<P> A convenience store or convenience shop is a small retail business that stocks a range of everyday items such as groceries, snack foods, confectionery, soft drinks, tobacco products, over-the - counter drugs, toiletries, newspapers, and magazines . In some jurisdictions, corner stores are licensed to sell alcohol, typically beer and wine . Such stores may also offer money order and wire transfer services, along with the use of a fax machine and / or photocopier for a small per - copy cost . They differ from general stores and village shops in that they are not in a rural location and are used as a convenient supplement to larger stores . </P> <P> A convenience store may be part of a gas / petrol station, so customers can purchase goods conveniently while filling their vehicle with fuel . It may be located alongside a busy road, in an urban area, near a railway or railroad station, or at another transport hub . In some countries, convenience stores have long shopping hours, some remaining open 24 hours . </P> <P> Convenience stores usually charge significantly higher prices than conventional grocery stores or supermarkets, as convenience stores order smaller quantities of inventory at higher per - unit prices from wholesalers . However, convenience stores make up for this loss by having longer open hours, serving more locations, and having shorter cashier lines . </P>

What type of retailer is known for easy access extended hours and quick service