Core Insights - The outlook for nicotine sales in the U.S. convenience store industry is mixed, with some retailers expressing negative sentiments due to economic pressures, while others remain optimistic about specific product categories [2][4]. Group 1: Sales Outlook - 20% of surveyed retailers and wholesalers reported a more negative outlook for tobacco sales, marking the lowest level since Q4 2021 [3]. - 38% of respondents have a negative view of the overall strength of tobacco consumers, influenced by ongoing economic challenges [4]. - 23% of respondents indicated a more positive outlook for tobacco sales, while 58% felt their outlook remained unchanged [3]. Group 2: Market Performance - Smokeless nicotine sales reached $11.2 billion in the past year, making it the second-largest category in the nicotine market, following cigarettes, which generated over $50 billion [5]. - Retailers are optimistic about the nicotine pouch category, expecting to allocate approximately 7% more shelf space to these products in 2026 [6]. - The approval of marketing for Zyn pouches and select on! products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is anticipated to drive growth in the nicotine pouch segment [6].