Meijer claims top convenience store spot as Kwik Trip drops to fifth

Key points

• Meijer achieved a national satisfaction score of 82, up 5% from 78 in 2025, securing the number one position.
• Kwik Trip’s score declined 6% to 79, causing it to fall from first to fifth place in the national rankings.
• Sheetz and Wawa tied for second place with a score of 80, both down 2% from the previous year.
• Sheetz ranked first in the Midwest region with a score of 83, outperforming its national average.
• The ACSI study surveyed 9,475 customers over a 12-month period ending in September 2026.

Background

The convenience store industry has seen significant shifts in competitive dynamics over the past year. Previously, Kwik Trip held the top position in customer satisfaction rankings. Recent expansions by competitors like Sheetz into new states, including Michigan and Indiana, have intensified competition. Meijer’s recent opening of a smaller grocery-format store in Livonia and its integration of fuel and grocery rewards through the mPerks program have contributed to its rising satisfaction scores. The broader trend indicates that customers are increasingly valuing seamless experiences across fuel, food, and merchandise, moving beyond traditional convenience store models.

How outlets are covering it

The Wisconsin State Journal highlighted Kwik Trip’s decline from first to fifth place, emphasizing the competitive pressure on the brand. The Detroit News focused on Meijer’s rise to the top, attributing it to its mPerks loyalty program and new store formats, while noting Sheetz’s aggressive expansion into Michigan. The News Journal framed the results as a resolution to the Wawa versus Sheetz debate, noting their national tie but highlighting Wawa’s regional strength in the Northeast and South. Axios emphasized Sheetz’s dominance in the Midwest, linking its high regional score to new distribution centers and marketing campaigns, while noting its national score actually dropped 2% from the previous year. These differing emphases reflect regional variations in customer satisfaction and the complex nature of national versus regional rankings in the convenience store industry.

Why it matters

The shift in rankings signals a major change in consumer expectations for convenience stores, moving beyond basic fuel and snacks to integrated loyalty programs and expanded services. Meijer’s success suggests that combining grocery, merchandise, and fuel rewards can drive higher satisfaction. Kwik Trip’s decline indicates that maintaining top status requires continuous adaptation to evolving customer preferences. For the industry, these results highlight the importance of regional strategies and the impact of new entrants like Sheetz on established players. The findings may influence investment decisions, store expansions, and marketing strategies across the convenience sector as companies seek to improve their satisfaction scores and market share.

What to watch

Meijer is expected to continue expanding its Meijer Express and grocery formats, leveraging its mPerks program to maintain its lead. Kwik Trip may need to reassess its strategy to recover lost ground, potentially focusing on service improvements or loyalty program enhancements. Sheetz plans to open its first Indiana store in Indianapolis by late summer 2027 and aims for 100 locations in Indiana over the next decade. Wawa and Sheetz will likely continue competing in overlapping markets, particularly in Ohio and Central Pennsylvania. The next ACSI study in 2027 will reveal whether Meijer can sustain its top position or if Kwik Trip or other brands can reclaim the lead.