The Top 100 (2024)

The Top 100 (1)It’s no surprise that 7-Eleven Inc. remains the largest convenience retail chain with 12,821 stores as of December 31, 2022, according to the 2023 NACS/ NielsenIQ list of the Top 100 Convenience Retailers. That’s nearly 100 stores more than 7-Eleven had in the 2022 ranking.

The Irving, Texas, convenience retailer has locations across the U.S., with the largest presence in the Northeast, where it has 3,542 stores, and the smallest footprint in the Central region, where it has 693 stores.

The Top 100 (2)Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., which owns the Circle K and Couche-Tard brands, is the second-largest chain by store count, with 5,702 stores in the U.S. The parent company is based in Laval, Quebec, with U.S. headquarters in Arizona. Couche-Tard operates convenience stores in 26 countries and territories, with more than 14,200 stores, of which roughly 10,800 offer road transportation fuel. Circle K’s largest U.S. footprint is in the Southeast, where it has 2,003 locations, up from 1,911 stores at the end of 2021.

Casey’s, EG America and GPM Investments LLC round out the top five by size, with 2,470, 1,696 and 1,391 stores, respectively. Casey’s, based in Ankeny, Iowa, dominates the Central region, where it has 1,493 stores. Casey’s has a presence in 16 Midwestern states, and about half of its c-stores are located in areas with populations of 5,000 or less. In fiscal 2023, Casey’s plans to add about 80 stores.

The Top 100 (3)The NACS State of the Industry enterprise breaks down the size of convenience retail chains as A (1-10 stores), B (11-50), C (51-200), D (201-500) and E (500+). In the 2023 Top 100 Convenience Retailers list, there are 14 E-size firms atop the list, followed by 19 D-size firms and 67 C-size chains. (Note: The top 100 includes several ties in the rankings when chains had the same number of stores.)

Industrywide, 150,174 convenience stores operate in the United States—a 1.5% increase in the number of stores from a year earlier, according to the 2023 NACS/NielsenIQ Convenience Industry Store Count. Of these, 118,678 convenience stores sell motor fuels (79.0% of all convenience stores). Store count increases were recorded in 39 states and Washington, D.C.

The Top 100 (4)“The value of convenience continues to grow, and that’s a driving factor why every retailer, regardless of channel, seeks to provide it. And it’s also clear that the convenience offer at convenience stores resonates with consumers, given the record in-store sales at convenience stores and increase in store count,” said NACS Managing Director of Research Chris Rapanick.

The main trend line in the 2023 NACS/ NielsenIQ store-count data is growth in the number of single-store operators after several years of shrinking numbers amid industry consolidation and a tough business climate. There are 90,423 single-store operators in the U.S., accounting for 60.2% of all convenience stores.

The Top 100 (5)Consolidation continues in the convenience retail industry. ARKO Corp.’s GPM Investments, for example, acquired more than 200 retail stores in 2022, including Pride Convenience Holdings, Transit Energy Group and Uncle’s Convenience Stores, among others. “With our liquidity and deal-making ability, we believe we have a long runway to continue our long-term growth strategy, making disciplined, accretive acquisitions at attractive multiples to continue growing our convenience store footprint,” Arie Kotler, ARKO’s chairman, president and CEO, said in announcing the Pride Convenience Holdings deal in October. ARKO, based in Richmond, Virginia, has grown its c-store holdings from about 200 stores in seven states in 2013 to more than 1,390 c-stores in 33 states and Washington, D.C., via 22 acquisitions.

The Top 100 (6)It’s not just the E-size firms that are growing. Among the smaller chains, Lawrenceville, Georgia-based Majors Management, which ranks 56 on this year’s list, recently announced deals to acquire 21 convenience stores from Davis Oil Co. and 13 Maritime Farms c-stores from Maritime Energy.

The Top 100 (2024)

FAQs

What is the STAR method when interviewing? ›

The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.

How do you answer a question you don't know the answer to? ›

How to respond when you don't know the answer to a question
  1. Stay calm. ...
  2. Ask clarifying questions. ...
  3. Share what you do know. ...
  4. Be honest. ...
  5. Express your desire to learn. ...
  6. Be punctual. ...
  7. Prepare copies of your resume and cover letter. ...
  8. Make a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
Sep 30, 2022

What are the top 5 interview questions and answers PDF? ›

Top 10 Interview Questions and Best Answers
  • Tell Me About Yourself. ...
  • Why Are You the Best Person for the Job? ...
  • Why Do You Want This Job? ...
  • How Has Your Experience Prepared You for This Role? ...
  • Why Are You Leaving (or Have Left) Your Job? ...
  • What Is Your Greatest Strength? ...
  • What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
Dec 10, 2022

What are the 10 most common interview questions with answers? ›

10 most common interview questions and answers
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What attracted you to our company?
  • Tell me about your strengths.
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • Tell me about a time where you encountered a business challenge?

What are the 5 STAR interview questions? ›

5 example STAR interview questions and answers
  • Give me an example of a goal you've set and how you achieved it. ...
  • Tell me about a time you failed. ...
  • Can you describe a time people didn't see things your way? ...
  • Tell me about a time when you worked well with a team.

Is it okay to say I don't know in an interview? ›

Is it okay to say I don't know in an interview? Yes, it is okay to say I don't know in an interview. However, you shouldn't leave it at that. Explain how you'd go about approaching the problem or finding the answer, or offer to find the answer and send it to them after the interview.

What way should you not say thank you for the interview? ›

Don't write a note saying you're qualified unless you can back it up with some specifics. Ideally, the specifics should come directly from the interview. For example, perhaps the interviewer asked about how you perform on a team, and you gave a great answer.

What not to do in an interview? ›

15 Things You Should NOT Do at an Interview
  • Not Doing Your Research. ...
  • Turning Up Late. ...
  • Dressing Inappropriately. ...
  • Fidgeting With Unnecessary Props. ...
  • Poor Body Language. ...
  • Unclear Answering and Rambling. ...
  • Speaking Negatively About Your Current Employer. ...
  • Not Asking Questions.

What are the 5 hardest interview questions and answers? ›

The most difficult interview questions (and answers)
  • What is your greatest weakness?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • What's something that you didn't like about your last job?
  • Why do you want this job?
  • How do you deal with conflict with a co-worker?
  • Here's an answer for you.

How do you handle stress and pressure? ›

Taking steps to manage stress
  1. Track your stressors. Keep a journal for a week or two to identify which situations create the most stress and how you respond to them. ...
  2. Develop healthy responses. ...
  3. Establish boundaries. ...
  4. Take time to recharge. ...
  5. Learn how to relax. ...
  6. Talk to your supervisor. ...
  7. Get some support.
Jul 1, 2014

What are the 3 most popular questions asked at any interview? ›

Common interview questions
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why are you interested in working for this company?
  • Tell me about your education.
  • Why have you chosen this particular field?
  • Describe your best/worst boss.
  • In a job, what interests you most/least?
  • What is your major weakness?

What are the 7 most common interview questions and answers pdf? ›

How to master these 7 common interview questions
  • Where do you see yourself in five years time? ...
  • What are your strengths/weaknesses? ...
  • Why should I hire you? ...
  • Tell me about yourself/your work experience. ...
  • Why do you want this job? ...
  • What are your salary expectations? ...
  • Why are you the right fit to succeed in this role?

What is your strongest interview question? ›

When answering, mention what your top strengths are, provide examples on how you've used them in the past, and finally, describe the results you've gotten. Be super specific with your answers. Don't just say “I'm good at X” - really dive deep and give the interviewer a comprehensive answer.

What are the 6 C's interview questions? ›

2. Why do we need the 6 Cs? The hiring panel may ask you about the six core values to assess your knowledge. The 6 Cs – care, compassion, courage, communication, commitment, competence - are a central part of 'Compassion in Practice'.

How do you ace an interview 5 tips? ›

How to ace an interview
  1. Choose a career path and research the market. ...
  2. Research your potential company. ...
  3. Review the job description. ...
  4. Understand the STAR method. ...
  5. Rest and pick your outfit before the interview. ...
  6. Ask your own questions to the interviewer. ...
  7. Follow up after the interview.
May 5, 2023

What is the key to a successful interview? ›

Be sure to briefly cover your education, work history and a hobby. The interviewer wants to know you are well-rounded person. Show confidence in yourself and your abilities. Key words to use are: profit, challenge, responsibility, developing new skills, team player, etc.

Is 2 minutes too long for an interview answer? ›

Interview answers should be 30 seconds to four minutes, depending on the context of the questions. Your response may be short (30 seconds to two minutes) if the question is simple. For example, if the hiring manager asks you to describe your strengths, you might speak for 90 seconds to explain where you're proficient.

What's your greatest weakness? ›

Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.

What is the smart answer technique? ›

What are smart answers to interview questions? Smart answers to interview questions usually follow the STAR method. This method is a structured way to respond to common behavioral interview questions by specifically discussing the situation, task, action and result for each answer you provide.

What not to ask during an interview? ›

  • Questions You Should Never Ask in a Job Interview.
  • Anything Related to Salary or Benefits. ...
  • Questions That Start With “Why?” ...
  • “Who is Your Competition?” ...
  • “How Often Do Reviews Occur?” ...
  • “May I Arrive Early or Leave Late as Long as I Get My Hours In?” ...
  • “Can I Work From Home?” ...
  • “Would You Like to See My References?”

Is it OK to admit you are nervous at an interview? ›

Yes, it is okay to tell an interviewer that you are nervous. In fact, doing so can be beneficial. It can show the interviewer that you care about the job and that you are invested in doing well in the interview. Additionally, letting the interviewer know that you are a bit nervous can put them at ease.

Why should we hire you? ›

“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”

How do you close an interview? ›

How to end an interview
  1. Ask specific and well-thought-out questions about the position and company. ...
  2. Reiterate your qualifications for the job. ...
  3. Inquire if the interviewer needs any additional information or documentation. ...
  4. Address any issues. ...
  5. Restate your interest in the position.
Feb 3, 2023

How do you say you want a job without sounding desperate? ›

Photos courtesy of the individual members.
  1. Ask For An Informational Meeting. ...
  2. Provide Insight. ...
  3. Demonstrate Commitment To The Mission. ...
  4. Share Passion And Find Ways To Contribute. ...
  5. Tell The Story Behind Your Interest. ...
  6. Be In Love With The Company. ...
  7. Ask First For Expert Advice. ...
  8. Interact With Their Content.
Apr 7, 2020

How long do you hear back after interview? ›

But while any and all of the above can (and sometimes does) impact how long it takes for you to get a response after a job interview, Work says, “In most cases, you should hear back within one to two weeks max after a job interview, unless the recruiter or team lets you know it will take longer.”

What should I say to impress in an interview? ›

  • I Am Very Familiar With What Your Company Does. ...
  • I Am Flexible. ...
  • I Am Energetic and Have a Positive Attitude. ...
  • I Have a Great Deal of Experience. ...
  • I Am a Team Player. ...
  • I Am Seeking to Become an Expert in My Field. ...
  • I Am Highly Motivated.

What are common interview mistakes? ›

Common job interview mistakes
  • Arriving late or too early.
  • Inappropriate attire.
  • Using your cellphone.
  • Not doing company research.
  • Losing your focus.
  • Unsure of resume facts.
  • Talking too much.
  • Speaking poorly of previous employers.
Feb 3, 2023

How do I impress at a job interview? ›

How can I impress the interviewer with my answers?
  1. Be passionate. Have a positive attitude and be enthusiastic when talking about yourself and your career. ...
  2. Sell yourself. ...
  3. Tell stories. ...
  4. Ask questions. ...
  5. Ask for the job.
Feb 3, 2023

What are killer questions? ›

Killer interview questions are general questions that interviewers ask to make you open up and demonstrate your true thoughts and behaviour. These questions help them encourage honesty because they're often unconventional and candidates may simply not expect to hear them during the interview.

What is the biggest failure interview? ›

Choose a specific failure

Pick a real failure that happened in the workplace, specifically a failure related to the work you're doing now. Look for a story where something didn't go as planned. Choosing the right story is important, as you want to explain a situation where only one thing went wrong.

What annoys you the most interview questions? ›

Answer 1: I get irritated when people don't listen to me and tell me what to do. I don't know how they could tell me without having any idea about the situation. Firstly, I will take a deep breath and asks for time to start explaining that situation or topic, and will tell them what I am doing to make the things done.

Can you work under pressure? ›

The answer is Yes. We surely can work under stress but the cons in working under pressure or stress is that it hinders or blocks your creativity and ability to take smart decisions. So to overcome this situation, we should stay calm and breathe more.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ›

Answer for “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” “In five years, I see myself as an integral part of the company who has helped contribute to the growth and success of the organization. I would like to continue developing my skills and knowledge in order to be able to take on more responsibility within the company.

What are the three C's for interviews? ›

When it comes to interviewing, confidence, competence, and credibility are essential tools for success and often elude even the most experienced investigators.

What is the rule of 3 in interviewing? ›

Instead, remember the rule of three. What three things do you want the interviewer to remember about you? What three things are you most proud of in your life to date and why? What three extra things would you be looking for if you were interviewing someone for this role?

What are the three P's to the perfect interview? ›

So my three Ps of interview preparation are, past, people and personal, but more on these shortly. The next thing to think about is what your preparation looks like.

What do you say in Tell me about yourself? ›

Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.

What are the 101 interview questions? ›

Interview Questions and Answers 101
  • What do you know about our business? ...
  • Why do you want this job? ...
  • What are your professional strengths? ...
  • What are your professional weaknesses? ...
  • What is your greatest career achievement? ...
  • What conflict or challenge have you faced in the workplace, and how did you deal with it?
Jan 30, 2018

What are the 3 main characteristics for interview answers? ›

5 qualities and characteristics recruiters look for in interview answers
  • Communication of Motivations and Preferences. ...
  • Confidence in Skill and Experience. ...
  • Preparation for Proceeding Further in the Process. ...
  • Be Honest and Reflective about Professional Failures or Shortcomings to Show How You've Grown.
Jun 2, 2022

What are your 5 weaknesses? ›

Sample responses to “What are your weaknesses?”
  • Self-criticism. I can be quite critical of myself, which can lead to negative self-talk and eventual burnout. ...
  • Fear of public speaking. I am a naturally shy person. ...
  • Procrastination. ...
  • Issues with delegating tasks. ...
  • Lack of experience with skill or software.
May 18, 2023

How do you handle failure? ›

Top tips for coping with failure
  1. Give yourself permission to feel. ...
  2. Practise self-compassion. ...
  3. Reflect on the experience and adopt a growth mindset. ...
  4. Revisit your goals and create a plan for the future.

What is your weakness point answer? ›

How to answer What are your greatest weaknesses? Choose a weakness that will not prevent you from succeeding in the role. Be honest and choose a real weakness. Provide an example of how you've worked to improve upon your weakness or learn a new skill to combat the issue.

What is your biggest accomplishment? ›

'My greatest achievement' examples could include:
  • Giving a great presentation at work.
  • Beating sales targets.
  • Training for and completing a marathon.
  • Organizing a successful charity event.
  • Mentoring a coworker or fellow student.

What is an example of the Starr method? ›

An example of the STARR method in action

Task: “I needed to get these two team members on the same page so that the project assignments could be completed before the deadline.”Action: “So, I called a meeting between the two arguing parties so they could air their grievances and reach an understanding with each other.

What questions are asked in the STAR method interview? ›

They ask you to tell a story of a work situation, how you reacted to it, and help the interviewer predict how you might react to similar situations in the future. The most common questions are: Tell me about a time when you were faced with a challenging situation.

What is your greatest weakness? ›

Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.

Is the STAR method still used? ›

Since the STAR method continues to serve its original function, questions designed to evoke behavioral responses shouldn't be deleted from your interview repertoire entirely. Still, an update may be required to give candidates the chance to speak about themselves, their values, and their skills.

How do you handle conflict example answer STAR method? ›

The STAR method stands for:
  • Situation: Describe the conflict or challenge.
  • Task: Explain your role in the conflict.
  • Action: Discuss the steps you took to resolve the conflict.
  • Result: Describe the results of your actions.
Mar 10, 2023

What are some common mistakes to avoid during an interview? ›

Here are common mistakes people make during interviews and what you should do instead:
  • Arriving late or too early.
  • Inappropriate attire.
  • Using your cellphone.
  • Not doing company research.
  • Losing your focus.
  • Unsure of resume facts.
  • Talking too much.
  • Speaking poorly of previous employers.
Feb 3, 2023

What is best answer for Tell me about yourself? ›

Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.

What are three strengths? ›

Some examples of strengths you might mention include:
  • Enthusiasm.
  • Trustworthiness.
  • Creativity.
  • Discipline.
  • Patience.
  • Respectfulness.
  • Determination.
  • Dedication.

How do you answer top 3 weaknesses? ›

Here are 10 examples of the best weaknesses to mention in a job interview:
  1. I focus too much on the details. ...
  2. I have a hard time letting go of projects. ...
  3. I have trouble saying "no" ...
  4. I get impatient with missed deadlines. ...
  5. I could use more experience in … ...
  6. I sometimes lack confidence. ...
  7. I can have trouble asking for help.
Mar 16, 2023

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