Released on = March 16, 2007, 3:40 am

Press Release Author = Shushmul Maheshwari

Industry = Retail

Press Release Summary = US Convenience store sector is run by South Asians.
Estimates suggest around one-third to half of the total C-stores in US are owned by
South Asians.

Press Release Body = US has almost 140,655 convenience stores (C-store) posting
sales of US$ 495 Billion annually. The Indo Asian News Service reported rough
estimates provided by the online edition of 'littleindia', an ethnic Indian
magazine. As per the estimates, South Asians dominate the C-store sector nationwide
and own around 50,000 to 70,000 stores, almost one-third to half of the total.

The retail channel that worth half-a-trillion-dollar consists of a number of small
entrepreneurs apart from multi-state and nationwide channels like 7-Eleven that have
become the foundation of the comfortable life in US.

The RNCOS report, "US Convenience Stores: A Market Analysis", says that strong
customer demand for convenient shopping experience has fueled the growth in this
sector and has taken it into the league of most dynamically growing sectors in the
entire retail market. C-stores have carved their niche for themselves in the grocery
supply chain, serving top-up shopping necessities to supplement the supermarket
shops.

In news published by the Indo Asian Service, Satya Shaw, President, Asian American
Convenience Store Association (AACSA), estimated that South Asians own around 70,000
C-stores, giving out more than $100 Billion as revenues.

Tariq Khan, Chairman, National Coalition of Associations, 7-Eleven Franchisees, the
largest C-store chain in US, said that South Asians own over 50% of the chain's
franchised stores. In California alone, out of the 1,200 7-Eleven stores, around
600-700 stores are held by South Asians.

The Indo Asian News Service reported Khan on February 14, 2007 saying, "With all the
bankruptcies in the 90s of convenience stores, I think Indians and Pakistanis are
the reason the companies survived because we came in and bought those stores".

On the question of why South Asians are entering in this sector, Khan said, "In this
business you don\'t need experience - the prices are on the merchandise. You don\'t
even have to know much English. This business is also recession proof because every
morning people need the newspaper, bread, milk, coffee and cigarettes".

The research report also discusses the total market size of the US retail industry,
state-wise growth of C-stores in US, how existing technology is improving the
operational efficiency in this sector, technological advancements to improve the
operations, and major players in the industry.

About RNCOS:

RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. It has a team of
industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. They provide
industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate
business decision in today\'s globally competitive environment.

For more information visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/CP11.htm
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Contact Details = RNCOS
Shushmul Maheshwari
Head of Business Development
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info@rncos.com