> All convenience stores in the US are basically terrible
I've noticed a recent trend of gas stations here in the US starting to have upscale convenience stores attached to them, with more upscale products, clean bathrooms, actual quality food, made to order sandwich counters, etc.
As for Japan, the only convenience store I went into in Tokyo, I got freaked out when all the employees stopped and greeted me in unison. I can see it was meant to be welcoming, but it made me very uncomfortable and I left.
> I've noticed a recent trend of gas stations here in the US starting to have upscale convenience stores attached to them, with more upscale products, clean bathrooms, actual quality food, made to order sandwich counters, etc.
In rural areas, these serve the purpose of the general store of days of yore.
It's small grocery/hardware store with a gas station attached. Where the footprint permits, city folks appreciate being able to go one now that the corner stores are less common (and arguably less reputable) and they don't need to go all the way across town to get to a grocery store to buy some fresh fruit and some eggs.
I've noticed a recent trend of gas stations here in the US starting to have upscale convenience stores attached to them, with more upscale products, clean bathrooms, actual quality food, made to order sandwich counters, etc.
As for Japan, the only convenience store I went into in Tokyo, I got freaked out when all the employees stopped and greeted me in unison. I can see it was meant to be welcoming, but it made me very uncomfortable and I left.