A hallmark of the NACS In Store program is its ability to build bridges between members of Congress and their local communities. Since the program’s inception

in 2015, NACS has coordinated more than 140 store visits, allowing legislators to witness firsthand the challenges and opportunities that convenience stores navigate daily. These visits provide lawmakers with a clear view of how federal policies impact local businesses, employees and consumers.

In 2024, several Members of Congress took part in these interactive In Store visits. Notably, Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-5) visited a Jacksons Food Stores location in Portland, Oregon, where she gained a better understanding of the unique role convenience stores play in her district. Similarly, Senator Roger Wicker (MS) toured Sprint Mart in Columbus, Mississippi, where he engaged with employees and store owners on a number of key issues facing the industry including the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the rising cost of credit card swipe fees.

These visits serve as platforms to address pressing policy issues. One prominent topic discussed this year was the rising fees that retailers of all kinds pay to accept debit and credit cards. The fees have weighed down local businesses for many years and continue to create challenges for the industry. Another significant issue raised during the visits was the development of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Convenience stores are well-positioned to play a crucial role in the EV charging landscape. Many store operators shared their views on how policy could better support private sector investment in this growing area. During his visit to a Maverik store in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-3) learned how convenience retailers, especially in rural areas, could lead efforts to expand EV charging stations if provided with equitable opportunities for private investment.

During her visit to a Wawa in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5) explored how convenience stores contribute to SNAP, with over 114,000 c-stores participating in the program. There is a push to modernize the program to better meet consumer needs, and one such initiative is the Hot Foods Act, which would allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase hot meals—a key concern for many families.

These store tours not only educate legislators about the business of convenience stores, but they also offer retailers a platform to share their stories and advocate for policies that shape the future of the industry. For instance, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-2) expressed his gratitude after visiting a Family Express location in Mishawaka, Indiana, noting how the program provides insight into the real-world impact of policy decisions on local businesses. Similarly, Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-9) left her tour of Casey’s in Seymour, Indiana, with a stronger appreciation for the challenges that convenience retailers in her state face daily.

By facilitating these hands-on experiences, the NACS In Store program continues to be one of the most effective tools in the NACS Government Relations toolbox. These visits build relationships between retailers and legislators that extend beyond the store counter and into the halls of Congress, fostering collaboration on policies that will support the industry’s future growth.

For those interested in learning more about the NACS In Store program or in hosting a local event, please contact Leenah Hegazy, NACS manager of grassroots, at lhegazy@convenience.org.