“This is great news for the convenience industry in our state,” said Jan Vineyard, president of the West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association (OMEGA). “Not only will our members’ stores receive increased business from consumers traveling within the state, but also those driving through West Virginia on their way to popular destinations to the south. Consumers increasingly want to go beyond the gas pump when they stop to fill up and rely on the convenience store to provide fresh and quick food options along with clean facilities.”
While more than half of all drivers say that they will select a specific store based on the gas price, 44% say quality food options will weigh their decision on where to stop while 39% indicated store cleanliness is of great importance in their decision making.
Younger travelers, those who are ages 18 to 34 are most likely to visit convenience stores on their vacations with 78% saying they will purchase a snack, 74% will buy a drink, 73% will use the restroom facilities and 40% will buy a sandwich or meal. Overall, more than nine in ten of the consumers surveyed say that low gas prices are good for the U.S. economy.
NACS represents the convenience store industry, which sells 80% of the gas sold in the country. The West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association is a state affiliate of the National Association of Convenience Stores. This NACS survey was conducted by Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates LLC. 1,105 gas consumers were surveyed from May 5-7, 2015.
