actually convenient convenience stores

welcome to introspection ft. harsehaj! ⭐️ i’m harsehaj, a 19 y/o always up to something in social good x tech.

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onto today’s topic: actually convenient convenience stores 🏪 

japan and korea are the holy grail of convenience stores, and my expectations are through the roof now.

convenience stores are a huge part of daily life from what i noticed in korea and japan. they’re reliable, and actually convenient. in canada & the area i live in, that isn’t the case at all. you can’t count on a convenience store being nearby for a quick snack fix or emergency pad.

i’m going to rapid-fire my favourite points on the convenience stores here:

• you’ll find a convenience store within walking distance literally anywhere and at any time since the 7-elevens are open 27/4. ⏰ even in the countryside. i don’t have to stress about going out of my way for planning meals or carrying around enough cash because there’s always a safe backup option (endless snacks & atms at every convenience store!).

• they’re so convenient. some spots have seating inside the store, there’s smoothie machines (you can grab a fruit mix and make a smoothie in the store), garbage cans, microwaves to heat up food, and much more. convenience stores don’t feel like a run-down box attached to a gas station — they’re a smooth experience designed to make life easier. 💆‍♀️ 

• the snack selection, omg. you’re telling me i can get ready-made meals, pocky, ramen, candy, ice cream and any imaginable drink from the same little store anywhere, at any time? glorious.

the convenience stores’ user experience is actually designed for the people, and it shows. i can’t say the same for the ones back home, they’re inconsistent and a lukewarm to bad experience.

if there’s one thing i’ll miss when i’m back home, it’s my 7-eleven snack runs in east asia. 😢 

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