More than snacks, convenience stores and gas stations offer the ultimate pit stop for summer travellers
Though often tucked at the back of the c-store, experts say a well-stocked automotive care section is set to drive big sales this spring and summer—especially when paired with vehicle-related products like sunglasses near checkout.
The reason? The domestic road trip is shaping up to be a top vacation choice in 2025. With the U.S. trade war and the Canadian dollar’s weakness against the greenback making cross-border travel costly, many travellers are likely to spend their vacation budget closer to home, choosing to hit the open road over stateside getaways.
“We’re expecting more people taking road trips across the country and going up north to a cottage,” says Leena Halim, director of marketing and product at Richmond Hill, Ont.-based SRP Canada, a product supplier to c-gas stores nationwide. “Border crossings are already on the decline.”
In February, nearly 500,000 fewer travellers crossed from Canada into the U.S. by passenger vehicle compared to the same time last year, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
READ: Travel to the U.S. takes another hit in April as Canadians vacation elsewhere
With a busy road trip season on the horizon, what products should c-gas operators be stocking up on?
Car care kits go compact
Traditionally, car care kits with cleaners for both the interior and exterior have been packaged in large tubs. But on long car rides, hauling a big tub, large aerosol cans or bulky cleaning wipe containers is anything but convenient when space is tight.
Nor are large formats easy to merchandise for c-stores. “The c-store shopper is really an impulse buyer—they’re not looking to buy large-format packages,” says Halim. “And so, we’ve developed a full range of wipes called Emzone, from upholstery and tires and trim to glass and bug and tar removal, in compact small soda-can-sized formats for easy portability.”
The great thing is, you can just throw them in the glove box, says Halim. “In terms of merchandising, stores can also put them on spinners, and more easily display them."
With a roll-out that started late last year, Emzone is now being widely distributed to operators following a strong reception from drivers. Emzone is also made domestically, so "Made in Canada" labeling "appeals to customers mindful of buying Canadian product,” says Halim. “We’re getting impulse purchases from customers who aren’t intending to buy for car care, but like the price and size. It’s been a good grab-and-go.”
Travel-sized product moves well in warmer weather, adds Sandy Mercer, director of marketing at North Atlantic and North Sun Energy, a partnership with Petro-Canada in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Travel-sized cleaning products like interior wipes and dashboard polish become more relevant as drivers spend more time on road trips and looking for convenience when they visit our Orangestore c-store.”
Freshly stocked
Canada’s vehicle air freshener market was worth $138.3 million in 2024, according to StrategyHelix Group. With a 3.7% growth rate projected through 2029, the category looks set for steady, dependable sales gains.
Available in hanging formats, vent clips, sprays and plug-ins, summer is a peak season for air fresheners. With sweaty seats, snack and beverage spills, and furry companions in tow, drivers are looking to keep their vehicles smelling road-trip ready.
U.S. brand Little Trees is widely recognized as the market leader. Shaped like an evergreen tree in honour of founder Julius Sämann, who spent years extracting aromatic oils from Canada’s pine forests to help milk truck drivers combat spilled milk odours, Little Trees air fresheners also add a pop of colour to the dashboard, where they’re often hung.
New fragrances include “Be Kind,” featuring a vibrant street art design and a sweet banana and island hibiscus aroma. “It really pops,” Eric Hawkins, a regional sales team leader at Kleen-Rite Corp., a wholesale car care products supplier, explains in a YouTube video about the addition. An old fragrance, “Peachy Peach” is being discontinued, making room for “Peach Ginger Spritz. “If you had customers that were hooked on the old Peachy Peach trees,” says Hawkins, “this is an updated scent and really sticks out.”
Location, location, location
“Placement is key when merchandising auto-care products,” says Mercer. At Orangestore, products like windshield washer fluid are often found adjacent to the fuel pump area or at the front door, while motor oil and tire care products are well placed in the dedicated automotive section in-store.
However, Mercer says car-related impulse buys like “air fresheners, sunglasses and phone chargers often perform better near the checkout, where they catch last-minute attention.
Add accessories
The road trip is about much more than keeping the vehicle in top shape. For today’s travellers, affordable accessories are an essential part of a fun and comfortable automobile journey.
Pugs is the leading sunglasses brand in convenience, according to SRP Canada. “As a general rule, the sweet spot for retailing sunglasses is between $20 and $30,” says Halim, noting that the category also performs well on promotion, like two pairs for $22. “A customer might walk in planning to buy one, but when they see they can get two for just a few dollars more, they think, ‘Why not? I could use a backup pair.’”
Quebec-based Groupe Konex is also looking out for little ones, with the upcoming launch of a series of sunglasses for kids.
When it comes to mobile device accessories, like charging cables, Solaray and Celltronix are two popular brands in convenience.
In addition, Konex is helping turn down the noise with handy in-store displays featuring a wide selection of extra headphones to keep passengers happy.
Be sure to stock multi-port chargers for parents looking to keep the peace between kids battling for device charging time and phone mounts for hands-free navigation.