Editing Convenience store (section)

==Differences from supermarkets==
[[File:Familymart sunc^n.eko 02.JPG|thumb|[[Personal care]] products at a [[FamilyMart]] convenience store in [[South Korea]] (2012)]]
Although larger, newer convenience stores may have a wide range of items, the selection is still limited compared to supermarkets, and in many stores only one or two choices are available. Prices in a convenience store are often higher than those at a [[supermarket]], mass merchandise store or auto supply store, as convenience stores order smaller quantities of [[inventory]] at higher per-unit prices from wholesalers. Some convenience stores are similar to corner markets, but often have less variety in food.

Product containers in a convenience store are often smaller with reduced product quantity to allow more products on the store shelves. This reduces the apparent cost differences between full-size packaging in supermarkets. Reduced packaging also reduces waste when a traveller such as a hotel guest does not want to or cannot carry leftover product with them when they depart.

The average U.S. convenience store has a sales area of {{convert|2768|sqft|m2}}. New stores average about {{convert|2800|sqft|m2}} of sales area and about {{convert|1900|sqft|m2}} of non-sales area—a nod to retailers recognising the importance of creating destinations within the store that require additional space—whether coffee islands, food service areas with seating, or financial services kiosks. Convenience stores have expanded their offerings over the last few years, with stores becoming a part-supermarket, restaurant, gas station and even a bank or drug store.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nacsonline.com/NACS/News/FactSheets/ScopeofIndustry/Pages/Convenience.aspx|title=Convenience Stores Offer More Convenience – NACS Online – Research – Fact Sheets – Scope of the Industry|access-date=24 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103091433/http://www.nacsonline.com/NACS/News/FactSheets/ScopeofIndustry/Pages/Convenience.aspx|archive-date=3 January 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the United States, convenience stores are sometimes the only businesses near an [[interstate highway]] exit where drivers can buy any kind of food or drink for miles. Most of the [[profit margin]] from these stores comes from beer, liquor and cigarettes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gross profit margin in convenience stores by product category U.S. 2017 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/887938/convenience-store-profit-margin-us-product-category/ |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=Statista |language=en}}</ref> Although those three categories themselves usually yield lower margins per item, the sales volume in them generally compensates for it.{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}} Profits per item are much higher on deli items (bags of ice, chicken, etc.), but sales are generally lower. In some countries, convenience stores have longer [[shopping hours]], some being open 24 hours.