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While even the large supermarket chains are feeling the pinch of this recession, convenience store in San Diego is doing quite nicely, thank you! With gas prices again on the rise, we're still in the habit we acquired last summer – driving less. When all you need is a quart of milk, or a loaf of bread, you're not likely to drive to the supermarket. A waste of gas and time. So, although you'll pay a little more at the convenience store, it still won't make up for the gas and time. This is one reason these handy little corner stores continue to thrive. If you're just out for a walk and get a sudden craving for a juice or soda, where do you go?

Bonita's convenience store franchise of course. Kids are big patrons of these small stores and the stores are arranged to appeal to their tastes. Every type of chip is placed on a can't-miss-it rack, along with the usual lineup of cookies, bars, donuts and other such after school snacks. Because everybody knows they can find a soda or juice here, the refrigerator cases are stationed at the back of the store, so that every customer who wants a cold beverage must walk all through the store to reach it. This puts temptation in front of you every step of the way, so more than likely, you'll walk out with more than the beverage. This same strategy works equally well on adult patrons.

You're going to watch the football game this afternoon, so you drop into San Diego's convenience food stores for a six pack – or two - of beer. All the way at the back of the store. In the party mood, you decide you'd better pick up another bag of chips, just in case. Hey, do you have enough dip? When you finally arrive at the check stand, there's a few people ahead of you. This gives you yet another opportunity to pick up some beef jerky – ooh, teriyaki beef jerky – that sounds good. Lifesavers(R) anyone? A pack of gum? How about a candy bar? When it's finally your turn, you look up and notice the rack of disposable lighters.

Hey, I forgot to get that at the supermarket. By the time you pay, you can rack up quite a bill. Another type of convenience store that's surely recession proof is the one at the gas station. Gas stations naturally get a lot of travelers. People who are on the road get bored after driving long distances, so unless they're the big planner type, they have nothing to eat in the way of snacks in the car. Hey, it's one stop shopping. Fill your tank and get some food, all in one shot. Perhaps the only type of customer who doesn't do too much of this impulse buying is the Mom, who comes in for and leaves with the loaf of bread and quart of milk. Still, it all adds up for Bonita's convenience store chain owner's profits! Way to go.