Each year, Google publishes its Year in Search list, sharing the top search terms that saw the biggest spike during the year compared with the prior one. What was the top searched for meal on Google in 2021? BTS. As in the South Korean boy band’s collaboration with McDonald’s (10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, medium Coke and sweet chili and Cajun dipping sauces). 

Google, via its blog The Keyword, says that every month it “connects people with more than 120 million businesses that don’t have websites, by enabling phone calls, driving directions and local foot traffic.” What’s more, “near me” searches are skyrocketing as consumers turn to their smartphones first when looking for recommendations for what to eat for dinner to where to find a full-service car wash.

“‘Near me’ searches are skyrocketing as consumers turn to their smartphones first when looking for recommendations.” 

There are 148,026 convenience stores operating in the United States, according to the 2022 NACS/NielsenIQ Convenience Industry Store Count, and now more than ever, a robust digital presence is an absolute must for your business. 

In “Search Me,” our cover story, Maverik and Pilot Company share why it’s important to make sure your stores show up when and where consumers are searching—and how to make it happen. Andrew Pawlik, digital marketing manager at Maverik, says, “When someone asks, ‘Hey, Siri, where’s the closest gas station?’ they are going to find us because we’ve gone through our listings and provide local, relevant information.” 

Making sure your c-store has everything customers want and expect when they arrive is another matter altogether. To say that the supply chain is stressed is an understatement. On a recent Saturday visit to a big box retailer, I was gobsmacked to find cold cases nearly empty of beverages, dairy and deli items. As Terri Allan reports in “High and Dry,” convenience retailers are managing with workarounds for beverage out-of-stocks. 

If you are reading the print magazine or digital pdf edition, I hope you like our new look! Imagination, our design partner based in Chicago, crafted a more journalistic look for our nearly 20-year-old publication. We’ve recast some long-standing departments and added a new one called “The Big Question.” Each month, a leading retailer will share what’s on his or her mind when it comes to business. In the near future, look for deeper coverage of technology and category management, plus stories showing how convenience retailers are caring for their communities.

Here’s to fresh starts! 

Kim Stewart, Editor-In-Chief