CCSA is a registered not-for-profit federal association funded entirely by its members.
CCSA represents over 31,000 members across Canada that include:
- Major C-Store operator companies including Macs, 7-11 and others.
- Thousands of independent C-Store operators
- Major gasoline and related automotive product vendors.
- Food retailers.
- Key industry suppliers and wholesalers.
In 2009, Canadians purchased $31.9B worth of goods and gasoline from convenience stores. More than 10.4 million visits are made each day to Canadian convenience stores, which means that every three minutes, a Canadian enters a convenience store. Convenience stores sell two out of every three cigarettes and three out of every four lottery tickets in Canada. Convenience stores employ 165, 000 people.
CCSA represents the collective economic interests of C-Store retailers and vendors in Canada and acts as the industry voice on matters of consequence with all levels of government and community groups.
CCSA provides an effective forum for all participants to meet, listen and discuss common issues, concerns and opportunities.
CCSA provides its members with pertinent information and education on topical issues. This is distributed via the association’s Internet website and through participation at major trade venues.
CCSA is the qualified prolocutor for the industry to major trade and national media.
CCSA works to promote and foster professional business practices, standards and ethics throughout the C-Store industry. The association provides training, education and guidance to its members.
CCSA works with other related professional organizations in Canada and the USA on various related issues with all levels of government.
Focusing on the Female Perspective in C-stores
All CCSA associations have received presentations of the 2009 State of the Industry report for retailers, distributors and manufacturers.
The rise in consumption of contraband tobacco is the main reason behind the rapid increase of C-store closures across Canada. In 2009, 1 out of 10 convenience stores closed. Most of the closures occurred in Quebec, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.
Merchandising directly impacts on generating in-store traffic first and that should translate into in-store sales. Merchandising creates the ambiance to attract people to enter the store, and once inside, that same merchandising must not just create a good first impression; it also must sustain and leave a positive last one!
