In Taiwan, 7-Eleven transcends the typical American concept of a convenience store. Unlike its US counterpart, which primarily serves as a quick stop for basic necessities, Taiwanese 7-Elevens function more like compact community centers. During my visit, I found myself lingering in these stores, drawn in by their diverse offerings. Beyond just selling products, these stores serve as multi-purpose service centers where people can pay bills, print documents, ship packages, and handle various daily tasks.
One distinct cultural difference I noticed was the emphasis on receipts. Unlike in the US, where receipts are often discarded, in Taiwan there’s a careful system ensuring customers don’t forget their receipts – they’re part of a national lottery system that turns everyday purchases into potential winning tickets.
