More Than a Snack: How Emotions Are Driving Sales in Convenience Stores

In today’s world of constant stress—economic, emotional, and mental—your customers aren’t just looking for something to eat. They’re looking for something that makes them feel better. And that’s where your snack section can make a powerful difference.

📊 What the Industry Is Saying:

In a recent article by CSP News titled “Positioning Candy & Snacks as the 'Better-to-You' Category”, consumer behavior expert Hunter Thurman (CEO of Alpha-Diver) shared a key insight:Candy and snacks are not just indulgences—they're tools for emotional self-regulation.

“Snacking is the world's best mood regulator… it’s about how it makes you feel, not just what it is.”— Hunter Thurman, Alpha-Diver

💡 What This Means for Your Store:

You're not just selling a product—you’re selling an emotional experience. From the feel of the packaging to the placement on the shelf, every detail can turn a one-time purchase into a customer habit.

🛒 3 Stages That Turn a Snack into a Habit (And How Your Store Can Help):

1. Trial

Help the customer try it for the first time:

• Place new items next to products they already know and love

• Use colorful displays, engaging textures, and product demos

• Offer tastings during key times (mid-morning, late afternoon)

  
  

2. Choice

Encourage repeat purchases:

• Use consistent shelf placement to build familiarity

• Help the snack feel like “theirs” — what behavioral science calls the Endowment Effect

3. Routine

Turn the product into a go-to favorite:

• Build snack moments around daily habits: “midday energy boost,” “on-the-go treat,” or “movie night essential”

• Create themed combos that customers can return to weekly

📦 Blu Brands Tip:

Don’t just organize your snacks by category—try organizing by mood or moment:

• “Pick-Me-Ups” (candies, chocolates)

• “Power Through the Day” (nuts, protein snacks, coffee)

• “Relax & Unwind” (cracklins, cookies, calming beverages)

✅ Final Thought:

You have the power to turn everyday snacks into powerful emotional connections. It doesn’t take more space—just a smarter. Blu Brands, we help you choose the right products and position them strategically so your store not only sells, but connects.

📎 Original Reference:

Based on the article “Positioning Candy & Snacks as the 'Better-to-You' Category” by Danielle Romano, published in CSP News on May 21, 2025.