Shanghai, China – Sinopec Shanghai Petroleum No. 1 Gas Station has been recognized as the NACS Convenience Store of the Year for the Asia-Pacific region, an honor bestowed at the 2026 NACS Convenience Summit Asia held in Shanghai this week. The award highlights the evolving landscape of convenience retail in Asia and the innovative approaches companies are taking to meet changing consumer needs. The summit, which concluded on March 12, 2026, drew nearly 180 convenience retailers and industry stakeholders from across the globe, according to a LinkedIn post from NACS.
The recognition for Sinopec Shanghai Petroleum No. 1 Gas Station, similarly known as Shanghai No. 1 Store, underscores a trend toward comprehensive retail experiences that integrate traditional services like fueling with modern conveniences such as retail shopping, dining, and even cultural exhibits. This shift reflects a broader effort within the convenience sector to adapt to evolving consumer expectations and create destinations that offer more than just quick stops. The NACS Convenience Summit Asia serves as a key platform for showcasing these innovations and fostering collaboration within the industry.
A Legacy Reimagined
Originally established in 1948 as China’s first state-owned gas station, Sinopec Shanghai Petroleum No. 1 Gas Station underwent a significant renovation in 2020, transforming it into a multi-faceted convenience space. Today, the station offers fueling services alongside a retail store and a second-floor coffee shop complete with an observation deck and areas dedicated to cultural exhibitions. Sinopec, as a whole, operates the world’s second-largest gas station network and China’s largest retail store network, boasting over 30,000 gas stations and more than 27,000 Straightforward Joy stores, according to award information released by NACS.
Innovation and Sustainability Grab Center Stage
Beyond Sinopec’s win, the NACS Convenience Retail Awards Asia-Pacific celebrated other industry leaders. GS Retail of South Korea received the NACS Convenience Innovation of the Year Award for its GS Retail Media network, which leverages AI and first-party data to integrate in-store and mobile advertising, linking ad exposure to actual purchase outcomes. DFI 7-Eleven was honored with the NACS Convenience Cares Award for its commitment to sustainability, anchored in pillars of People, Products, and Planet. DFI operates nearly 3,000 7-Eleven stores across Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong Province, and Singapore.
The awards also recognized individual leadership, with Stephane Coum, CEO–Food Group at Central Retail in Thailand, receiving the NACS Industry Leader of the Year Award. Coum was previously recognized for his success in transforming Tops Daily into a growth engine, achieving 3.7% year-over-year sales growth by 2022, as detailed on the NACS website.
Geopolitical Context and Regional Stakes
The NACS Convenience Summit Asia and its associated awards reflect the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region as a key driver of growth in the global convenience retail sector. China, in particular, represents a massive market with a rapidly evolving consumer base. The success of companies like Sinopec and GS Retail demonstrates the ability to adapt to local preferences and integrate innovative technologies. The focus on sustainability, as exemplified by DFI 7-Eleven’s award, also aligns with broader regional and global efforts to address environmental concerns. The summit itself, held in Shanghai, underscores the city’s position as a major commercial and innovation hub.
The convenience retail sector is increasingly intertwined with broader economic trends in the region, including urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the growth of e-commerce. Companies are leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience, optimize supply chains, and compete effectively in a dynamic market. The NACS awards serve as a benchmark for best practices and a catalyst for further innovation.
Looking ahead, the convenience retail landscape in Asia is expected to continue to evolve rapidly. The integration of digital technologies, the emphasis on sustainability, and the focus on creating compelling customer experiences will be key factors driving success. The NACS Convenience Summit Asia will likely remain a crucial forum for industry leaders to share insights, forge partnerships, and shape the future of convenience retail in the region.
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