Staples

True story. I came across the following in a Q&A from my American colleagues (names have been changed / removed to protect the innocent) (emphasis mine)...

Q. How sensitive is the industry to an economic cyclical downturn?

A. Because the technology is used for a diverse set of purchases (including staples such as gas, grocery and fast food), we believe the industry is insulated from an economic downturn

Well, all that fast food will definitely insulate you from something! -ed.