Retail stores operate ludicrously thin margins, particularly in the USA where there was a retail apocalypse already happening because there is way too much retail per capita even before you consider the effects of online shopping. where are they supposed to get the money for installing lots of chargers in their lots?
It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. AFAICT the charging networks will set up a charging station for free, although you may be on the hook for some incidentals.
