Convenience store inroads to grocery markets

At the same time that more grocery stores are selling gas, more gas stops are selling groceries.From a story in The Washington Post earlier this month:


Once primarily the province of Big Gulps and beef jerky, convenience and drug stores are siphoning away sales from traditional supermarkets as the weak economy and high gas prices force consumers to save more by driving less. They are stopping by not only for the quickie quart of milk, but also for pantry items normally bought at the supermarket -- and even for dinner. Some are using the stores to stretch their paychecks, buying what they need when they need it instead of stocking up.

TK: Budget beers, crackers, soda, milk and bread. But don't look for fresh produce to benefit from this trend. Beyond a red delicious apple and a speckled banana, there is not much fresh produce to look forward to at the nearest EZ Shoppe.