Fortunately for tobacco and convenience retailers, millennials (defined here as consumers born between 1977 and 1992) are proving to be an important customer demographic. But having the right brands and staying in stock is critical to keeping them happy.
Here's a look at how millennials view the tobacco category ...
28%
Amount of c-store-shopping millennials buying tobacco products in the past month, second to Gen Xers at 31%
86%
Amount of millennial c-store tobacco consumers buying cigarettes in the past month, fourth among the fıve demographic groups
19%
Amount buying electronic cigarettes, topping the list
35%
Amount buying cigars, second to Gen Z (consumers of legal smoking age up to age 23) at 36%
53%
Amount wanting a variety of tobacco products, topping the list
44%
Amount wanting a variety in smokeless tobacco, ranking No. 1
45%
Amount wanting a variety in e-cigarettes, again topping the list
Source: 2016 CSP Consumer Study: Examining Regional Differences at C-Stores
Methodology: An online survey of 2,500 convenience-store customers ages 16 and older was conducted in October 2016. Respondents must have visited convenience stores to qualify. Questions for gas and tobacco were given only to respondents of legal driving or smoking age, which was based on the legal age by state. Consumers were segmented into groups based on how often they visit convenience stores.