There are close to 9,800 convenience stores in Taiwan, including 4,800 7-Elevenstores, over 2,800 FamilyMart stores, nearly 1,300 Hi-Life stores, and 860 or more OK stores. "Convenience" is their watchword.

These stores stock a wide variety of goods, from hot and cold drinks to daily necessities. They even provide services like payment of water, electricity and gas bills, collection of goods ordered online, courier services and (selectively) assistance in garbage collection.

Small numbers of stores have large lounge areas and look almost like restaurants. Some actually double as community service centres and provide books and reading materials.

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