Changing Consumer Behavior Impacting Retail Strategy After Frey’s presentation, Strasburger initiated the conversation by highlighting how convenience stores have historically relied on impulse-driven purchases, often involving indulgent or less healthy products. He asked how GLP-1 medi- cations might alter these purchasing habits. Frey responded by pointing out a significant behavioral shift among GLP-1 users. “They’re struggling to make themselves eat,” she explained, noting that many users are finding it hard to consume regular meals due to reduced hunger. This, she said, will likely redefine what impulse means in the c-store environment.
Data shows GLP-1 users demonstrate changing consumption patterns over time when using the drug, with initial increases in at-home eating followed by stabilization. Many users report side effects of nausea and lack of hunger and as such, tend to eat less and differently. Frey suggested opportunities for convenience stores to serve these customers through high-pro- tein prepared meals, low-sugar beverages, energy drinks, and meat snacks. Additionally, she noted that candy, gum, and mints might be sought for hydration and distraction. Lastly, alcohol purchas- ing is changing, trending down for single-house- hold users, but the opposite for two-person households since they are staying home for drinks instead of going out. She also suggested that retailers can gauge these customers best by analyzing usage data in their market, with some areas in the U.S. having much heavier usage. Beyond GLP-1 users, Frey discussed broader consumer concerns about ultra-processed foods, food additives, and synthetic dyes. Recent legislative changes banning certain food colorings and additives represent additional challenges for retailers.
Frey added that while people are still purchasing indulgent items, there’s a stronger emphasis on intentional- ity. “If I’m going to have something, I’m going to make sure that I really enjoy it,” she noted. Fatty items are also losing favor as those have been seen to trigger digestive issues. Additionally, trips to the grocery store are becoming more frequent, driven by demand for fresh foods and unprocessed frozen meats, signaling a shift in household meal planning that may ripple into convenience retail. Several participants, including Richard Poye , chief operations officer at Food Trends Think Tank and Convenience Foodservice
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