HRA Celebrates Record Success at 2025 C-Store Connect

ATLANTA - Sept. 6, 2025 - PRLog -- Horizon Retailers Association (HRA) proudly announces the overwhelming success of its C-Store Connect Trade Show, held on August 28, 2025, at Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA. With nearly 2,900 attendees, more than 200 fully sold-out vendor/manufacturer booths, and exceptional engagement between exhibitors and convenience store operators, this year's event marked HRA's largest and most impactful trade show to date.

The show floor was buzzing with activity as members connected with industry-leading brands, secured exclusive Hot Deals using HRA's technology platform, and explored innovations in fast-growing categories like food service and technology. By the close of the show, attendees had booked over 80,000 cases, unlocked more than $325,000 in member savings in the cold vault and beverage category, and generated 500+ new leads in grocery and food service.

Prize Winners Highlight the Day
The excitement extended beyond the show floor, with major prize giveaways celebrating HRA members:

• Car Giveaway Winner:

Mitesh P., BP Maple Street (Carrollton, GA) - HRA Member since 2012

• $5,000 Cash Prize Winners:
• Vipul P. (Cocoa Beach, FL) - Sponsored by Coca-Cola United
• Mickey K. (Cumming, GA) - Sponsored by D&D Energy
• Jaimin P. (Greenville, SC) - Sponsored by PepsiCo
• Vikash M. (Douglasville, GA) - Sponsored by Monster Energy
• Sohail M. (Spartanburg, SC) - Sponsored by Red Bull

Feedback from the Show
Attendees and vendors praised the event for its atmosphere, organization, and business impact:

• "QR code for vendor deals was awesome and very helpful. Thank you all for another great event!"
• "From the setup to the atmosphere, this truly felt like a world-class event."
• "One of the best tradeshows I have attended in years! Great attendance and well organized!!"
• "The HRA C-Store Trade Show provided us with a valuable platform to connect with our customers, showcase innovation, and strengthen relationships."

Record Growth and Community Impact

The 2025 event was not only the largest in HRA history, but it also fueled organizational growth with 200+ new members joining HRA directly from guest attendees. Exhibitors and retailers alike emphasized the show's role in driving sales, discovering new products, and sparking ideas to improve in-store foodservice and hot case programs.

"This year's C-Store Connect proved the incredible strength of our community and the importance of bringing the right people together under one roof," said Chirag Patel, HRA's CEO/Founder. "The energy, the deals, and the innovation on display confirm that c-stores in the Southeast are positioned for strong growth in the year ahead."

Looking Ahead to 2026
HRA is already preparing for an even bigger and better trade show next year. The 2026 C-Store Connect Trade Show will return to the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA in August 2026.

For event details and membership information, visit www.hraga.com.