data to set par levels specifically for the holiday weeks. It is also important to make sure your staff knows how to suggest an add-on. If someone buys a coffee, the cashier should always ask if they want a holiday cookie or a pastry. It sounds simple, but it adds up to thousands in extra revenue across a busy month.
Why Data Wins the Season
The difference between a record-breaking December and a “just okay” one usually comes down to execution. You have to ensure that your convenience store inventory software is talking to your POS in real time. If a specific type of glove or hand warmer is flying off the shelves in one location but sitting still in another, you need to know that immediately so you can adjust.
In conclusion, the holidays are a high-stakes game for c-store owners. With over $1 trillion in total retail spending expected, the foot traffic will be there. It is up to you to make sure the right products are on the shelves and that your team is ready to handle the rush.
FAQ: Holiday Strategy for Owners
How do I know how much extra stock to order for Christmas week?
The best way is to pull your “Movement Reports” from last year in your back-office system. Look for the “Holiday Lift” percentage in categories like snacks, beer, and tobacco to guide your current orders.
I have a small store, where should I put holiday items?
Focus on “The Strike Zone.” This is the area between the front door and the register. Place high-margin items like gift cards and seasonal snacks on endcaps or small floor displays in this path.
Is it worth running a fuel discount to get people inside?
It can be, but only if your in-store promotions are strong enough to make up the margin. Use a bundle deal, like “5 cents off per gallon with a $10 inside purchase,” to ensure you are actually capturing that profit.
How do I prevent “Out of Stocks” during a heavy travel weekend when my vendors aren’t delivering?
This is where convenience store inventory management is vital. You need to build a “Holiday Safety Stock” into your orders in the two weeks leading up to the holiday so you have enough in the back room to refill the shelves when the delivery trucks aren’t running.
