40 YEARS OF CONVENIENCE RETAILING: 1969-1973

1969

The Numbers:
According to the CSNews Industry Report of that year, there were 11,000 convenience stores nationwide. They rang up approximately $2.3 billion in sales.

More than 850 convenience store operators and suppliers were expected to attend the 9th annual meeting of the National Association of Convenience Stores in Hollywood, Fla.

Retailer Expansion:
Convenient Food Mart Inc. planned to open at least 70 stores, with anticipated annual sales of nearly $25 million, in Virginia and West Virginia.

The 43-unit Plaid Pantry Stores of Portland, Ore., planned to build 17 more units.

Product Trends:
The U-Tote'M division of Fairmont Foods Co. started testing fried chicken stands in a group of stores in Houston.

7-Eleven introduced its own controlled-label beer -- packaged in 12-ounce cans and retailing for less than popular-priced brands.

Consumer Behavior:
Customers reported traveling up to 20 miles to buy their meat at Wawa Food Markets.

1970

The Numbers:
Total sales for The Southland Corp. (operators of 7-Eleven) were projected to exceed $950 million, with net earnings exceeding $14 million. About one-third of Southland's stores were franchised.

Circle K Corp. saw record sales of $71 million, and unveiled the first of a new generation of stores featuring a wider front that provided room for two entrances.

A record high of more than 1,200 people attended the 10th annual NACS convention.

Mergers & Acquisitions:
28 Shopeze Food Stores began operation under QuikTrip of Tulsa, Okla. The merger brought QuikTrip's total store count to 97.

Product Trends:
CSNews reported the opening of fast-food units and installation of foodservice equipment were the most popular ways for c-stores to expand their operations.

Stop N Go Markets, Memphis, Tenn., reported great success with its three stores making fresh doughnuts. Daily sales per store averaged 15 to 18 dozen per day.

1971

Retailer Expansion:
Grand opening in Lancaster, Pa., brings the total number of Turkey Hill Minit Markets to 25.

PDQ Corp. expected to push past the 40-store mark by the end of the year.

Munford Inc. promises to move rapidly in its new agreement with Cities Service Oil Co. (Citgo) to establish and operate c-store/gas outlets.

1972

Industry Milestones:
Turkey Hill Minit Markets became the first outlet in Pennsylvania to dispense gasoline via self-service pump.

The Southland Corp.'s common stock was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Reorganizations:
CSNews reports Munford Inc. realigned its 1,000 stores in 11-states into three regions to facilitate its expansion plans.

1973

The Numbers:
Mini Mart Corp., operator of U-tote'M c-stores in Florida, posted record sales of $5.13 million, an increase of 31 percent, for the six months ended Feb. 28.

Retailer Expansion:
Food Mart Inc. planned to have 130 stores with annual retail sales of $40 million over the next few years in 19 Michigan counties.

Dairy Mart Convenience Stores beefed up its management team in anticipation of dynamic growth, including plans to double its store count to 88 by the end of the year.

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