Gen Z’s Holiday Shopping Trends Convenience Stores Need to Know in 2025

Picture yourself running a convenience shop during the holidays. Gen Z bursts in, searching for brands that care about the planet and everyone in it. You see shoppers grabbing snacks and gifts, driven by FOMO and flash sales. Here’s what happens:

• Gen Z loves brands with strong values, like sustainability.

• Impulse buys spike when you launch limited-time offers.

• Fast delivery and easy shopping win their hearts.

You get convenience shop benefits when you tap into these trends.

Key Takeaways

• Gen Z likes brands that care about the Earth and are real. Show you care about the planet to get these shoppers.

• Gen Z often buys things without planning, especially in flash sales. Use bright displays and short-time deals to help sell more.

• Mix online and in-store shopping together. Give choices like 'Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store' to make shopping easier for Gen Z.

Gen Z Holiday Shopping Behaviors

Value and Experience Focus

You walk into a store, and you want more than just stuff. You want a story, a vibe, and maybe a cool selfie spot. Gen Z shoppers crave experiences and value. They love brands that offer something new and unique—70% say so! You might scroll through Instagram or TikTok for inspiration before you even step outside. In fact, 97% of Gen Z gets shopping ideas from social media.

Check out how Gen Z decides what to buy:

You want brands to keep it real and make shopping fun. That’s where convenience shop benefits come in—think quick snacks, fun displays, and maybe a playlist that makes you dance in the aisle.

Impulse and Social Shopping

You see a flash sale on your phone. Suddenly, you need that holiday mug with a dancing reindeer. Gen Z shoppers are famous for impulse buys. About 63% of you make impulsive purchases often, and 70% of holiday shoppers aged 18 to 27 do the same. Social media ads? They work like magic—60% of Gen Z says they buy on impulse because of them.

Tip: If you want to find the best gifts, check out Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. You’re not alone—57% of Gen Z buys gifts on Instagram, 56% on Facebook, 43% on TikTok, and 38% on YouTube.

You love sharing your finds and showing off your hauls. When you shop, you want to feel part of something big. That’s why convenience shop benefits matter—they make it easy to grab, share, and celebrate every little win.

Omnichannel Shopping Trends

Online to In-Store Integration

You want shopping to feel like magic. You scroll through your phone, spot a cool snack or gift, and then walk into the store to grab it. Gen Z loves this blend of online and offline shopping. You crave a "phygital" experience—where digital meets physical. You want to see and touch products, but you also want the speed and ease of online shopping.

• You value the convenience of "Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store" (BOPIS).

• You expect to move through checkout lines fast.

• You want to pay your way, whether that’s with your phone, a card, or even a tap.

Tip: If you run a convenience shop, get ready for more foot traffic and unique payment requests. Make checkout quick and fun. Maybe add a holiday playlist to keep the vibe lively!

Click-and-Collect Options

You don’t have time to wait for shipping. You want your holiday treats and gifts now. That’s why click-and-collect is your go-to move. Over 57% of Gen Z shoppers use click-and-collect at least once a year. You order online, swing by the store, and pick up your stuff—easy as pie.

This trend means you can grab last-minute gifts or snacks without the stress. Convenience shops that offer click-and-collect win big with Gen Z. You get what you want, when you want it, and you’re out the door in minutes. That’s holiday shopping, Gen Z style.

Convenience Shop Benefits from Gen Z Trends

Leveraging In-Store Experience

Step into your store. Imagine the buzz. Gen Z shoppers want more than just a quick snack or a soda. They want excitement. They want a story. You can turn your shop into a holiday hotspot.

Picture this: You set up a selfie wall with twinkling lights and a giant candy cane. Shoppers snap photos and share them online. Your store becomes the place to be. You play upbeat music. You host mini-events, like a holiday trivia game or a cookie decorating contest. Suddenly, shopping feels like a party.

Urban Outfitters knows how to create these moments. They run interactive scavenger hunts and themed pop-up shops. You can borrow these ideas. Check out this table for inspiration:

You give shoppers a reason to visit. You make memories. That’s one of the biggest convenience shop benefits. Gen Z loves experiences. You deliver them in style.

Capitalizing on Impulse Buys

Gen Z loves surprises. You see them walk in for a soda. They leave with a holiday mug, a snack, and maybe a DIY gift kit. You can boost impulse buys with smart displays and fun offers.

Try these moves:

• Place holiday treats and small gifts near the checkout. Shoppers grab them on the way out.

• Launch flash sales. Use signs that shout “Limited Time!” or “Holiday Special!”

• Offer DIY gift kits. Gen Z is crafty. This year, 67% plan to make their own gifts.

• Set up a “last-minute gift” table. Stock it with snacks, mugs, and quirky items.

You know Gen Z is watching their wallets. They cut gift spending by 33%. You help them find affordable, fun options. You make shopping easy. You make it exciting.

Most Gen Z shoppers—76%—plan to do over half their holiday shopping in physical stores. You get more foot traffic. You get more chances to wow them. That’s another convenience shop benefit. You turn quick stops into holiday adventures.

Tip: Change up your displays every week. Keep things fresh. Gen Z loves new surprises.

You create a space where impulse buys feel like wins. You make your store the go-to spot for holiday fun. That’s how you unlock convenience shop benefits and keep Gen Z coming back.

Early and Targeted Promotions

Timing and Personalization

Gen Z does not wait until the last minute. Holiday shopping starts early, even before fall is over. In September, shoppers already look for deals and think about gifts. If you want your store to stand out, you must start early too. Here is what happens each month:

You can plan holiday sales before summer is over. Work with local creators to get people talking. Start early-bird deals and Gen Z will visit your store. Most shoppers want good deals, not just old traditions. Personalized deals work really well. You can make offers that match their style and what they care about. Gen Z likes brands that feel honest and real. When you make them feel special, they come back.

Tip: Try using fun quizzes or wishlists to help shoppers pick gifts. You make shopping feel special and easy to remember.

Social Media Engagement

Gen Z spends a lot of time online. You scroll, swipe, and shop on your phone. Social media gives you ideas for holiday shopping. Instagram and TikTok are the most popular. Instagram is used by 79% of Gen Z, and TikTok is used by 70%. You check these apps every day, sometimes more than once.

You trust what other shoppers say more than what influencers say. You ask brands for deals and ideas on social media. If your store posts fun things, runs polls, and shares real stories, you get Gen Z’s attention. You turn followers into shoppers and make your store popular for the holidays.

Technology and AI in Retail

AI Recommendations

Imagine you walk into a store, and it feels like the shelves know you. That’s the magic of AI! You get product suggestions that fit your style, your budget, and even your mood. No more endless scrolling or wandering the aisles. AI shopping agents act like your holiday helper elves. They show you the perfect snacks, gifts, or gadgets before you even ask.

• Over 62% of shoppers plan to use AI for personalized gift ideas this holiday season.

• More than half of Gen Z will use AI to compare prices and get recommendations during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

• AI makes shopping faster and smarter. You get what you want, and you save money.

You can trust these smart tools to help you pick out the coolest gifts. Your friends will think you have superpowers. 🦸

Tip: Try out AI-powered wishlists or chatbots. They make shopping feel like a game!

In-Store Tech Enhancements

Step into a convenience shop with tech upgrades, and you step into the future. You might see self-checkout kiosks, digital price tags, or even smart shelves that light up when you grab a product. These tools speed up your shopping trip and add a wow factor.

• Scan-and-go apps let you skip the line. Just scan, pay, and dash!

• Digital displays show you deals and new arrivals in real time.

• Some stores use sensors to restock shelves before they run out.

You get in, grab your stuff, and get back to your holiday fun. Shopping feels easy, fast, and a little bit magical. ✨

Beyond Traditional Gifts

Food and Ready-to-Go Items

You walk into a convenience store, and the smell of fresh pizza hits you. Your stomach growls. You spot a fridge packed with organic smoothies and locally made sandwiches. You grab a snack, maybe two. Foodservice sales now make up over a quarter of in-store sales. That means food is king during the holidays.

Gen Z shoppers like you love quick bites and ready-to-go meals. You want food that matches your values. You look for labels that say “local,” “natural,” or “eco-friendly.” You care about the planet, and you want your snacks to show it. Check out what makes you reach for those treats:

• You pick stores with organic and sustainable options.

• You buy more if the food is labeled as local or environmentally friendly.

• You stop at convenience stores for food and drinks more than 1 in 10 times.

• You spend less on boring stuff so you can splurge on special snacks.

Tip: Look for stores with fun displays and eco-friendly packaging. You get tasty food and feel good about your choices.

Travel and Last-Minute Essentials

You pack your bag for a holiday trip. You realize you forgot your phone charger. Panic! You dash to the nearest convenience store. You find chargers, travel pillows, and even mini board games. Convenience stores save your day.

Gen Z shoppers like you love to travel light and fast. You want everything ready to grab. Stores that stock travel-size toiletries, gift cards, and quirky last-minute gifts become your heroes. You never know what you’ll need, but you know where to find it.

• You grab essentials for road trips or flights.

• You pick up last-minute gifts for friends and family.

• You love stores that make holiday travel easy and fun.

Note: Next time you rush out the door, remember your local convenience shop has your back!

Supporting Local and Community

Community Hub Positioning

You walk into your favorite convenience store. The cashier greets you by name. The walls show photos from last month’s holiday cookie contest. You see flyers for a local band playing next Friday. Suddenly, you feel like you belong. Gen Z loves stores that feel like a community hub. You want more than snacks. You want connection.

Stores that host events, support local causes, and create spaces for people to hang out become magnets for Gen Z shoppers. You look for places that celebrate your neighborhood. You want to see your friends, meet new people, and share laughs. When your store feels like home, you come back again and again.

Tip: Try hosting a holiday card-making night or a hot cocoa tasting. You’ll see smiles and selfies everywhere!

Local Product Partnerships

You spot a shelf filled with handmade candles from a local artist. Next to it, you see cookies baked just down the street. Gen Z shoppers like you love supporting small businesses. You want your money to help your community grow.

• Nearly 86% of shoppers say they plan to shop small this holiday season.

• About 66% of people shop more to support local or small businesses.

Stores that team up with local makers win big. You get unique gifts and tasty treats. Your friends ask where you found that cool mug or spicy salsa. You feel proud to shop local. Your store becomes the talk of the town.

You make holiday shopping an adventure. You help your neighborhood shine. 🎉

You get more from convenience shops when online and in-store work together. Gen Z likes stores that feel real. They want fast service and care about the planet. Here are some important points:

Start planning early. Share posts on social media. Make your store fun for shoppers. Your shop can be the best place for holidays!

FAQ

What makes Gen Z love shopping at convenience stores during the holidays?

You want quick snacks, cool gifts, and fun vibes. Stores with selfie walls, flash sales, and friendly staff make you feel like a holiday superstar.

How can you spot a Gen Z-friendly convenience shop?

Look for bright displays, local products, and tech upgrades. You see digital price tags, eco-friendly snacks, and maybe a holiday playlist blasting.

Tip: Snap a selfie by the holiday display. Share it with friends. You might start a trend!

Do Gen Z shoppers care about supporting local businesses?

Absolutely! You love buying handmade gifts and tasty treats from local makers. Your shopping helps your neighborhood shine.

See Also

Understanding AI-Driven Corner Stores: Essential Insights for Retailers

The Future of Retail: Embracing AI-Enhanced Stores

Comparing Micromarkets and Smart Stores: Global Retail Automation Insights

The Emergence of 24-Hour Vending Cafes: Innovation in Convenience

Fundamentals of Corner Stores and Their Importance