According to an NPD Group report, third-quarter c-store sales are up in comparison to last year, CSPnet.com reported.

The Dec. 4 article stated that less volatile gas prices, gas discounts, and reward and loyalty programs are part of the reason sales were up 1.5 percent for the quarter, which ended in September.

Also, both c-store traffic and reach grew in the third quarter compared to last year, the story said. And, "total product purchase visits to c-stores in a 30-day period were up 1 percent in the third quarter compared to same quarter year ago."

While purchases were up, the average number of individual visits from customers was down 5.3 percent. "In addition to visit declines, heavy discounting and product dealing contributed to an average check decrease in the quarter, which resulted in a decrease in total product sales in the period. The discounts and promotions did, however, resonate with shoppers, boosting impulse buying significantly quarter over quarter," the story said.

April Moffa, the NPD c-store industry analyst, said in the article that the slow economic rebound is still making consumers wary of spending too much.  She said that consumers are hesitant to spend, but they are open to "dealing."

"Opportunities exist to grow product purchases through increased impulse buying. Targeting key demographics, product offerings and strategic in store placement are key to this growth," Moffa said in the article.

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