Knowledge is power

Welcome to the Consumer Insights issue, which features a topline report from our third (what is now annual) C-store IQ National Shopper Study

C-store IQ debuted in January 2020—just before the pandemic upended everything—as the first convenience and gas specific study delving into the wants, needs, perspectives and habits of Canadian consumers. Working with the research team at EnsembleIQ (our parent company), we followed up with a mid-pandemic report released in early 2022. Now C-store IQ is back, with fresh 2023 data designed to provide valuable insights into the wants, needs and habits of your customers as we move beyond pandemic-related restrictions. Who is the new convenience shopper and what do they expect from you?

This year, we doubled the number of participants to more than 2,000. It’s a true snapshot of Canada—with comprehensive coverage of shoppers by age, demographic, region and more. We will extrapolate reports and detailed consumer data in the coming months to provide deep insights into a wide range of topics. Reach out and let me know if there’s something in particular you’re interested in.

The great news is that c-stores continue to play a fundamental role in the everyday lives of people living in Canada, with 50% of shoppers visiting once a week or more and 71% choosing the same store each time. Check out the topline report (p. 11).

In addition, we are thrilled to debut exclusive insights from C-store IQ at The Convenience U CARWACS Show Conference and will continue to share with readers key information to help position your business for success (Next issue: What’s in the shopping bag?).

CORPORATE OFFICERS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jennifer Litterick

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jane Volland

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Derek Estey

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER Ann Jadown

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CONTENT & COMMUNICATIONS Joe Territo

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Convenience Store News Canada | Octane is published 6 times a year by Ensembleiq. Convenience Store News Canada | Octane is circulated to managers, buyers and professionals working in Canada’s convenience, gas and wash channel. Please direct inquiries to the editorial offices. Contributions of articles, photographs and industry information are welcome, but cannot be acknowledged or returned. ©2022 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, including photocopying and electronic retrieval/retransmission, without the permission of the publisher.

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CHANNEL ALLIANCES:

Speaking of success, do you know an outstanding woman in convenience? We want to hear about her! Nominations are open for the 2023 Star Women in Convenience Awards: The deadline is March 31. Winners will be announced in the July/August issue and celebrated at an in-person event September 19.

In the meantime, I hope you can join us for two exciting days of learning, discovery and networking at The Convenience U CARWACS Show. Our editorial team is curating the two-morning conference with an engaging line up of speakers and sessions addressing the topics you told us are important to you, as well as highlighting exciting opportunities.

As always, our goal is to provide valuable insights and data to both inspire and help you make informed decisions to grow your business. CSNC

MICHELLE WARREN Editor & associate publisher