Why I Like Convenience Stores

Today I was asked why I like convenience stores. It just so happens that my feelings for convenience stores are layered and not as simple as one can imagine.

First of all, I have lived most of my life in a hurry. When I was a little girl I tried to finish my tests before everyone else in my classroom. I doubt anyone cared if I finished first, but to me it seemed like the thing to do. Later, I couldn't wait for my kids to eat solid food and potty train. And it has always irritated me when I have to wait on someone more than 5 minutes. There better be a really good excuse for that infraction. I don't like lines, traffic, or procrastinators, but I do I love to hear some say, "let's get it done."

The need for speed is probably a by-product of my mother's constant requirement of walking fast, not wasting time, and don't lean when you can clean attitude. If you were caught lounging at my house, you were promptly handed a dust cloth or a pair of hedge clippers. Then there was my dad. I think he invented wanderlust as I know he seldom spent much time in one place. He was constantly wanting to go somewhere - anywhere. He was gone a lot. And when he "was home" we all went a lot - fast Sunday rides, fast trips across country, and we moved often - sometimes 3-4 times a year. When we were in a car there was a clock ticking measuring how fast we would reach our destination. And not wanting to lose time we made quick stops at various conveniences stores like Toot 'n Tell, Stop 'n Go, or the 7 Eleven. The second reason we went to convenience markets is that they sold beer. Yes, I know that it is wrong to drink and drive, but it was the 50s and 60s and people weren't real smart in those days. So, with beer calling Dad's name, my brother and I would follow him in to the market like a couple of baby ducks and go on our shopping spree. I always stopped off at the comic book stand hoping Dad would ask if I wanted the latest Archie comic book. He seldom did, so I usually had to be really brave, pick one out and ask for it directly. He never turned me down, so looking back, I don't know why I worried so much about asking. My younger brother ALWAYS got a bag of chips and a bottle of pop (yes, we were originally from the midwest and said pop). When we got back in the car my brother and I would take a few sips of Pepsi and then ask Mom to hold the bottles. We were allowed to be lazy in the car. Then we were off until someone had to pee, got thirsty again, etc. etc.

Anyway, this brings me back to the convenience store. Do I just like it for nostalgic reasons? No. There is more. Because I like speed, I love that I can get in and get out. And what an array of items they have! The other day I stopped in one of the new high-tech convenience stores and had such a good experience, I told the clerk. She didn't get it. The colors were bright, the signage made me want to buy, and I was thrilled that they had everything. You may say - not everything. Well, you are wrong. At 6:00 am I could buy a hotdog and a thighmaster. And they are marketing geniuses. My dad would be ecstatic if he could look through blue tinted glass at the beer closet all iced up. Cases of cans with 5' cardboard polar bears standing by the stacks. And if you need medication, no problem. Want a cappuccino, a box of kleenex, windshield wipers, a rental movie, and a fake silk rose for a lover? It is there along with a wide assortment of t-shirts, broasted potatos, beef jerky, and spring water for the more upscale shopper. And best of all, you can be in and out in less than 5 minutes. No nasty lines or self check-out. Just some cigarette smoking, tired individual waiting to serve. It doesn't get much better for me.

Lovey