Convenience store
A convenience store is a small store or
shop that sells items such as candy, ice-
cream, soft drinks, lottery tickets, newspa-
pers and magazines, along with a selection of
processed food and perhaps some groceries.
Stores that are part of gas stations may also
sell motor oil, windshield washer fluid, radi-
ator fluid, and maps. Often toiletries and oth-
er hygiene products are stocked, and some of
these stores also offer money orders and wire
transfer services or liquor products. They are
often
located alongside busy roads,
in
densely-populated urban neighborhoods, at
gas/petrol stations or near railway stations or
other transportation hubs. In some countries
most convenience stores have longer shop-
ping hours, some being open 24 hours, but
customers pay for this convenience with
higher prices on most goods.
Types
Various types exist,
for example:
liquor
stores
(off-licences–offies),
mini-markets
(mini-marts) or party stores. Typically junk
food (candy, ice-cream, soft drinks), lottery
tickets, newspapers and magazines are sold.
Unless the outlet is a liquor store, the range
of alcohol beverages is likely to be limited
(i.e. beer and wine) or non-existent. Most
stores carry cigarettes and other tobacco
products. Varying degrees of food and gro-
cery supplies are usually available, from
household products, to prepackaged foods
like
sandwiches
and
frozen
burritos.
Automobile-related items such as motor oil,
maps and car kits may be sold. Often toi-
letries and other hygiene products are
stocked, as well as feminine hygiene and con-
traception. Some of these stores also offer
money orders and wire transfer services.
The most common type of foods offered in
convenience stores are breakfast sandwiches
and other breakfast food. Throughout Europe
convenience stores now sell fresh French
bread (or similar). A process of freezing part-
baked bread allows easy shipment (often
from France) and baking in-store. Some
stores have a delicatessen counter, offering
custom-made sandwiches and baguettes.
Some st