The History of the Convenience Store: How Quick Stops Became a Way of Life

Convenience stores are everywhere—on street corners, gas stations, and tucked into neighbourhoods big and small. They’re the go-to for snacks, drinks, and last-minute essentials. But behind the bright lights and fast service is a story that tracks with changing lifestyles, urban growth, and a rising demand for speed.

The Origins: Ice and Essentials (1920s–1930s)

The modern convenience store has its roots in Texas. In 1927, an employee of the Southland Ice Company in Dallas began selling basics like milk, bread, and eggs alongside ice. Since most people didn’t have home refrigeration, buying ice daily was standard. Offering groceries at the same spot just made sense.

This store became the foundation for what would eventually be known as 7-Eleven. Originally called Tote’m (as in “tote your goods away”), the name changed in 1946 to reflect its extended hours—7 a.m. to 11 p.m.—which were unusual at the time.

Growth and Gasoline (1950s–1970s)

After World War II, suburban development exploded. People moved away from dense city centers, and car ownership became the norm. Convenience stores evolved with this shift, popping up along highways and in neighborhoods where bigger supermarkets were less accessible.

Many added gas pumps, creating the now-familiar gas station/convenience store hybrid. Chains like 7-Eleven expanded across the U.S., and other regional players—like Circle K and AM/PM—joined the scene.

Stores stayed small, focused on essentials, and leaned into speed. No carts, no long aisles—just grab, pay, and go.

Global Expansion and 24/7 Culture (1980s–1990s)

As work hours became more irregular and life got busier, demand grew for stores that never closed. Some 7-Eleven locations began staying open 24/7, a move that became standard for many chains.

At the same time, the convenience store concept spread globally. Japan, in particular, embraced and redefined it. Japanese convenience stores—known as konbini—offered an unmatched level of service, cleanliness, and variety. You could pay bills, buy concert tickets, get fresh meals, or send packages, all in one place. Companies like Lawson, FamilyMart, and Japan’s own 7-Eleven became cultural fixtures.

The Modern Store: Beyond Junk Food

Today’s convenience store is more than a quick stop for chips and soda. Many locations now offer fresh food, gourmet coffee, electronics, and delivery services. Some have gone fully cashierless. Others are integrating with apps and digital wallets to streamline the process even more.

Healthier snack options, plant-based meals, and high-end coffee are replacing some of the old stereotypes. And in food deserts—places where grocery stores are scarce—convenience stores sometimes serve as a lifeline.

The Takeaway

The convenience store wasn’t invented overnight. It grew from ice depots and wartime shifts in shopping habits into a reflection of how we live today—fast, mobile, and always on. What started as a practical idea in a Texas ice house turned into a global business model driven by the simple need to make life a little easier.