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Good afternoon ABC Stores Members,
As we hit the midway point of June, we wanted to share some timely industry insights that highlight where the spirits sector is headed—and how we can stay ahead.
📈 C-Stores on the Rise in Spirits Sales
Convenience stores are becoming a major player in the off-premise spirits market, now making up 12% of sales nationwide. This growth is fueled by consumer demand for convenience and the rising popularity of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages and agave spirits. Brands like High Noon and Surfside are thriving thanks to frequent deliveries and strategic merchandising in c-stores.
Even though South Carolina’s laws limit spirits sales to licensed liquor stores, this national trend points to growing consumer interest in quick and easy alcohol purchases—especially smaller formats like 50ml “nips” and single-serve RTDs. Retailers across the country are expanding shelf space, adding exclusive products, and running in-store promotions to capture this demand.
🗺️ Looking to Understand the National Landscape?
We’ve included three handy maps below that give you a birds-eye view of alcohol delivery rules, Sunday sales, and where RTD beverages can be sold:
Use these as tools to stay informed and educated on how South Carolina compares to broader market opportunities.
👋 Welcome Our Newest Member!
Please join us in welcoming Nailesh Patel, owner of ABC of Gaston, to the ABC Stores of South Carolina family. We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to the value you’ll bring to our community!
As always, thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to responsible retailing in our state. Stay tuned for more updates and resources coming soon.
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C-Stores Emerge As Growth Channel For The Spirits Category
“C-stores have evolved into the go-to source for discovering the newest, most sought-after beverages,” says Britt West, chief commercial officer at Gallo, marketer of High Noon, which neared 25 million cases last year to lead the U.S. spirits market in volume terms. He points to data from consulting firm Park Street Imports showing that more than 40% of all RTD purchases occur in the c-store channel. C-store shoppers are also loyal and generate massive traffic, adds the Gallo executive, noting, “the average c-store shopper visits three times a week, generating 165 million daily visits.”
In addition to RTDs, small-format spirits packages remain a go-to for c-store shoppers. At Pride Stores, a chain of 17 convenience stores in Illinois, 50-ml. “nips” are the top-selling spirits package, followed by 375-ml. offerings. At stores that feature nips, up to 50 spirits SKUs are available, says director of purchasing Christ Peckat, ranging from Fireball up to single-barrel picks.
Some c-store operators are seeking out more allocated and exclusive products. Casey’s, the mammoth midwestern c-store chain, has teamed up with the Sazerac Co. on several Buffalo Trace special releases. Last year, central Illinois locations offered 375-ml. bottles of the limited Buffalo Trace Single Barrel Select.
C-stores are also upgrading their merchandising tactics for spirits. While value and mid-tier products like Evan Williams and Black Velvet are top performers in the channel, Venhoff says, “we’re seeing some c-stores elevate the experience by utilizing point-of-sale materials that highlight products.” Moreover, the Heaven Hill executive adds, “traditionally small shelf sets for the spirits category are growing in c-stores, providing incremental options for consumers.”
Merchandising efforts can run the gamut from “two-for” promotions for RTD singles, where legal, to in-store sampling. Grub Mart c-stores in Alabama sell spirits at three of their 11 locations, thanks to separate entrances into the licensed spaces, as per state law. Overall, the stores dedicate between 650-1,000 square feet to spirits, says Brian Young, vice president of parent company Young Oil, with Bourbon the top-selling category, and Tequila and RTDs showing the best trends.
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Looking to Understand the National Landscape?
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