How to Increase Impulse Buys in Your C-Store with Smart Merchandising

Convenience stores thrive on quick visits, but what really drives profitability is impulse buying. According to industry research, over half of c-store purchases are unplanned, which makes your merchandising strategy critical. The right product placement, shelving, and signage can nudge customers to grab more items on the spot—without them even realizing it.

In this post, we’ll cover practical ways to boost impulse sales in your store using smart merchandising techniques.

Place High-Margin Items at Eye Level

Shoppers tend to scan shelves from the center out, which makes eye-level placement prime real estate. Placing snacks, energy drinks, or seasonal items where customers naturally look increases the chance of an add-on sale.

With gondola shelving systems, you can adjust shelves to highlight these products while still keeping essentials stocked below or above. The flexibility allows you to rotate featured items throughout the year.

Create “Hot Zones” at Checkout

The checkout counter is the ultimate impulse zone. Customers are already committed to buying, so adding grab-and-go items like candy, gum, bottled beverages, or phone chargers near the register increases transaction value.

Freestanding endcaps or wood gondolas with small baskets are a perfect way to showcase these items in an organized, attractive way without clutter.

Use Signage to Trigger Action

Clear, eye-catching signage makes impulse products hard to ignore. Signs that highlight limited-time deals, combos, or quick meals can push customers to grab something extra.

Custom aisle markers and promotional signage also help guide customers to impulse zones. A consistent sign system builds trust and makes your store feel more professional—something big chains excel at, but independent c-stores can replicate affordably.

Cross-Merchandise for Convenience

Smart cross-merchandising places related items together to encourage multiple purchases. For example:

• Chips next to soft drinks

• Coffee near muffins or breakfast sandwiches

• Cold beer alongside salty snacks

Configurable gondola shelving makes this easy. With the right layout, you can design mini “stories” throughout your store that make buying more natural and spontaneous.

Keep It Fresh with Seasonal Displays

Impulse sales thrive on novelty. Rotating displays with seasonal items—like cold drinks in summer or hot cocoa in winter—keeps your store exciting. Even a small promotional endcap with themed signage can drive repeat visits and additional purchases.

This is where free store design services can be a game-changer. Having a professional help plan layouts and displays ensures that your space feels fresh, organized, and sales-driven all year round.

Final Thoughts

Increasing impulse buys isn’t about cluttering your store with products—it’s about strategic merchandising. By combining flexible gondola shelving, eye-catching signage, and thoughtful layout design, you can create a shopping experience that drives higher basket sizes without pressuring customers.

At DGS Retail, we specialize in helping independent c-stores compete with big chains through smart store design and merchandising solutions. From gondola shelving to signage and custom layouts, our tools are built to maximize sales and strengthen your brand identity.

Get a Free Store Design Consultation

If you’re ready to take your c-store merchandising to the next level, we can help. Our free store design service gives you a custom layout tailored to your space, your brand, and your goals—no strings attached. Whether you’re looking to create better impulse zones, optimize your shelving, or refresh your entire store, our experts will provide professional guidance to boost sales and improve your customer experience.