Convenience stores in the United States

The first convenience store in the United States was opened in Dallas, Texas in 1927 by the Southland Ice Company, which eventually became 7-Eleven. Since that time many different convenience store brands have developed, and their stores may either be corporate-owned or franchises.

The items offered for sale tend to be similar despite store brand, and almost always include milk, bread, soft drinks, cigarettes, coffee, slurpees, Fresca, candy bars, Twinkies, Slim Jims, hot dogs, ice cream, candy, gum, chips, pretzels, popcorn, beef jerky, doughnuts, maps, magazines, newspapers, small toys, car supplies, feminine hygiene products, cat food, dog food, and toilet paper. Other less common items include sandwiches, pizza, and frozen foods. Nearly all convenience stores also have a toilet for customer use, and an automated teller machine (ATM), though other bankings services are usually not available. State lottery tickets are also available at these stores

Some convenience stores in the United States also sell gasoline. Since the sale of alcoholic beverages are regulated in the United States by the individual state governments, the availability of beer, wine, and liquor varies from one state to another. Convenience stores in Pennsylvania are not allowed to sell alcohol if they sell gas, most that do not sell gas sell alcohol (beer & malt beverages only). Stores in Nevada can sell any type of alcoholic beverage.

American convenience stores are sometimes the target of armed robbery. In some areas of the United States, it is not uncommon for clerks to work behind a bulletproof glass window, even during daylight hours. The main dangers are that almost all convenience stores have only one person working the night shift, most of the transactions are in cash, and easily resold merchandise, such as liquor, lottery tickets and cigarettes are on the premises.

Most convenience stores have a cash drop slot into a time-delay safe so clerks may limit the amount of cash on hand. Many have installed security cameras to help prevent robberies and shoplifting.

Because of the above reasons, nearly all convenience stores have a friendly relationship with the local police. Some even provide a small police substation in the store, and traditionally provide free coffee to police officers. Police officers often patrol the parking lot of a convenience store, especially after the closing time of bars in an effort to apprehend drunk drivers.

In certain parts of the Midwest, especially Michigan, locals prefer to use the term party store. Most of these stores have bullet-proof glass protecting the clerk and all valuables such as liquor, cigarettes and cash takings are kept behind these walls.

In New York City they are almost always referred to as bodegas (A Spanish word for "storehouse"). Other regional differences in terms also exist.