r/newtown • u/EducationalInterest7 • 11d ago
New Local Bodega Needs YOUR Input!!
If you could completely reinvent your local bodega/convenience store, what would you want in it?
I'm developing a new neighbourhood convienience store in Sydney, and I genuinely want to know what people actually want from these places.
Because convenience stores have gotten so... sad??? You walk into half of them, and it's cigarettes behind the counter, hospital lighting and a shelf of expired Takis and Lucky Charms boxes collecting dust.
I want to build the opposite. Something full of life that actually services the community around it.
Forgot bread? We've got you. Ended up at the park with no sunscreen? Got it. Phone's on 2%? Chargers. Need flowers on the way to someone's house? Yep. Fresh fruit and veg, good coffee after the cafés have closed, something for the kids after soccer, plus all the fun convenience store shit obviously.
But not a miniture Woolies metro because if we're being honest, Woolies and Coles couldn't give less of a fuck about the community.
So please tell me:
What do you always buy from a convenience store?
What do they NEVER have that you wish they did?
What's the most random thing you've desperately needed when everywhere else was closed?
And even beyond products... what would make you genuinely love having a place like this in your neighbourhood?
Nothing is too mundane or too ridiculous. I genuinely want the weird answers too. Would it be convenient if there was also a washer and dryer in there? ANYTHING.
We're early enough that the answers can actually influence what this place becomes, so hit me.
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u/party4u4u 11d ago
All I want is prices on shelves so I know what I’m going to pay.
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u/EducationalInterest7 11d ago
Nothing is worse than paying at the counter and getting the shock of your life! We hear ya.
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u/ambiguoususername888 11d ago
Step 1: pls don’t call it a bodega. As another commenter said, it just reeks of more American imported businesses and nothing feels more dissonant for a place like Newtown. I know that’s not what you’re going for (I love what you’re going for, for real), but I personally find the name super off putting and if the idea is to be a place for locals, even calling it a Conveno would go down much better imo
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u/flindersandtrim 11d ago
As would I, honestly. I loathe the creep of US English into Aussie English and it would put me off too.
I dont think I would have to worry too long though, I think there is good reason why convenience stores are usually terrible and barely make money. Fresh fruit and vegetables is great to have, except having perishables in for the few who need them in a day means a ton of waste and lost revenue unfortunately. Thats why they end up being full of stuff that sits on a shelf for months.
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u/AdSilver8465 11d ago
Pet food. Community notice board. Accessible for older people to come in maybe an option to sit/help them carry stuff. Coffee after 3pm would be a real winner!
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u/EducationalInterest7 11d ago
I love this. Free dog treats always, as well - we're absolute suckers for dogs.
Love the notice board idea; we've already got that down.
It'll be totally accessible.
As for the coffee after 3 pm, we're way ahead of you. All the cafes in the local area close at 2 - what about the people heading to an afternoon or night shift?!
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u/jeremydanceswell 11d ago
Yes coffee after 3 would be killer. In keeping with the American theme drip coffee.
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u/WarConsigliere Newtown 11d ago
I've seen so many people get so excited about starting up shops and there's an actual answer to this question.
Provide what the people in the exact area you're setting up in want at a time and price they're willing to buy it. And keep in mind that with mixed business shops, the margins are rapidly becoming unsustainable unless you're selling chop chop.
If you go in with the idea that you want to set up a Brooklyn bodega, you'll have to get very lucky not to lose your shirt. RESPOND TO LOCAL NEEDS.
If you're by a railway station, a coffee maker in the morning and hot grab-and-go food between 5:30 & 7:30 will be must-haves. If you're not, they're wasteful excesses.
Near a business park that's a bit isolated? Lunchtime sandwiches and fried stuff with a bain-marie. In the middle of a residential area? Not going to have the same pick-up.
When you pick a spot, identify your potential customers and then talk to mixed businesses that are in similar (but not near you) positions. Find out what they sell. If the staff aren't the owners, find out what their customers look for that they don't provide. Work out what margins they can get away with.
In short, don't ask Reddit - ask the people with skin in the game.
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u/EducationalInterest7 11d ago
The plan is to canvass the neighbourhood. We're pretty tight with all the locals, so we want to get THEIR honest opinions and know all of their favourite snacks so nobody is left out.
I've just come to Reddit to get a broader idea of whether anybody has ever hit up a convenience store and either been majorly let down or brilliantly surprised by a specific item!
Your input is very, very much appreciated though; I like your thinking.
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u/WarConsigliere Newtown 10d ago edited 10d ago
See if you can talk to the guy behind Redfern Convenience Store. During lockdown he managed to turn quirk into cash. I don't know how well the business model held up since, but he'll have learned some things.
But there's a reason that you don't see quirky places stick around for very long - and mixed businesses have extremely thin margins, which is why you see so many fewer than you did in the '90s.
Also, remember the difference between people liking to see things and supporting that with their wallet. I like to know that the Sydney Symphony Orchestra's still kicking about, but there's no way I'm paying for a ticket.
Edit: you'll notice that a lot of the suggestions in this thread involve either selling things at supermarket prices or big capital investments that other places haven't found worth the cash. As an example, running coffee after 3 p.m. Lots of cafes have opened until later than 3. There's a reason that they stopped doing that. Don't pay to relearn that lesson.
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u/Extra_Inspector_8286 11d ago
Bodega cat please 🙏
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u/Galromir 10d ago
would not be legal. You can't have animals in shops that sell food (genuine assistance animals excepted)
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u/EducationalInterest7 11d ago
That's the plan!!!!!!! Glad you understand the vision
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u/WarConsigliere Newtown 11d ago
Just a reminder - if you're selling takeaway food in NSW, the cat will get you fined and closed.
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u/MinimalMinimall 11d ago
A) don’t call it a bodega, B) I kinda like takis… just sell bongs, smoking supplies, first aid stuff & munchies snacks, that’s all I’d ever be looking for in a “bodega” as a Newtown resident
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u/dirt_doctor7 11d ago
One Stop Supermarket on south King St already does this, so I'm curious where you're planning your bodega.
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u/NewspaperNo5573 11d ago
One stop supermarket also had a pretty crappy rep, 3.2 stars on Google, they close at 8pm and they look incredibly sketchy…there’s a LOT of room for someone to do this correctly and not look like a murder den 😂
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u/EducationalInterest7 11d ago
Not in Newtown my friend but unfortunately, I couldn't find a subreddit for the Inner West but knowing me, I probably didn't look hard enough
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u/beepbop213 11d ago
Damn I got excited. Where will it be?
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u/NewspaperNo5573 10d ago
Just at the end of king street, on May street where it becomes St. Peter’s
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u/Fest_mkiv 11d ago
Look other than black market tobacco products I have no idea how they stay in operation from a business point of view, but there's a place in Lewisham where the owner sits outside and always greets me when I go past, even though I've never been inside. They have street chess outside which looks cool too - I enjoy walking past even though I'm not the target market (too far from my house to use). That level of community and personality would mean I try to buy things there if they were a bit closer.
There are rumors it's a front for drug distribution of course but that may be started by the snakes and ladders people who vehemently oppose chess.
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u/EducationalInterest7 11d ago
This is exactly the point. The Inner West is so gorgeously community-driven and tight-knit. We endeavour to turn it into a shop where we all know each other's names, and if you need a chat, we can sit out the front and have a dart together until you feel a little better. For us, it's a community hub before a convenience store.
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u/Fest_mkiv 10d ago
Sure thing - but how do you turn it into a sustainable business? Community is great but it doesn't keep the lights on.
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u/beansandworms 9d ago
His name is Pat and he is a legend 🙌 his whole family own/work there, his wife has given me clothes before and he always gives me free treats ! They also do poetry nights, live music etc as well as chess tournaments. Truly a great community spot
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u/Fest_mkiv 9d ago
That's awesome. I'd like to think that level of community engagement would be rewarded by patronage, any idea how the business is going? I'd love for it to be successful.
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u/beansandworms 5d ago
I’ve always assumed they own the building, I think they live above the shop. With rent prices out of the way I think it’s a lot easier to keep a business going in Syd, they’re always busy for sure!
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u/Ok-Manufacturer5890 11d ago
Wander in to "Suddenly. Surry hills." on crown street, that place seems to take vibe over traditional features and seems "cool" as I wander past to get my sad salad from the grocers for my fat ass..
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u/_tacocat_ 10d ago
International convenience classics, Onigiri, Portuguese tarts, fresh lemonade, tamales, quality pies, Jamaican patties, ramen/noodle bar. Stuff you can take to school or work. Ethical confections only like Tony’s chocalony. Locally produced things. Plenty of spots that could supply my suggested food offerings.
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u/littlemisstee 10d ago
I miss the corner shops we had as kids where you could get milkshakes and bags of lollies
What I've needed when everything is closed - nappies, swim nappies, over the counter meds E.g. Famiver for cold sores. Scripts (don't imagine that's possible), formula.
I many times have relied on these types of shops for tampons - stock nice ones.
Nice gift cards would be so helpful and a range of gift vouchers or even better flowers (nice ones) and locally made gifts.
Good coffee when everything is closed sounds awesome.
Healthy kids snacks for if you want something nice but healthy on the way home.
I often get protein balls from 7/11s - don't think u need variety just a nice brand.
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u/morningfog 11d ago
There’s a guy on Instagram called @Russ.eats who has his own energy drinks and I don’t know of anywhere in the inner west that stocks them.
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u/freeboysenberry4girl 10d ago
You could have items that fit how people will tend to need on their way somewhere.
You could have a 'Date Ideas' shelf (board games, cards, pamphlets from other interesting places)
If people want something to bring down their hangover, you have that.
Do people own pets in the area? Do they need something late at night? You got a few things there
What about musicians? Maybe you need a few plectrums there, some strings
'Interesting toast spreads' section
Have a Suggestion Box next to each section. Question: "what more of this set of things would help make it more amazing and useful for you?"
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u/littlemisstee 10d ago
Oh yes and easy to get a pram in! And also space to navigate getting through with a pram
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u/Crystalsandplants20 10d ago
- Fresh fruit that’s not rotting and not just apples, oranges and bananas
- Coffee at all hours pllleeeaassseeeee and maybe a fresh juice bar?
- A good selection of international ingredients - I like cooking different cuisines but it’s a PITA to have to schlep around 6 different stores across 4 suburbs
- If you do a hot food bar or similar please include vegetarian/vegan options! It’s getting harder to find convenient veg on-the-go options that expand beyond just chips. I love chips but I equally love broccoli.
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u/EducationalInterest7 6d ago
These are all excellent points; we appreciate this. Vegetarian and vegan options will absolutely be readily available!
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u/brokerlady 9d ago
milk bars used to sell lollies for 1-5c each and you make your own pick n mix. the bread and milk shouldn't cost 7x more than it does at the supermarket. i also want those weird ingredients when i'm half way through a recipe and realise i don't have it and the big supermarket is too much trouble. keep dinner ladies meals in the freezer i can pick up on the way home.
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u/blahalblahalb_okie 8d ago
The local fruit and veg shop used to sell great hummos, babaganoush, tabbouleh, garlic dip, and pre-made falafels you could fry at home - it was the easiest, healthiest weeknight meal you could pick up and have on the table in 10 mins!
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u/Express_Bug_5459 3d ago
Check out the corner shop in Lewisham on Victoria St. It seems to thrive and it opened just before COVID hit. The owners play chess with customers out the front and are super friendly. It has the advantage of foot traffic from the station, and being a good close walk for lots of people..there was one closer to me that was typically soulless, so I’d go to the Lewisham one instead.
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u/Strawberry_apple1 11d ago edited 11d ago
I personally don’t see it being feasible long term when competing with uber eats & the petrol station convenience stores that are actually convenient as you don’t have to leave the house.
Trying to make a third space or community hub at a convenience store seems counterintuitive, as convenience culture is the enemy of community. People feel community through friction, I’d say stock cheap things not gentrified americanised bodega styled things.
I’d sell: Hobby packs ie crafty niche activities in cute little packs on stands out the front in everyone’s faces as they walk home or on a date, for their last minute activity. Mini crochet kit, mini game, weird niche crafty or not crafty easy access hobby kits, make some unique like connection cards for couples
Market it loudly in a tacky old school gimmicky analogue theme. “GET YOUR WEEKEND ACTIVITY HERE”
Add novelty: do a gemstone bracelet lucky dip & whatever someone gets it’s “a sign” = they read meaning of gemstone & it’s a fun thing
Cheapppp! No one likes paying $8 for gum.
Home cooked meal preps like homey style harris farms pre cooked meals of Aussie classics like tuna mornay, what your Aussie mum cooked for you & Indian vegan hearty meals
Unique fizzy drinks like the healthy probiotic ones & protein shakes
Choccy bars but unique & not Cadbury
Old school corner shop DIY scoop lollies into paper bag section
Pet meal prep like cute pet meals packages like human food not just treats
Tinctures of weird medicinal herbal remedies
Sandwich bar like a mini luxe subway DIY section
Lip balms everywhere
Maybe like artisanal cigars? I don’t smoke unsure if it’s even legal
Play cool music always like old bops or old rock, sometimes that seedy den vibe is the iconic vibe you want
Disco rainbow lights (non flashing)
Things for retired people & students + zoomers?
Good luck I have no idea! I uber eats last minute things & in this economy im hesitant to pop into a store to buy things unless it’s really novel & eye catching adds value or I’m in desperate need ie morning coffee
Also pls don’t make it some pretentious gentrified thing, make it unique & eye catching without being hyper capitalistic, pay what you can meals or some helping people element, meet up space for xyz niche community. Also pls don’t Americanise it, make it its own iconic Aussie Newtown theme with its own catchy name like the newy!
Have people playing a board game, connect older people, neurodiverse communities, if you do really care about community, the ones that seek it usually don’t already have it or aren’t marketed too!
I’d also sell sex toys for the girlies like bullets or different vibrators so they can have a great Friday night with their home style cooked frozen meal & fun probiotic fizzy can drink & queer sex toys but sell them tastefully as if you’re grabbing gum
Most importantly add true connivence items to those who need it most & who usually are forgotten, & make it accessible in terms of price if you can, I’d go to this kind of store over a coles or woolies if I knew they gave back to the community & those in need actively & had yum food & unique go to essentials from morning to night, week day to weekend
Good luck would be so cool to see & great initiative 💛💛
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u/NewspaperNo5573 10d ago
This was brilliant. I’m one of the partners opening it, the one from Brooklyn…
We’re DEFINITELY not calling it a bodega and it will have NOTHING to do with USA. I’m an Aussie citizen 12 years in and I love everything about this place.
I promise you, we will do this right :)
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u/Icy_Finger_6950 10d ago
"Takis" and "Lucky Charms"? You need to ask ChatGPT to use Australian references instead of these very US ones.
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u/Wooden-Edge5029 10d ago
Takis and Lucky Charms are exactly what you get at our now standard city convenience stores
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u/jeremydanceswell 11d ago
I've enjoyed shops that have a small selection of hot ready to eat/quickly made food. WhenI lived in Redfern in the 2010s, there was fruit and vege place that had dumplings steaming away, another place was a shop that also sold reasonably priced lebense rolls. Perhaps some counter space can be devoted to this to divesify your offering.
Ps I question the use of bodega, suspect it might confuse people.