Convenience Stores Embrace Home Delivery to Overcome Pandemic Slump
7-Eleven, Circle K, and Casey’s are now delivering everything from slushees and Ding Dongs to Tylenol and eggs straight to your door.
This article is for subscribers only.
America's 152,000 convenience stores, long known for their quick access to essentials like ice cream and cigarettes, have largely ignored online shopping—until now. Their ubiquitous presence on urban street corners and suburban roadways has allowed them to thrive.
However, the coronavirus is disrupting this business model. Since the pandemic hit the U.S. in March, significantly reducing in-store shopping, major players like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Casey’s General Stores have rapidly expanded delivery services through third-party platforms such as DoorDash, Postmates, and Uber Eats.