HOUSTON — Despite the economy, average convenience store visits increased during the second quarter of 2010 with sales up 11%, according to data from The NPD Group. Traffic also increased, rising 8% during the second quarter.

“Convenience and the need for grab-and-go will continue to be motivators for c-store visits after sharp visit declines in 2009,” said David Portalatin, industry analyst for NPD’s convenience store research. “Because of these continuing needs, we’re seeing visits rebound in 2010. Less volatile gas prices are also helping the channel, although minimal growth in miles driven and competition from grab-and-go offerings from other retail channels still pose a threat to convenience stores.”

The average number of visits consumers made to a C-store in an average 30-day period grew to 6.4 during the second quarter. This is up from 6.1 visits during the same quarter of the previous year.

Having a convenient location and being able to get in and out quality are the top two reasons why consumers visit convenience stores.