The lively Malecón promenade in Puerto Vallarta stretches along the Bay of Banderas, framed by rows of palms, open-air cafés, and small artisan stands shaded by red umbrellas. Visitors walk the cobblestone walkway past shops like Casa Mina and La Chata, where colorful papel picado flags flutter above the outdoor seating. In the distance, high-rise hotels mark the city’s modern skyline, while the older seafront retains the intimate, walkable character that has made this coastal destination one of Mexico’s most beloved beach towns.

A well-stocked aisle inside a convenience store in Tokyo, photographed in March 2023. Japan’s major chains—such as Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven—are known for their dense product layouts, where shelves are filled with everything from health supplements and over-the-counter medicines to snacks, instant meals, and travel essentials.

Convenience stores, or konbini, have played an important role in daily urban life since rapid expansion in the 1980s, providing reliable 24-hour access to food, bill-paying services, parcel pickup, and seasonal goods. Their efficient layouts and constant product rotation reflect Japan’s retail culture, where limited-edition items, regional flavors, and promotional displays are updated weekly to match demand and maximize shelf use.

More Value Food & Deli at East 28th and Bloomington in Minneapolis.

Sponge Diver Supply store in Tarpon Springs, Florida.