China’s convenience stores are seeing major growth in 2024. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, retail sales at these stores grew 9.1% year-over-year in the first four months. That’s nearly twice the overall market growth of 4.7%. In contrast, department stores only rose 1.7%, and supermarkets grew 5.2%.
This growth reflects a shift in the role of convenience stores. They are now more than places for snacks—they’re becoming central to urban life, offering fresh food, fast service, and digital options like delivery.
Store Numbers and Market Leaders
By the end of 2024, China’s top 100 convenience store chains had opened 196,000 stores. That’s 14,000 more than the year before, a 7.7% increase, according to the China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA).
Meiyijia leads the market with nearly 38,000 stores. It opened over 4,000 in one year, averaging more than 11 new stores each day. Many of these are in lower-tier county markets, paired with online platforms like Meiyijia Youxuan, where 18% of orders now come from online.
Other local brands such as Tianfu and Furong Xingsheng are also focusing on regional expansion and local consumer behavior.
Foreign Chains Adapt With Technology
Foreign chains like Lawson and 7-Eleven are adjusting to China’s unique market. Lawson now runs 6,652 stores and uses AI to localize inventory, removing low-selling items and raising sell-through rates by 20%. Over 60% of its SKUs are now region-specific.
Lawson is also launching compact, low-cost franchises through its “Lawson Kiosks” concept. These smaller stores target dense urban spots with low entry costs.
7-Eleven added 733 stores in 2024. Its focus on local favorites like rice balls and oden helped sales of those products rise 18%. The chain added 453 stores in North China alone.
New Entrants Disrupt With Supply Chains
Emerging players are shaking things up. Snack brand Three Squirrels launched its own chain called Yifenli. These stores operate with lower costs and offer private-label goods at steep discounts. Pilot stores have seen revenue jump over 120% by month three.
Cotti Coffee is entering convenience retail by converting mom-and-pop stores. Instead of relying on sales, it earns profit from selling coffee equipment and supplies, a business-to-business model under a consumer-facing brand.
Delivery And Omnichannel Drive New Growth
Delivery is now central to the convenience store model. Instant retail orders rose 60% year-over-year, according to Meituan Research Institute. Apps like Meituan, JD Daojia, and even Douyin are helping stores reach customers beyond their physical footprint.
Nearly 40% of convenience store chains now offer on-demand retail services, says CCFA. Stores like Meiyijia, 7-Eleven, and FamilyMart are setting up storefront warehouses to speed up delivery.
Sinopec’s EasyJoy runs a “Speed Purchase” store in Zhengzhou with over 5,000 items and 30-minute delivery, offering everything from fast-moving consumer goods to fashion.
New Formats And Services Boost Value
As costs rise in top-tier cities, stores are finding new ways to stay relevant. Many are turning into 24-hour service hubs. They now sell meals, cosmetics, pet items, and even basic healthcare products.
FamilyMart’s latest stores cater to five daily meal times and include live cooking stations. Lawson’s fresh food now makes up over 40% of its sales. 7-Eleven is testing family-focused food options like “micro-dining halls.”
These updates aim to keep customers coming back more often—and staying longer.
Key Takeaways For Retail’s Future
China’s convenience store growth offers key lessons for global retail. The winning strategies include:
- Hyper-localized product offerings
- Blending physical stores with delivery platforms
- New formats like mini-franchises and micro-fulfillment centers
- Using supply chains to boost profit beyond in-store sales
- Reimagining stores for daily life needs
As the market evolves, China’s convenience store sector is becoming a blueprint for agile, tech-powered retail.
