Top 15 High-Margin Items for Convenience Stores

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1. Fountain Drinks

Fountain drinks, including oversized sodas and large slushies, are a staple for gas stations and convenience stores due to their high profitability. Profit margins for fountain drinks generally range from 70% to 80%. For example, the cost of syrup and ice for a 32-ounce drink might be around $0.20, while you can sell it for $2.00 to $2.50. To maximize profitability, place your fountain machine in a high-traffic area and offer promotions like Buy One Get One (BOGO) deals or happy hour discounts (e.g., $1.00 refills from 3 PM to 5 PM).

2. Hot Coffee

Hot coffee is another high-margin product, with profit margins typically between 65% and 75%. For instance, a cup of coffee might cost you around $0.30 for coffee grounds and utilities, but you can sell it for $2.50 to $3.00. Ensure that fresh coffee is always available, and consider a “Coffee Club” program where customers get a free cup after buying ten to encourage repeat business.

3. Packaged Snacks

Packaged snacks such as crackers, nuts, and pretzels are highly profitable, with margins around 40% to 50%. For example, a bag of pretzels that costs $0.70 to purchase can be sold for $2.50 to $3.00. Offering a diverse range of snacks, including sweet options like snack cakes and hand pies, and placing them near the checkout can drive impulse buys.

4. Candy & Gum

Candy and gum are very profitable due to their low spoilage rates and high markups, with profit margins often exceeding 55%. For example, a candy bar that costs $0.40 can be sold for $2.00 to $2.50. Include a variety of sugary and sugar-free options, and place them in eye-catching displays at checkout counters to boost sales.

5. Packaged Beverages

Packaged beverages, including bottled water, iced tea, and energy drinks, generally have profit margins ranging from 30% to 40%. For example, a bottle of water costing $0.40 can be sold for $2.00 to $2.50. Stock a variety of beverages, including popular and niche brands, and highlight premium or specialty options to attract customers.

6. Prepared Foods

Prepared foods such as pizza slices, hot dogs, and packaged salads offer profitability with margins typically between 45% and 55%. For example, a hot dog might cost $1.00 to prepare but can be sold for $2.50 to $3.00. Position your food display case near the entrance or checkout to capture attention, and consider adding a pizza oven to offer fresh pizza slices for $3.00 to $3.50 each.

7. Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages, including beer, malt beverages, and hard cider, can contribute around 15% to 20% of sales with profit margins of 20% to 30%. For example, a six-pack of beer that costs $7.00 can be sold for $12.00 to $15.00. Ensure you stock a variety of beers, wines, and spirits and promote them effectively, especially if local regulations permit.

8. Milk & Dairy

Milk and dairy products are essential and typically offer profit margins of around 20% to 30%. For example, a gallon of milk might cost $3.00 to $3.50 and be sold for $4.50 to $5.00. Place dairy items towards the back of your store to encourage customers to walk past other products, potentially increasing their overall purchase. Include items like eggs and cheese to meet various needs.

9. Tobacco Products

Despite high taxes and regulations, tobacco products remain profitable, with margins around 12% to 18%. Cigarettes alone can account for a significant portion of revenue, with a pack costing $6.00 and selling for $11.00 to $14.00. Consider expanding to include cigars, chewing tobacco, and lighters, while complying with all local regulations.

10. Bagged Ice

Bagged ice is a highly profitable item with production costs around $0.30 to $0.50 per bag and selling prices ranging from $4.00 to $6.00. Place your ice machine or bin in a prominent location and promote it heavily during peak seasons like summer through in-store signage and social media to increase sales.

11. Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as cough syrup and pain relievers have profit margins ranging from 25% to 35%. For example, a bottle of pain relievers costing $2.50 can be sold for $5.00 to $6.00. Place these products near the checkout counter to encourage impulse purchases when customers realize they need medication.

12. Toiletries & Beauty

Health and beauty products often offer profit margins of 40% to 55%. For instance, travel-size toiletries like toothpaste or shaving cream might cost $1.00 to stock and can be sold for $3.00 to $4.00. Providing a range of these products can attract customers who need essentials on the go.


13. Automotive Products

Automotive products such as motor oil, windshield washer fluid, and tire sealant offer profit margins of around 20% to 30%. For instance, a quart of motor oil might cost $3.50 to purchase and can be sold for $8.00 to $10.00. Items like windshield washer fluid and tire sealant can also be priced between $5.00 and $20.00 depending on the size and brand. Stock these items strategically in easily accessible locations within your store to cater to drivers who need quick solutions, and consider highlighting promotions to attract more customers.


4. Pantry Necessities

Pantry staples like canned soup, bread, and peanut butter generally offer profit margins of about 20% to 30%. For example, a can of soup might cost $1.00 and be sold for $2.00 to $2.50. Stocking unique or ethnic food items can attract customers in diverse areas and provide additional revenue opportunities.

15. Lottery Tickets

Lottery tickets can be highly profitable, with stores earning a 5% to 7% profit on each ticket sold. Additionally, stores receive a commission if they sell a winning ticket. Approximately 95% of lottery ticket buyers also make additional purchases, boosting overall store revenue. Promote lottery tickets with in-store displays and signage to attract buyers.



To boost sales and attract more foot traffic in your convenience store, focus on strategically placing high-margin products and optimizing the customer experience. Position key items like fountain drinks and prepared foods in high-traffic areas, and implement promotions such as happy hour discounts and loyalty programs to drive sales. Design your store layout to guide customers past high-margin sections, such as placing dairy products towards the back to increase exposure to other items. Offer a diverse range of products, including premium and niche options, to cater to varied customer preferences. Utilize effective signage to highlight seasonal offers and exclusive deals, and ensure that quick and convenient options like over-the-counter medications and travel-size toiletries are easily accessible. By creating a well-organized, customer-focused environment with attractive promotions, you can enhance the shopping experience and significantly increase both foot traffic and profitability.
 
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