Convenience stores drove total beverage alcohol sales in the first quarter of 2025, representing 43.3% of sales over this period, according to NielsenIQ. The convenience channel was up 0.8% in dollar growth for the 52 weeks ending on April 19th, while open-state liquor stores, grocery, and mass merchandise all saw slight declines.
More than ever, consumers are feeling time-starved. They are purchasing alcohol closer to their intended consumption occasion, giving the convenience and availability of the c-store channel a big boost. When comparing retail channel dollar share by category, c-stores lead in the beer (46%) and ready-to-drink cocktail (43%) categories, while liquor stores lead in spirits (66%), and grocery stores lead in wine (43%).
Across the U.S., consumers ranked convenient locations, low prices, and friction-free purchasing as their most pressing factors when choosing an in-person retailer to buy alcohol at.
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