Ontario Convenience Stores Association - OCSA

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

I enjoyed stopping by Malvern Convenience during and meeting manager Shrey Bakshi.

Local convenience stores support Ontarians, contribute to our economy, and strengthen our communities.

Thank you for the warm welcome and continued service!



Nina Tangri Ontario Convenience Stores Association - OCSA

09/09/2026

During , I visited Markham Corner Gift & Convenience Store and met owner Ram.

Behind every local convenience store is a dedicated owner working hard to serve neighbours and strengthen communities.

Thank you for your hard work and commitment.



Nina Tangri Ontario Convenience Stores Association - OCSA

09/09/2026

The back-to-school rush is here across Ontario! 🎒🚌

Morning commuters and post-bell student surges are driving heavy foot traffic into local convenience stores every day. Independent operators know that keeping high-margin, high-velocity grabs stocked right by the register makes all the difference during these peak rush hours.

We want to know what’s moving fastest off your shelves this week!
Which category is driving your register totals right now?

1️⃣ High-protein bars 🍫
2️⃣ Cold energy drinks & iced coffees ⚡️
3️⃣ Classic packaged snacks & candy 🍿

Tell us your #1 top seller in the comments below!

09/08/2026

Is your store inventory ready for shifting consumer habits this fall? 🛒

As routines settle back into place, keeping your shelves aligned with active category trends is key to maximizing seasonal sales and increasing average basket size.

Two of the fastest-growing opportunities for Ontario convenience store operators right now:

• High-Protein Functional Snacks: Driven by Gen Z and Millennial shoppers, high-protein snacks, plant-based options, and clean-label snacks are growing three times faster than conventional options.

• Premium RTD Alcohol: Spirit-based RTDs and hard teas continue to dominate cold-vault sales as customers trade up for quality and instant convenience on the go.

Staying ahead means knowing what to stock before peak fall demand hits. OCSA provides data-driven category guides to help independent retailers curate the right product mix, optimize cooler space, and boost revenue.

👉 Read the full blogs here: ontariocstores.ca/news
💬 Ready to grow? Become a member today: ontariocstores.ca/join-ocsa

09/07/2026

Happy Labour Day!

Enjoy your day off, and don’t forget to visit your local independent Ontario convenience store. Most are open today and ready to serve their communities.

Thank you for supporting local and supporting Ontario’s independent convenience stores.

09/07/2026

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly recently called on Canadians to "Buy Canadian" to support local jobs and strengthen our economy. OCSA President Kenny Shim agrees, and emphasizes that independent convenience stores ARE Canadian businesses too.

When Ottawa restricted legal, Health Canada-authorized Canadian products like Zonnic out of convenience stores and limited them strictly to pharmacies, it didn't eliminate consumer demand. Instead, it created an expanding illegal market fueled by unauthorized imports from the U.S.

This policy shift directly impacts our communities. Responsible local retailers lose critical revenue, governments lose millions in tax dollars, and an unregulated contraband market flourishes on our streets without age verification or oversight.

Provinces already regulate how age-restricted items like alcohol and to***co are sold in their communities. OCSA is calling on federal and provincial leaders to let individual provinces determine the right retail model, enforce strict age checks, and clamp down on illegal contraband sales.

If Canada wants Canadians to Buy Canadian, let Canadian retailers sell Canadian. 🇨🇦

Read our full official response at the link 🔗 newswire.ca/news-releases/as-minister-joly-calls-on-canadians-to-buy-canadian-convenience-store-association-says-ottawa-must-also-let-retailers-sell-canadian-817199057.html

09/05/2026

Convenience stores across Ontario play an important role in our communities by providing everyday essentials, supporting local economies, and creating jobs.

Be sure to support your neighbourhood convenience store this week and all year long.



Ontario Convenience Stores Association - OCSA | Convenience Industry Council of Canada

09/05/2026

Happy 2 Years, Ontario!

It took a long, long, time to get here, years of advocacy, hard work and determination but today we’re proud to celebrate 2 years of beverage alcohol sales in Ontario convenience stores!
Yahooooooo!!!

Congratulations to all the independent retailers, convenience stores and their teams who embraced this opportunity and helped make it a success.

Cheers to many more years!!

09/04/2026

Every year during the week leading into Labour Day, we pause to celebrate the heart of our neighborhoods: Ontario’s convenience stores 🏪✨

From 100% charity fundraisers for children's hospitals to keeping shelves stocked during uncertain times, our local C-stores do so much more than keep the lights on. They keep Ontario running 365 days a year.

Join us in celebrating Ontario Convenience Store Week! Tag your favorite local store below and show them some love 💛👇