GIVING CREDIT TO NEIGHBORHOOD CONVENIENCE STORES
By Kevin Alexander, President & CEO Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation
Neighborhood convenience stores, aka corner stores, deli’s, mini-markets, or bodegas have always held an essential role in the fabric of the Far Rockaway community as the “all in one” convenience store that can fulfill daily needs, as well as emergency needs within a short walking distance away. Within the Far Rockaway community, we have identified about 30 convenience stores that are routinely open 12+ hours per day and seven days per week. Similar to many other neighborhoods, convenience stores are often found in urban communities such as Far Rockaway, and other areas across the Rockaway peninsula where you have large Black and Brown, and ethnically diverse communities, including large public or subsidized housing campuses. These convenience stores provide access to essential daily needs for people who cannot get to larger food retailers and stores. While their costs can be more than what can be purchased at larger stores, locals can often buy in quantities that they can readily afford, including over-the-counter medicines (such as aspirin, cold remedies), food and dairy (including deli meats, fruits and produce), personal care (lotions, hair care, dental and personal hygiene products), take-out meals, newspapers, snacks, candies, tobacco, ATM services, lotto and scratch-offs and host of other products. Read more of what Kevin has to say about the convenience of neighborhood local businesses here.
New Nabe: 1436 Deli & Grill, Corner of Hassock Ave & BCD
New Nabe: Goldmore Deli & Grill Juicy Bar – 1416 Cornaga Avenue
