Q1 2026 brought a mix of steady spending, softer traffic, and rising pressure across restaurants, c-stores, and retail. This report breaks down what changed from January to March so you can better understand your industry, respond to challenges, and plan smarter for the months ahead.
What’s Inside?
This report gives you a clear look at how restaurants, retailers, and convenience stores performed in Q1 2026. It highlights what changed in customer behavior, where operators are feeling the most pressure,and which strategies are creating the biggest opportunities going forward.
Performance trends across restaurants, convenience stores, and retail in Q1 2026
Key shifts in customer behavior and what they mean for your business
The biggest challenges affecting traffic, spending, and margins
Opportunities in foodservice, technology, loyalty, and smarter operations
Clear takeaways to help you plan better for Q2 and the rest of 2026
Restaurant Delivery Profit Calculator
May 13, 2026Restaurant Revenue Guide
Feb 27, 2026C-Store Customer Trends To Watch…
Feb 23, 2026The Impact of AI in…
Jan 16, 2026Recommended Blogs
If you run a convenience store, this is your year to shine. The past 12 months proved that c‑stores are more than just a place for impulse snacks and quick fuel. When a store feels like a small neighborhood café backed by smart, simple technology, shoppers reward it with bigger baskets and more repeat visits.
Fuel alone is no longer enough to consistently grow traffic or basket size. While gas still brings cars onto the lot, the stores seeing real momentum are those finding stronger reasons for customers to walk inside and come back more often.
As a retailer, one of the biggest challenges you face is consistently managing inventory. For many, it’s one of the most boring tasks of the day. But it’s also one of the few levers that touches every part of your operation.
Running a restaurant in 2025 isn’t just about serving great food; it’s about keeping every dollar working as hard as you do. Between rising ingredient costs, higher wages, and endless subscription fees for different tools...
While 2024 saw a wave of retail closures, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of reinvention—especially for convenience stores. With brands like Wawa, 7-Eleven, and Circle K doubling down on smart tech and regional expansion, the question isn’t ‘Will the market recover?’ but rather - Are you ready to expand your convenience store business and be part of the next wave of growth?
While 2024 saw a wave of retail closures, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of reinvention—especially for convenience stores. With brands like Wawa, 7-Eleven, and Circle K doubling down on smart tech and regional expansion, the question isn’t ‘Will the market recover?’ but rather - Are you ready to expand your convenience store business and be part of the next wave of growth?
Ready to Get Started?
Speak with a POS expert and learn how Modisoft can help your business.
