NEW YORK -- Convenience-store sales of three major beverage categories lagged behind sales in all retail channels in February, according to the latest four-week data from Nielsen.
Dollar sales of beer and carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) declined in all channels, according to a Wells Fargo Securities report, but the decline was steeper in c-stores. Similarly, energy-drink sales grew in both channels, but c-store growth lagged behind all channels.
"Overall, c-store results were lukewarm," Bonnie Herzog, managing director of consumer equity research for New York-based Wells Fargo, wrote in a research report. "C-store sales continue to be pressured given stepped up promos/competition from dollar stores, supermarkets, etc."
Here's a look at the Nielsen sales data for the four-week period ending Feb. 24 compared to a year ago:
| Category | All channels (dollar sales growth) | C-stores (dollar sales growth) |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | (0.7%) | (1.1%) |
| CSDs | (1.7%) | (5.5%) |
| Energy drinks | 3.9% | 2.8% |
Source: Nielsen, Wells Fargo Securities
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