I’ve been amused at how crowded gas pumps have become recently. It seems there is now every kind of vending machine stacked next to the pumps. How did we get here?
Back in the mid 80s, the pay at the pump gas pump made its debut, giving customers the convenience of purchasing gasoline without having to wait in line in the store. While this has been great for customers who only want to refuel, it’s been horrible deal for the station owners.
Station owners make very little money from gasoline sales. Their largest profits come from selling groceries and junk food. Sell a few gallons of milk for 6 bucks each and you’re doing pretty well.
Now that this steady stream of junk food customers is bypassing the store, station owners are bringing the junk food out to them, filling in those spaces near the pumps with all sorts of vending machines. I’ve seen some stations installing popcorn machines near the pumps. How is this remotely safe?
I don’t know about you, but spending time around a dirty, fume-spewing gas pump has never done much for my appetite. We’ll see how long this trend continues.