How C-Store Retailers Are Reigniting Tobacco Accessory Sales
In 2025 a NY retailer saw unit sales of fillable cones rise by 29%
Changing consumer habits are reshaping the tobacco accessories category, prompting c-store retailers to rethink how they merchandise and market products such as rolling papers, cones and lighters. While shifting tobacco and cannabis trends are influencing demand, retailers are also finding new opportunities to drive incremental sales through creative branding, expanded assortments and employee upselling.
Cliff’s Local Market, which operates 22 stores throughout central New York, has seen the tobacco accessories market shifting as tobacco trends change.
In 2025, for example, unit sales of rolling papers declined by 5%, while unit sales of pre-rolled, fillable cones rose by 29% — a trend likely driven by the legalization of cannabis in New York.
Meanwhile at Scrivener Oil Co. Inc. dba Signal Food Stores, which operates 13 locations in Missouri, “Lighters and rolling papers are doing great,” said Sean Bumgarner, VP, Scrivener Oil Co.
InConvenience Inc., which operates Gas Spot (with fuel) and Good Spot (without fuel) convenience stores, offers a limited assortment of accessories currently, with rolling papers representing the primary item as the chain focuses on building the core tobacco categories, explained Erin Slater, category manager, InConvenience Inc. “As we expand, we see opportunity to drive incremental sales through a more comprehensive accessory set and improved merchandising to encourage add-on purchases,” she added.
Gas Spot and Good Spot stores are playfully nicknamed “the G Spot,” a moniker the chain is leaning into because it’s both memorable and attention-getting with customers.
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