Sprawl definitely plays a large part in this. In the suburbs, grocery stores are exceptionally common. There are 2 within walking distance of my house. I wou

Sprawl definitely plays a large part in this. In the suburbs, grocery stores are exceptionally common. There are 2 within walking distance of my house. I would pass by several large grocery stores before I hit a convenience store. It's also worth pointing out that the chains in this article aren't merely convenience stores, they're discount stores. They basically sell the cheapest version of everything. Their purpose is less about convenience, and more about competing on price. Convenience stores still thrive in American suburbia, just not in the places you think. Pharmacies typically also serve as a convenience store, selling non-perishable groceries, drinks, snacks, etc, etc. Gas stations typically have a selection of drinks and snacks, and usually very light groceries like salt, bread, and some pre-packaged "just add water" type meals. If you're not deep in a housing development, you're rarely more than a couple of blocks from somewhere you could buy bread and beer. There is also a negative perception of corner stores that makes them an undesirable part of many people's communities. They're associated with poverty, which creates a reinforcing cycle where wealthier neighborhoods will fight their existence, making them further associated with poverty.