Experts gathered at a recent national association of convenience store's state of the industry convention to discuss how store sales are looking recession resistant for 2009 and that in 2010 and beyond growth is expected.But consultant David Nelson, president of Petroleum Marketers Study Groups, showed that c-store revenues and profitability rise and fall with economic indicators like unemployment or fuel consumption.

as retail motor fuel volumes right themselves from the decline seen in 2008, convenience stores stand to benefit. With every 1 percent increase in fuel volume, convenience stores are seeing a 0.36 percent to 0.57 percent jump in real inside sales growth, Nelson explained. In 2009, total fuel volume was up 1 percent. Despite the nation's unemployment rate standing at high numbers, improvements in this area will also assist in-store sales figures. For every percentage point improvement in the unemployment rate, in-store sales could increase between 1 percent and two percent, he said. - CSNews, C-stores Prove Recession Resistance in '09

Nelson predicts a moderate recovery for the industry, citing various leading indicators. He said, " "We are in recovery, position yourselves for it."

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