a front for...?

[cellio]

There are two gas stations in Squirrel Hill. Until the last few months their prices usually differed by a few cents (with the BP consistently lower) -- but it was usually a small-enough difference that it might not be worth going out of your way. More recently the difference has climbed to 10 cents or more, which I assume is enough to make most consumers change their plans if they're aware of the difference (which, if you live there, you probably are).

The difference has been climbing, and this morning it was 23 cents. It makes me wonder if the one station is really in the business of selling gas.

Comments

[dagonell.livejournal.com]

Back when I lived in Buffalo, there was a toy store on the corner. I had convinced myself that it was a front for something because the shelves were nearly bare, no toy or boardgame touched another one and none of the toys were TV cartoon themed, no Pink Panther, no Smurfs, etc. And I never saw any customer in there. When the old woman running it died, I found that it was essentially 'her hobby'. So, what do you think the gas station is a front for?
-- Dagonell

[cellio]

So, what do you think the gas station is a front for?

It could be something benign, like a repair shop. :-)

I think xiphias has it right -- they probably use the gas as a handy lure, but that's not how they make their money.

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

The majority of gas stations are actually convenience stores which sell gas to draw people in. When I worked at the gas station at the corner, and did the end-of-shift receipts, it became clear that they made most of their money on cigarettes, second-most on lottery, third on snacks, and gas fourth. In terms of actual MONEY spent, people spent the most money on gas, but, because it's such a low-margin thing to sell, that's not where they made profit.