Leading convenience store operators China 2023, based on number of stores

In 2023, Meiyijia had 33,848 chain stores in China, ranking first among leading convenience store operators. Easy Joy, a Sinopec Group convenience store chain, followed with 28,633 branches. 

Convenience store industry in China

Driven by rising urbanization, capital investment and newly emerging consumer lifestyles, China’s convenience store market is booming. This is accompanied by vibrant sales growth and rapid network expansion. In 2023, the sales revenue generated by convenience stores in China amounted to around 425 billion yuan, indicating a steady annual increase. The number of convenience stores is also growing at a higher rate. In 2023, there were approximately 321 thousand convenience stores across the country. At the same time, the merchandise structure of convenience stores is being optimized and the proportion of own brand items on the shelf is increasing. 

Sinopec Group and Easy Joy

  As an important part of Sinopec Group’s non-oil business, which launched in 2008, Easy Joy convenience stores grew rapidly in recent years. In 2012, the number of Easy Joy convenience stores surpassed 20,000, with the turnover exceeding eleven billion yuan. In 2015, the sales of Easy Joy amounted to 24.8 billion yuan, representing a growth rate of nearly 45 percent. That year, Sinopec Easy Joy Sales Co., Ltd. also ranked first among 25,000 stores in the "Major convenience store chain enterprise development 2015" evaluation. Easy Joy convenience stores mainly serve drivers, as they are located in gas stations. Water, beverages, and cigarettes often account for more than 50 percent of gas station convenience store sales. In August 2018, Sinopec launched its first 24-hour unmanned Easy Joy convenience store in Beijing.