http://www.cnngo.com...verrated-793389
Although it's talking about convenience stores in Tokyo, the same holds true throughout most of Japan.
The article makes some good points, but in Japan it really does come down to convenience. Sure, there are better deals to be had elsewhere, but convenience stores are much more abundant and thus much more convenient. Go figure! Rushing to catch the train in the morning but have yet to have breakfast? Don't worry, there's likely a convenience store located right by the ticket gate (or even near the train tracks). This article says that the same money can buy higher quality food for the same price at a supermarket and, although true, how often are you going to find a supermarket inside a train station or next to the train tracks?
This is just one of many such examples.
Unfortunately, the article completely overlooks the positives. For example, convenience stores allow you to pay gas/water/electric bills in cash if you've yet to pay them via another method. They also sell concert tickets and tickets to various other (sporting) events/etc. Lastly, let's not forget that they have ATMs, photocopiers and fax machines available for use and stamps available for purchase. You can mail things, too.
). And yes, it's a great place to get magazines! More than that, though, I always enjoy seeing so many people lined up at the magazine rack to read things for free until their train comes/etc. It's kind of funny.
