C-Store Suppliers Are Confident About 2021 Suppliers are investing more in the convenience channel and focusing on product innovation. February 08, 2021 ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Suppliers who sell through convenience stores saw their sales in the channel grow in 2020, with nearly twice as many reporting an increase rather than a decrease (50% vs. 28%, respectively), according to the results of a new NACS Research survey of supplier members. The NACS Supplier Member survey results mirror what NACS retailer members reported in a similar survey in January, with 59% of retailers reporting a sales increase, compared with 30% who saw sales decline (in-store sales only). More significantly, NACS supplier members say they are increasing their emphasis on the convenience channel in 2021: 63% said they will boost their investment in the channel—including 18% who will significantly increase their investment—compared to 10% who say they will decrease their convenience retail investment. And, they said that product innovation will be their top investment in the channel, ahead of growing their sales forces and advertising, among others.