convenience store

American  

noun

1. a retail store that carries a limited selection of basic items, as packaged foods and drugstore items, and is open long hours for the convenience of shoppers.

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convenience store British  

noun

1. a shop that has long opening hours, caters to local tastes, and is conveniently situated

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Etymology

Origin of convenience store

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

TOKYO—Toshifumi Suzuki was a midlevel executive at a Japanese retailer when it opened the first 7-Eleven convenience store in Tokyo in the 1970s.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

He is known as the "father of the convenience store" in Japan.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

Kaziha, the third victim, helped maintain the mosque's grounds and convenience store, the Cair spokeswoman said.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

The rise of the hideaway was well timed as consumers have been cutting back on snack purchases after filling up at the pump, hitting convenience store sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

After the accident, Holly decides we can take a convenience store break.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich