The merchandise sold inside the station was pretty much limited to motor oil, chewing gum, road maps and a small display of stale candy. No one ever bought it because there was never any reason to go inside. You stayed in your car while the attendants took care of everything. Today, you could live out of a gas station if it became absolutely necessary. Besides snacks such as pizza, nachos, supersized drinks and candy, they sell everything from tweezers and bug spray to greeting cards and Milk Bone dog biscuits.
Most operations make more money off their convenience-store business than they do from gas sales.
Occasionally you run across a station that still insists on service. Pull into the Chevron at K and 30th streets and the smiling attendants come running. Regular customers know their names. When they ask how your day's going, they really expect an answer. Such behavior can get you gently chastised.