Houston — C-store sales were up 5.9 percent during the second quarter compared with the same period of the previous year, according to market researcher The NPD Group, Inc.

Meanwhile, traffic was stable 2.2 billion visits to c-stores during the quarter, NPD reports.

Further, small chains and other c-store chains saw a two percent increase in visits, while major oil chain stores saw a two percent decrease and conventional c-stores saw no change.

Additionally, mid-day and afternoon traffic increased by 5.5 and 1.9 percent, respectively, while morning traffic dropped by 4.5 percent, NPD explains.

David Portalatin, executive director, industry analysis, says: “Stable is a good place for the c-store channel to be right now, given the current state of the economy. Although the channel appears to be bucking hints of a double-dip recession, consumers are still evaluating purchases for value and necessity and, as a result, c-store retailers and manufacturers will need to offer and promote value.”