Beer dollar sales were relatively flat in convenience stores in 2009, with dollar sales up a scant 0.3% and a unit volume decline of 2.3%, according to Nielsen. Nothing to write home about. While in the past, beer has suffered at the hand of non-alc packaged beverages, like energy drinks, bottled water, teas, and sports drinks, the 2009 recession completely shifted the dollar flow in c-stores. .