CCWC mag Sept-Oct 2020_web

Hong Kong protests, by B. Christmas, 2011
The fact that the convenience industry thrives amongst the continued growth of
giant box store chains proves that it is here to stay, a vital employer, service provider,
and a symbol of our freedom.
high standard of living.
As a child, growing up in central
Canada, I recall scraping up some
change, by collecting bottles to return,
and then going to the local corner store
to buy candy. I could get three jawbreakers
for a penny. There were no massive
box stores and large grocery stores were
pretty scarce over 50 years ago. We got
a lot of our daily staples and drinks at
the corner store, and there was one
within walking distance in most neighborhoods.
Over time it seems the convenience
store has evolved to being the
stores that are open when the large box
stores are closed, and for when it is just
too inconvenient to drive to the larger
store. Cities in north America have developed
with highway systems that require
people to have a car, so getting to
the large box store requires a car, even
if you live close to it. The convenience
store also often fills that gap. Everyone
needs a car in modern Canada; hence
the growth of the carwash industry as
well. So, it seems the convenience store
remains an important part of our social
fabric, just changed slightly over time.
The fact that the convenience industry
thrives amongst the continued growth
of giant box store chains proves that it
is here to stay, a vital employer, service
provider, and a symbol of our freedom.
Perhaps a measure of our successful
reconciliation in the future will be when
the same conveniences are available in
every corner of our great nation.
Bob Chrismas, Ph.D., is an author,
scholar, consultant, passionate speaker
and social justice advocate police
professional with internationally
recognized expertise in community
engagement and crime prevention. An
advocate for social reform, he has
written and speaks extensively on
innovative trends in policing, community
partnership and governance. Visit Bob
at BChrismas.com.
22 / SEPTEMBER OCTOBER ISSUE